tear mender method for ears - Page 1

can anyone tell me if the tear mender method for helping ears stand will work if neither ear is standing?  i have two 5 month old large boned working lines male pups with their ears not standing...they do not flop down but rather stand out from their heads...we are giving coral calcium, chicken quarters etc...littermates ears are standing...any advice appreciated.

They need to be fully taped like a doberman or cropped dog's ears. Try feeding a balanced diet and supplement with a balanced calcium/phosphorus supplement such as SureGrow 100. Also collagen, such as hylaronic acid, helps.

bob o has a website with details

This is what I have done for a few clients and it works well. They are more prone to ear infection with a taping/mold, so make the sure the ear is completely clean and keep the form dry at all times. When it falls out naturally, give at least 1-2 days for the ear to "breathe" before re-applying if necessary. I got the idea here on the messageboard.

Take a cardboard paper towel roll and cut it to fit inside your dogs ear. I use a sharpie to outline the ear on the cardboard then cut it. Apply a very thin layer of well shaken Tear Mender to the inside of the ear, allow to become slightly tacky while you apply a second thin layer to your homemake form, then place the two together, fitting it bottom to top. It will fall out naturally in 7-10 days. Do not pull it out (ouch!), and keep it dry. I suggest touching a tiny spot of Tear Mender to your dogs ear and give it 48 hours or so prior to using the form to ensure your dog does not have a reaction to the Tear Mender.

I, personally, would never tape a GSDs ears doberman-style. It makes the ear a very odd shape where the edges tip in, nearly as unattractive as floppy ears, at least in my book.

Now, in 5 month old puppies, I would wait. I don't bother with a form until at least sixth months. I have also had luck with gently massaging the ear, base to tip then release (NOT up and down or circular!!). If I haev very soft ears while a puppy is teething I will sometimes add cottage cheese or yogurt but I stop when the ears go back up or teeth come in, which ever comes first.