How to Crop a Great Dane's Ears
Great Danes are wonderful big dogs with naturally floppy ears. The breed standard calls for the ears to be cropped. Cropping occurs very early, between 7 to 12 weeks. Once cropping is done, ear taping holds the ears up so that they can be put into position. The ears should stand straight up and be parallel to each other.
Things You'll Need
- Any brand of cardboard tampons
- Medical adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wash and/or hydrogen peroxide (3-percent solution)
Instructions
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1
Take your Great Dane to the vet and have the vet perform the crop. Cropping done at home without proper education and supervision has led to many deformed Great Dane ears.
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2
Tape the ears straight. Starting wrong side out, match the end of the tape to the base of the ear where it meets the skull. Wrap up to the tip of the ear and then wind back down right side up.
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3
Add the tampon container. Using the brown tampon cardboard applicator, place the applicator horizontally between the two ears. The ears should be vertical, or standing up. The post is creating space between the ears and is also guaranteeing that the ears don't flop back down. Tape the ends of the cardboard applicator to either ear.
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4
Join the ears together. Place a piece of tape onto one ear. Wind the tape around that ear and then around the applicator. Secure the tape on the other ear. If you notice an ear leaning, you did not place the tube correctly. Take the tape off and adjust the tube or cardboard.
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Replace the tube and tape every few days or so. As time goes on, the cartilage will begin to harden, and the ears will not need to be taped as much. You will need to watch daily to ensure that the ears are still standing up and that the tape is holding up.
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Clean the ears. After touching the ears or removing and replacing the bandaging, make sure the ears remain clean. Using an antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide, clean the inside of the ear as well as around the taped area to avoid any infections or issues later.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't worry about the tape pulling off fur; it will grow back. However, be gentle when pulling on the tips of the Great Dane's ears.
Some people prefer to use a skin glue and gauze instead of an adhesive. Be gentle when pulling gauze; use warm water and soap to pull the gauze.
