Taping Westin's ears?

[KJohnson]

Westin is now a little over 14 weeks, and another user (MyPemCharlie) helpfully let me know that since his ears aren't standing up yet, I should start to tape them. I read the article at http://www.phi-vestavia.com/EARTAPING.htm and I think that the procedure might be a little invasive for my puppy (I know he won't like wearing a duct tape hat around for a week). Also, his ears are really fluffy and I don't want the duct tape to accidentally get stuck on his fur. So if any one has any other suggestions, maybe something that won't be as noticeable for Westin, they would be much appreciated.

[chips dad]

Try a little scotch tape around both ears. It works and isn't quite as sticky as duct tape.

[glencorgi]

Masking tape or painters tape.

Debbie

[MyPemCharlie]

Scotch tape or painters tape would definitely be gentler. I think that the link which recommends the duct tape says to cut moleskin to the shape of the dog's ear, then cover the moleskin with duct tape. Moleskin is great, soft, low adhesive...I used it on my feet to break in any new pair of shoes, and for walking and hiking trips to prevent blisters and callouses. I would definitely not want to put duct tape directly on him.

Charlie's ears were up very early, but I can imagine him being able to "get out of" any type of tape. LOL

Your vet can also help you with the taping, if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself.

[momentaiamber]

isn't there a surgery you can get done to make his ears go up? I've seen doberman pincers going to the vets when they got their ears done.

[glencorgi]

You are thinking of ear cropping that Dobies have done. I have heard of people having something like splints implanted in the ears; don't know of anyone who has done it though. At 14 weeks, taping is your best option. An alternate way to tape is wrap the ears like little "devil horns." Some use the spongey part of a curler, others use the cardboard tube of a tampon and others don't use any kind of insert.

Add 500 mg Vitamin C to his diet and a good multivitamin. You can also add a TBS of plain yogurt (with active cultures). Right now a lot of his nutrition is going to his teeth and these type supplements help give the ears an extra boost.

Debbie

[KJohnson]

I would definitely use moleskin if I decided to use duct tape.
what I'm trying to figure out is what options I have to use as an alternative to the "duct tape hat." But what I'm picturing with scotch or painter's tape is just a circle at the base of his ear to make them stand up, is that correct? because I think he would be able to get that off, even if it did hurt him a little.

[glencorgi]

Scotch tape isn't going to hold, you need to go to at least masking or painters tape. The ears I'm taping now I'm putting a layer of masking tape on the ears as a base and then covering that with a lighter duct tape. I'm lucky if it lasts 24 hours as she's removing it just about as fast as I'm getting it on, little stinker. You can also do the "hat" with masking tape.

It won't hurt him, annoy maybe. Just be sure you leave an opening at the ear canal.

Debbie

PS: Just went to check the Avatar, those ears are going to need support all the way up, leather looks thick and heavy.

[fogebotom]

I use duct tape and having had the opposite breed-collies-and having to tape ears over to get them to tip, I get cheap duct tape as it's stickier then the hight quality. If I want to remove the tape, I use Goo Gone which is an orange oil based product. Phi-Vestivia's site with the tape instructions is very good and can be modified if need be, you can also just tape the ears and not apply the brace between them since ear placement isn't an issue with a pet, you just want the ears to go up.

Another good prop for the ears is toilet paper tubes. I cut in 1/2 lenght wise and then trim the edges to the curve of the ear. A little double stick carpet tape to place it in the ear, a wrap of duct tape and they are good to go. To remove the tape, goo gone just under the edge of the tape at the top, massage is in and slowly work your fingers between the ear and the tape. May need to add more goo gone as you go. Once removed, wash the ears with say a mild ivory soap and a little corn starch or talc to absorb the extra oil.

I've tried about every tape I can find and end up back to the duct tape. Partly because I might be taping a couple puppies at a time or the puppy is playing with an older dog who likes to remove the tape. I also spray them with a little fooey or bitter apple to discourage them from chewing on it.

Good luck!

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by KJohnson

Westin is now a little over 14 weeks, and another user (MyPemCharlie) helpfully let me know that since his ears aren't standing up yet, I should start to tape them. I read the article at http://www.phi-vestavia.com/EARTAPING.htm and I think that the procedure might be a little invasive for my puppy (I know he won't like wearing a duct tape hat around for a week). Also, his ears are really fluffy and I don't want the duct tape to accidentally get stuck on his fur. So if any one has any other suggestions, maybe something that won't be as noticeable for Westin, they would be much appreciated.

I use the white adhesive tape (medical) and just roll the ear into a little "devil's horn" and tape around the base. You can continue further up if the ear needs more support, as as Debbie says those with heavy ear leather will need more support.

Peggy