Can I use chewing gum for ears

I've heard of people using chewing gum but don't know anyone who's ever done it. Most people use Japanese tape or glue. I'd be more comfortable using pure glycerine rather than gum, but if you do decide to try the gum, PLEASE don't use sugar-free gum! It contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If a piece falls off your puppy's ears and he eats it, he could be very sick. Many products use xylitol, even yogurt, so it's important to always check ingredients before using or giving them to your dog.

There are several threads here on ears that may help you decide what the easiest way is for you.
 
I used glue for false eyelashes. Never heard of using gum. The reason I used this glue it was easy to remove.
 
Many years ago when we got Asta at 10 weeks, one ear kept wanting to creep up and I did not want one ear up and one down. Our breeder also recommended chewing gum, it stuck to the hair and gave enough weight to keep the tip down. I can't remember how long we did it for, but it worked! (see Avatar photo of Asta, the big girl) And yes NO SUGAR FREE gum with xylitol! Toxic for pups!
 
I'm using gum on my sheltie and it's been working great until a couple of days ago. The gum came off of one ear, so I re-applied it. It was fine for a day then she got it off again. This has happened 3 times now and I'm thinking of gluing the gum to her ear tip. That way I get the tipped look now instead of the folded taped look while she's growing and in training. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks!
 
Shayla said:
I'm using gum on my sheltie and it's been working great until a couple of days ago. The gum came off of one ear, so I re-applied it. It was fine for a day then she got it off again. This has happened 3 times now and I'm thinking of gluing the gum to her ear tip. That way I get the tipped look now instead of the folded taped look while she's growing and in training. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks!
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I'd be careful doing this. If it comes off and she eats it with glue on it, she could get sick. As Chris said, just using sewing glue without the gum is safer.
 
Chewing gum on the ears is a very common method in Australia, where the ears are not set so high on the head, and for pet homes it is much easier than fiddling with glue. You can use normal gum (with sugar) or if you use sugar free make sure it does not use xylitol - many contain sorbitol and mannitol, but some still use xylitol so do check the label. The amount of gum you will use on the ears is small, don't be inclined to put a heap on to start with, try small amounts on the tip and add as required - otherwise you could get end up with hound dog ears.

And one word of advice - this is not a great method for multiple dogs, esp if one is a piggy. I used the gum method on my dogs, but had to stop with Tully because I'd come home to find her with sopping wet ears as Mr D would chew it off during the day.
 
Thanks! The gum disappeared again so that's out. I'm still researching but glue may win out. Thanks for your help!
 
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