I heard that if you use Nasal strips (large size for humans) that it will ensure your puppies ears will not only stand for sure but will have no folds. The nasal strips have a springy action that holds humans nostrils open as they sleep

I asked again what did they mean by folds and I was told that sometimes a shepherds ears will come up and stay up but might have a fold in them.

I also wondered if the strips were used is there any chance the pup could scratch them off and eat them while in the crate.

I am not worried about my pup as he is only 8 weeks but asking for future reference.

I was wondering what people's thoughts were on this



Edited by Maggie MacDonald (05/06/2013 04:59 PM)
Edit reason: clarity

Are your pups ears up now? How about a puppy pic? My husband is such a worrier. A big percentage of our pups have had their ears up from the get go, but if one doesn't, Steve starts in... oh no, better tape them, better do something, they'll never stand, etc. I usually just say, "Yeah, I'll tape them up tomorrow" and put him off until they start up on their own. If there were actually a problem, like a crease or cartilage anomaly or something, I wouldn't hesitate to tape.

What age do you start to think (or be concerned) about this?

His ears have come up at the same time once - but then it's one ear up and one ear down or sideways .. the nasal strips seemed a unique approach.

The person who told me about them had photos of her Mal puppy with the strips on. They are clear so not very noticeable and she swears by them.

However, I will see what the advice is in here before doing so.

At what age should I worry if they aren't up?

At what age is it too late to tape them (or put the strips on) or is their a time frame that if you pass it his ears will never go up?

Ohh Connie, I was writing and didn't see that you asked one of the questions I did

Edited by Maggie MacDonald (05/06/2013 05:45 PM)
Edit reason: clarity

It's funny, I asked this question a few months ago locally, and I was told it was "Old School" and hardly anyone does it anymore. Then I asked on another forum and got pretty much the same input. What I did find out was that ears standing are directly correlated with teething, and I was warned that my pups one perfectly erect ear would most likely flop again, when she started teething, and sure enough it did, then the other one stood up, then both flopped. End result after she finished teething at about 6 months both were completely fine. Guess vets sometimes do know what they are talking about LOL.
I'm not sure about the nasal strips, which I know are very expensive when I have to buy them to go camping with friends, but what I used to use were (err awkward) Tampax plastic applicator, the larger half, and some Medical tape
Hope that helps, and I will be honest I had one GSD "show" line who I swear had his ears taped forever and always had floppy ears, they kind of met together in the middle and flopped forward like a Baseball cap and he was just as awesome of a dog as all the rest, and his "Hat" is fondly remembered when my family tells "old dog tails"

Thanks Billy - I read about using the tampons as well - I am not concerned but the fact I was twice told to do it made me wonder so I came here to ask

The one thing I would like a definitive answer on (if there is such a thing with pups) is when is it too late to tape if the ears don't go up?

It sounds adorable that his ears were like a Hat - that would suit me fine too - he just has to be healthy and happy and be a good citizen

I'm sure you will get more replies, too, but here are some older threads:


Ed's article is linked in here:

http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=25609&page=1#268442



A little more:

http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=24892&page=1#259258



And

http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=24402&page=1#253485

Thanks Connie - it's just curiosity on my part and I will just reply that I will wait until he is 6 months - my only real interest is if there is a window of time that will close as far as having the taping work on his ears - like if I wait until he is 7 months it is too late kind of thing

Did both parents have good ears? If so then chances are there will be no issues. If they come up at all this young that's a good indication they will when the teething is done. They may not even go down while teeting but it's very common if they do.

Yes both parent have beautiful ears. It does add to their noble look.

Heilands were both up at the same time for about 5 minutes but I didn't have the camera with me

Ohh what fun this is - I wake up every morning just grinning as I don't know what the day will hold - before I always knew lol

My Ceilidh is also wanting to play yes and reward hahaha she was as big a couch potato as her mom and now she is walking with that little flag tail flying high - err - off topic (grin)

Edited by Maggie MacDonald (05/06/2013 11:41 PM)
Edit reason: calrity - I need to slow down typing