Ear Preparation Before Taping:

Clean and shave the inside of the ear before taping. The first couple of times you wrap, the edges of the ears may still have some places that are not completely healed. If this is the case, once you have secured the tip of the ear to the rod, cover those areas with a triple antibiotic ointment, then tape remainder of ear. If you put the ointment on before securing the tip to the rod, the tape will not adhere. In order to assure a nice standing ear, it is important to keep the ear pulled up taught to train the area atop the head. Keep ears wrapped for five (5) days and down for one (1) before re-wrapping.

IMPORTANT! Be sure to check the ears daily. Check for oozing, bleeding and unpleasant odors. This could be a sign of trouble. If any of these are present, remove the tape, clean the edges of the ear with hydrogen peroxide and apply triple antibiotic ointment. Allow the ear to air for one day before re-wrapping. If redness or swelling is present, do not re-wrap ears and consult your veterinarian. Some pups show a sensititivity to tape adhesive and an alternate method of wrapping may be required.

Ear Wrap Removal:

Using bandage scissors,(sharp tip scissors can pierce or cut the ear) place the blunt tip of scissors just under the tape at the top of the head to the outside of the ear fold. Move the scissors up without cutting, and then lay the scissors to their side so the cutting edge is pointing away from the fold of the ear. Taking caution not to cut the fold in the ear, snip the tape all the way to the top past the tip. If you find the scissors will not move under the tape in some sections, grasp the sides of the tape that is already cut and tear the tape up as far as it will go and then give the scissors another try. Making sure the tip of the ear is exposed, gently roll back the tape from sides of ear, pull rod out at the base and gently pull the rod up removing it from the ear. Clean ears with hydrogen peroxide.

Tape Residue Removal:

I use a product called GooGone. Apply GooGone to a gauze pad or cotton ball and wipe on adhesive residue, let set for just a minute, then wipe off with a dry rag, wash ears with soap and water. GooGone has a citrus base and has been proven safe, in that it is orally non-toxic and non-irritating to eyes and safe to use on skin. AVOID using GooGone on edges of ears that are not healed or on open wounds. GooGone can be purchased at Wal-Mart in the autmotive section as well as most pharmaceutical stores like CVS or automotive supply stores.

I have had great success with this method of ear taping. Usually only having to tape ears for 4-6 weeks, however there is always the exception depending on the ear leather, crop and dedication to taping.

Where To Buy Supplies:

Backer rod can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowe's or your local hardware store. It will be with the window and door insulation. It comes in a plastic bag labeled: Poly Foam Caulk Saver Moisture Repellent. You need the 1/2" diameter, there is approx. 20' in the bag.

Zonas 1" Porous Tape by Johnson & Johnson can be purchased online at   Vitality Medical