How to Clean a Puppy's Cropped Ears

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How to Clean a Puppy's Cropped Ears

Medium

5 - 10 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

If you've ever seen a puppy running around with weird bandaged ears sticking up and sometimes fastened together, looking like old-fashioned TV antennas, you may have seen a puppy recovering from a procedure to crop their ears. Many breeds, such as Dobermans, Bull Terriers, and Great Danes, frequently undergo ear cropping procedures at about 8 weeks of age.

For many of these dogs, ear cropping is part of a standard for the breed, but there are more than cosmetic reasons for ear cropping. Many breeders and dog owners feel that cropped ears, which stand up and allow better air circulation to the ear canals, prevent the occurrence of ear infections that are more common when moisture and poor air circulation cause bacterial and fungal infections to proliferate. If a dog suffers from chronic ear infections, not only are they uncomfortable, but permanent hearing loss can occur when delicate structures are damaged.

Ear cropping is performed on young puppies, under anesthetic. During the procedure, a veterinarian removes extra ear flap tissue, sutures incisions, and then bandages and affixes ears to a support structure or splint so they heal in an upright position. Cleaning the cropped ears during healing is part of the recovery process.

Dog's Perspective

Ear cropping is not a painless procedure. Although puppies do not feel anything during the procedure, as they're under anesthetic, there is some discomfort when they recover from anesthesia and while ear incisions are healing.

Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication to help your puppy be more comfortable, but your puppy may be feeling unwell from the after-effects of anesthetic and may be reluctant to have their sore ears handled for cleaning.

If you don't have the time or the energy to keep your dog looking their best, book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you on the Wag! app today.

The Surgical Aftercare Method

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Step

Get instructions

Follow veterinary instructions regarding dressings, medications, and cleaning required for your puppy’s recently cropped ears.

Step

Prevent interference

Prevent your puppy from scratching recently cropped ears by supervising them, banding back paws or, in some cases, using a cone.

Step

Wash incsions

Flush the incision at the base of the ear area with ear wash or peroxide from a dispenser or syringe and apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions two or three times daily. Avoid wetting any bandaging present.

Step

Remove scabs

Remove scabs that form on the ear incisions. Scabs will interfere with your puppy's ears healing in an upright position. Soak ear incisions in warm water for 5 minutes by holding a warm face cloth to the scab and then gently pick off with clean hands.

Step

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Monitor ears for signs of infection or swelling and obtain veterinary assistance immediately if symptoms occur.

The Caring for Taped Ears Method

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Step

Have sutures removed

Sutures are removed 7 to 10 days after surgery and ears are taped and supported. They may be left exposed for a day or two to allow air circulation and healing to occur after sutures are removed. Keep your puppy isolated from other dogs so that they do not lick your pup's ears or interfere with them and do not allow your puppy to scratch their ears. You can put socks over your dog's rear feet to prevent scratching; a cone may interfere with structures or splints used to make ears stand up.

Step

Keep ears dry before taping

Keep ears dry and clean before taping, and do not use petroleum jelly or ointment on the ears prior to taping or the tape will not stick. Tape requires a clean dry surface to adhere to. You can use antiseptic wash to clean the ears and then allow them to dry thoroughly before applying tape.

Step

Retape wet tape

If tape becomes wet, it must be removed and re-taped. Try to avoid allowing tape and support structures to become wet or soiled.

Step

Clean exposed incisions

Do not cover sutures or incisions at the base of the ear when taping. Keep this area clean with localized cleaning with antiseptic wash if necessary. Be careful not to get tape wet.

Step

Re-tape periodically

Remove tape weekly to check healing, clean ears with antiseptic wash, and replace soiled tape. You may choose to leave ears unbandaged for the day to allow air to get at tissues and the ear surface to dry thoroughly before re-taping.

Caution & Considerations

Do not allow the puppy to interfere with sutured ears or taped and supporting ear structures. Bandage paws and supervise. Keep your puppy away from other dogs.
Keep tape dry and clean, as if it becomes wet it must be replaced.
Scabs interfere with cartilage and tissue's ability to heal ears in an upright position.
Follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully.
Watch for signs of infection such as discharge, redness, swelling, or heat.

Conclusion

If your dog requires their ears cropped as a puppy, maintaining a clean site for ear incisions to heal and then taping and supporting ears so they heal in an upright position will be required. It is important to keep incisions clean and prevent scabs from developing. You will also want to make sure that taped ears do not become soiled; wet tape needs to be replaced.

If you see signs of infection, get veterinary attention immediately. Be patient with your puppy as undergoing anesthetic, having sore ears, and having ears taped and supported can be uncomfortable for them. Handle gently!

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