HELP!!Should I tape my dogs ear or just massage it??

[baycaligirl1]

Hey:) I noticed that my rotts right ear is starting to look a little funny. I will explain a little better.The left ear lays perfectly on his head(right against the cheek laying flat) well the right ear lays pretty much flat but it has a strange crease that goes in so it makes the ear look smaller and lay funny not completely flat like the other but out a little bit with a strange shape to it do to the weird crease. I'm sorry if it's hard to understand what I'm saying. I'm trying to describe as best as possible. he is almost 7 months old and I heard that this will usually work it's way out once he gets older. All his teeth have already fallen out so I'm sure he's done teething. Shouild I tape his ear down or should I just massage it everyday. If anyone has any advice that would be great and thanks in advance as you guys are always so helpful and knowledgeable::))

[hokisteph5]

I found this thread that may be helpful to you. It's about taping a dog's ears. I think the "wild" ears are cute, but understand they're not the standard.

[4zenuff]

My pups ears were doing the same thing. I tried to tape with the help of a few thread on the board, but it just didn't work out for me.

I had decided to massage her ears every chance I thought about it during the day and so far so good. I've been doing this since she was about 3 months and she is now 19 weeks old.

I asked my vet and she said not to worry because eventually her ears will set on their own. BUT, I still massage anyway.

[Maxxx]

I started taping Max's ears around 4 months, iirc. If he's not a show dog, it doesn't really matter what his ears look like, aside from personal preference. I used surgical tape. I did try to massage them, but it didn't work for me. It's the cartilage that grows outwards and makes the fly-away ears, so massage at this point might not work. I'm not sure if even taping them now would work since the cartilage is already set around 7 months of age.

[brunie's mom]

I don't think massage will help much at 7 months of age...I would try taping them though.
I made this mistake with Baxter....he's ears started to fly while teething...and we just massaged...though the breeder kept telling me to tape them. I really did not have anyone close to me that knew how to tape, or to show me how to tape...so we kind of left it.

His ears still come up, depending on his head position. Others in his litter have perfect ears with no taping or massage.

He was bought as a pet/companion...so we really don't care....but if I get a pup again...I would probably tape if the ears started to fly.

Gina

[baycaligirl1]

Thanks for all the advice and help..I know I think cause he's almost 7 months massaging won't work. It's weird though cause the one ear is perfect it's just his right ear that has a funny crease to make it lay strange. I'll probably tape them and hopefully it will help but it might be to late. I'll probably have to keep the tape on for about a week then take it off for a couple days and tape again for a week::(( I'm not looking forward to that::LOL I don't think he will be either:(( Thanks again

[Maxxx]

Originally Posted by baycaligirl1

Thanks for all the advice and help..I know I think cause he's almost 7 months massaging won't work. It's weird though cause the one ear is perfect it's just his right ear that has a funny crease to make it lay strange. I'll probably tape them and hopefully it will help but it might be to late. I'll probably have to keep the tape on for about a week then take it off for a couple days and tape again for a week::(( I'm not looking forward to that::LOL I don't think he will be either:(( Thanks again

From what you are describing, it's best to tape his ears so they lie close to the side of his head. I put tape on the inside of both ears and ran them down under his chin. I then took a longer piece of tape and went around his entire head putting the 2 sticky sides together. I'll post a pic when I get home tonight since I might not be describing it very well.

Leave the tape on for 3 days and then off for 1 and then back on for 3 if needed. If you leave them taped for too long, his ears could get infected since they can't breathe while they are taped. And since it's summer, they should be allowed to breathe. I also cleaned his ears thoroughly before and after I taped them to make sure they didn't get infected.

[baycaligirl1]

MAXXX- Thank you so much I would really appreciate the pics::)) When you taped his ears did you need someone to hold him?? Cause I know Titan will NOT like it::))

[Maxxx]

LOL... if Titan won't like it and won't tolerate you doing "weird" things to him, than I'd highly suggest getting help!

I pre-cut the tape so I could do it quickly. Just be careful since the first time I did it, the tape ended up all over me and not Max! Chicken weiners, cheese or PB in a kong will help very much here. Let him nibble away while you tape his ears.

When you're done, he'll give you this sad "what did you do to me now mommy?" kind of look that's really cute. He'll also probably try to brush the tape off since it does look uncomfortable, just keep on him to ignore it. After a few hours, he should be ok.

[baycaligirl1]

Well I kow he won't like it LOL But he will let me do basically anything to him::)) I just know he'll move alot...so the kong may help::)) LOL I KNOW THAT LOOK ...that sad "head down eyes looking up at you" look::)) thanks

[Maxxx]

Ok here goes. I took 2 extra pictures, listed first, to show you how to get to the finished product. My breeder sent me a great site that illustrates how to tape the ears, but I can't post it since it's a breeder's website.

I used a leash since I didn't have any more tape.

I thought I'd have a better picture of the finished product, but this was the only one I could find.

You'll have to place his ears in the proper position before you stick the ends under his chin. Just make sure when you bring the tape ends together under his chin, you leave enough room so you can fit 2 fingers sideways. You don't want the ears to be too tight to his head.

Good luck!

I should add... tape them for 3 days, remove and leave the tape off for at least 2 days so his ears can breathe properly. While the tape is off, you can massage his ears to see how they are falling. If they are falling nicely after the first taping you can stop. If not, tape again. Hope that helps!

[4zenuff]

Maxxx, what a good model you have, lol!!!

[baycaligirl1]

Maxxx,Well I taped them..tahnks to your pictures::)) He did give me that sad look and looks like he's kind of embarassed. Maybe it's cause when I was done I had to give a good laugh...he looks so goofy::)) That made him a little embarassed I guess::LOL

[Maxxx]

Originally Posted by 4zenuff

Maxxx, what a good model you have, lol!!!

I think he must have had flashbacks! But he's so used to me doing the most random things to him, he just stays put until I'm done.

Originally Posted by baycaligirl1

Maxxx,Well I taped them..tahnks to your pictures::)) He did give me that sad look and looks like he's kind of embarassed. Maybe it's cause when I was done I had to give a good laugh...he looks so goofy::)) That made him a little embarassed I guess::LOL

Yeah, the laughing probably didn't help! Max gets embarrassed if I laugh at him too. Hopefully it'll work. Keeping fingers crossed!

[baycaligirl1]

LOL He just looks so funny:) Sometimes when I look at him I still can't help but laugh...And it's weird but he really knows I'm laughing at him....thats my baby::))