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My Great Dane's floppy ear injury won't heal. Why is it itchy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 125 lbs

Hi we have a 4 1/2 year old Great Dane with big floopy ears. He injured both ears a number of years ago but one of them won't heal. We have been to our vet, who keeps trying to treat him for itchy ear, we have tried the medication and it has not helped at all. After watching him closely for so long i am pretty sure that it is the sore itself that is itchy and that is why he shakes. It is really annoying him, and i was hoping you might have a suggestion, anyway that we can help it too heal.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2017

It is hard to tell from a photo, but it almost looks like a laceration on the ear here? He may actually need sutures or surgical glue to close the wound. If he keeps traumatizing the ear, he may need to wear a bandage for a period of time to keep the ear from being repeatedly traumatized. I have heard good things about the "no flap ear wrap" https://www.noflapearwrap.com/. You could ask your vet if they feel this would be appropriate for your dog to use until this wound heals. He may need an e-collar as well if he is trying to get the wrap off.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 1st, 2017

    I would have Harley seen by a vet. He may need the tips of his ears sutured to make sure they heal fully. I would also recommend having his ears examined by a vet. He could have ear infections that are causing him to shake his head a lot, leading to the tips of his ears opening. The vet can examine his ears, determine if he does have an ear infection, and can treat him for it. The vet can also decide if suturing the tips of his ears will allow them to finally heal fully.

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