Administering Ear Medications ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.
Dog Health Care
Information by Condition or Disease

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Any health care links located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your dog to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Call your vet and describe your dog's symptoms with any of your concerns about the dog's well-being. Your veterinarian may discover changes in your dog's health that you have overlooked. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

Administering Ear Medications

An ear medication has been supplied in order to assist in clearing up your dog's ear complaint. As has been discussed with your veterinarian, there are a number of possible causes. You will have been advised regarding the frequency of application, but the following are the various steps in actual application of the medication. Please try to persevere with the treatment following your vet's instructions even if an immediate improvement has been seen.

How do I apply the drops?

It is always useful if you can get someone to assist by holding your dog for you.

The head should be gently but firmly held and the ear flap pulled upwards to open the top of the ear canal as much as possible. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the upper part of the ear canal then gently but firmly massage the ear canal to allow the drops to disperse and to penetrate deep into the ear. With a piece of cotton or a piece of tissue on your finger, wipe away any excess liquid and debris from around the ear.

DO NOT POKE ANYTHING DOWN THE EAR CANAL SMALLER THAN YOUR FINGER.

In other words, do not use Q-Tips. The dog may move and as a result, you may cause pain which will make it much more difficult for you to apply the drops next time.

When applying the drops note the color and consistency of any discharge. If you are at all concerned, contact your vet without delay.

If there appears to be an excessive growth of hair at the top of the ear canal, try to gently pluck this in order to allow ventilation of the ear canal and penetration of the ear drops. Again, if in any difficulty, call your vet.

If you find it difficult to apply the medication, sometimes a simple muzzle will take the dog's mind off what is happening.Your veterinarian can supply a suitable muzzle, or alternatively, one can be improvised from a piece of bandage or an old tie. Your vet will gladly assist with a demonstration of how to apply this.

With the flat faced, brachycephalic breeds (Boxer, Pug, Pekingese, etc.) muzzling is more difficult but techniques using a towel or in some cases a special muzzle can be effective. Please contact your vet.

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/earmeds.html

Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM of Clifton, VA USA for his extensive research in locating the material found on this page. Thank you, dear Doctor!