How to Tape Natural Ears

Great Danes are traditionally a cropped dog, are because of this their ears when left natural can sometimes have a mind of their own... Many natural eared Great Danes need a little help in order for their ears to lay correctly. Taping the ears usually only needs to be done on an as needed basis and corrects itself rather quickly.

If left alone, natural ears can turn into what we call "flying nun ears."

I never knew about taping my very first Dane (Maddie,) notice her ears.

What taping should look like. Make sure chin strap is not too tight.

Supplies Needed:
Scissors
Elastikon tape 
(You can get this very sticky, breathable, elastic tape from
your veterinarian or at a medical supply place.)

Directions:
1. Cut two strips of tape of similar length.
2. Attach a strip to the underside of one ear with the sticky side facing towards the outside of the ear. [dots on the tape indicates the sticky side]
3. Then loop the tape under the chin and attach to the underside of the other ear."*
4. Then attach the other piece of tape sandwiching the ears between the strips. [sticky side to sticky side]

The length of the tape strips depend of the size of the dog. Often 5-6 inches will do."

*Make sure jaw can comfortably open so eating, drinking & chewing isn't hindered. Also make sure that there isn't too much excess tape as to get caught up in the jaw.

Note: Just like any taping/bandaging be sure to keep
a watchful eye on it and change when necessary.

This technique works best when taping while the puppy is teething.
To remove tape we use alcohol.
To remove tape residue we use Mineral Oil.

This ear is just starting to turn wonky and you should start taping. (Maybell)

Same puppy as above after a few days of taping. (Maybell)

This puppy should have started taping a while ago, still fixable but taping needs to start ASAP.

Correct ear set as an adult. (Maybell)