Although somewhat controversial, ear cropping is a practice often used on Doberman Pinschers or Great Danes, among other dogs. It involves surgically cutting the dog's floppy ears and causing them to stand upright. Once the veterinarian completes the procedure, you will need to re-tape the cropped ears as they heal. It is not a particularly challenging process, and it can be accomplished with some focus and precision.
Inspect the Cropped Ears
Prior to re-taping your dog's ears, you should inspect them for any sign of infection, swelling or redness. If you notice any of these symptoms be sure to contact your veterinarian first, before taping. If none of these warning signs are present, make sure your dog's ears are clean and dry before beginning. You should re-tape the ears about three days after the doctor removes the sutures. After the first re-taping, continue to change the bandages every five days for the next four to eight weeks.
Essential Materials
The essential materials can be purchased at a local pharmacy, athletic store or hardware store. According to Spear-BarKennels.com, you will need scissors, a roll of backer rod, which looks like a rope made from foam. It should be about a half-inch in diameter. You can find backer rod at any major hardware store. Finally, you will need at least two rolls of half-inch-wide, waterproof first-aid tape.
Taping the Cropped Ear
Cut about six to eight inches of the first-aid tape and wrap it around the backer rod. This will create a rigid rod that will support the cropped ear. Leave the bottom end of the backer rod unwrapped to provide comfort to your dog; you will place the backer rod into the base of the ear to support the cropped ear. Before you place the now- wrapped backer rod into the ear, wrap it one more time with the adhesive side of the first-aid tape outward. You can tape the bottom of this wrap so that it does not move.
As you place the backer rod into the bottom ear well of the dog's ears, be sure to avoid placing the backer rod into the dog's actual ear canal. Gently lift the ear upward, so that it is at its complete vertical height and gently press the backer rod to the inside of the ear. Take an additional piece of first-aid tape and wrap it around the ear and backer rod at the point where the ear meets the dog's skull. Do the same for the tip of the ear. Be sure not to tighten these two pieces of tape; you do not want to cut off circulation because this will hinder the ear's healing process.
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