Taping Puppy Ears: A Guide for Yorkies

Yorkie puppies are born with floppy ears, and it’s normal for their ears to take time to stand up. The timing and success depend on various factors like genetics, teething, ear hair weight, and muscle development, which are all important considerations in puppy ear care.

Here’s what’s going on and what you can do:

Why Yorkie Ears May Not Stand Up Yet:

Age: - Every puppy is different. Some Yorkie ears stand naturally at a young age, while others need more time or a little support.

Teething: – The teething phase (around 4–6 months) can temporarily cause the ears to flop because nutrients are being redirected to tooth growth.

Genetics: – If the parents had floppy ears, your puppy may naturally keep them.

Hair Weight: – Long, heavy hair on the ears can make them droop.

Ear Muscles: - Weak ear muscles can sometimes delay the ears from standing upright.

What You Can Do to Help

Trim Ear Hair: Carefully trim or thin the hair on the ears so it doesn't weigh them down. Use blunt-tipped grooming scissors or ask a groomer.

Check Ear Health: Ensure there’s no infection, mites, or wax buildup that could cause them to feel heavy or sore.

Support with Ear Taping (Temporary & Gentle): Lightly tape the ears upright for a few days at a time to train them using techniques from Yorkie ear taping. Use surgical tape or masking tape (never duct tape). Fold the ear upright and gently wrap the tape around the base—do not block airflow or blood circulation. Remove and check every few days; most see improvement in 1–2 weeks.

Good Nutrition: Feed a high-quality puppy food with plenty of protein, calcium, and vitamins for strong cartilage development.

Patience: Some Yorkie ears won’t stand fully until after teething, and for a small percentage, they may remain floppy for life—this is normal and doesn’t affect health.

⚠ Avoid over-taping or forcing the ears up—it can cause discomfort or even ear damage if done incorrectly. If you’re unsure, a vet or experienced breeder can show you the safest method.

🐾How to Tape Yorkie Puppy Ears for Standing

(For puppies 8+ weeks old, preferably before 6 months)

Supplies You’ll Need

- Blunt-tipped grooming scissors

- Small comb

- Baby powder or cornstarch (optional, to prevent irritation)

- Surgical tape or gentle masking tape (NOT duct tape or packing tape)

- Cotton balls or soft padding (optional)

- Treats for rewarding your pup

Step 1: Trim & Clean

Gently trim excess hair from the ears, especially the upper third. This removes weight and helps the tape stick better. Clean the ear with a vet-approved ear cleaner and let it dry completely.

Step 2: Position the Ears

Hold the ear upright (as it should stand naturally). Make sure the fold is straight — not leaning inward or outward.

Step 3: Add Padding (Optional)

For extra comfort, you can place a small cotton ball at the base inside the fold before taping.

Step 4: Tape the Ear

Wrap tape gently around the base of the ear (upper ⅓ only), leaving the ear canal open and uncovered. The tape should be snug but not tight — you should be able to slip a pinky finger between the ear and tape. Repeat for the other ear.

Step 5: Connect the Ears (Optional)

If your pup’s ears flop toward the center, you can connect them by running a strip of tape between the two taped ears like a bridge. This helps them stand evenly.

Step 6: Monitor

Leave the tape on for 2–3 days, then remove and check progress. If the ears are still floppy, re-tape after giving a day or two break. Most puppies see improvement in 1–2 weeks.

Extra Tips

Ear taping is most useful during puppyhood. Never tape over an infection, wound, or irritated skin. Be patient- genetics also play an important role.