Dogs can get a lot of rough and tumble during their lives, and their ears are very vulnerable to injuries. When these ear injuries occur, it is crucial that they are bandaged correctly and quickly to help prevent further damage and allow the wounds to heal properly.
The first step in bandaging a dog's ear is to make sure the bleeding has stopped and you are prepared with the right supplies. You should have a pressure bandage, as well as clean cotton pads or clean towels on hand for this purpose.
Apply pressure for a few minutes to the wound with the pad or cloth and then wrap it in a tight bandage. This will stop the bleeding and prevent it from spilling over a large area of your dog's head.
You may have to wrap a few times until you can properly secure the bandage around your dog's ear. Be careful not to tighten it too tightly as this can cause your dog's windpipe to compress, which could interfere with breathing and cause severe discomfort.
Ears can also become infected or irritated by other conditions, such as mange mites, ticks, fleas, and biting flies. You should have these ear problems evaluated by your vet, who may recommend medications to eliminate them and provide protection against re-infestation.
The ear flaps on dogs are full of tiny capillaries, so they tend to bleed more than other parts of the body. This makes it difficult for them to heal, especially if the dog shakes their head excessively.