Any advice with giving ear drops?

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by Tori_lizzie, Feb 17, 2015.

  1. Tori_lizzie

    Tori_lizzie Registered Users

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    Hi everyone :)
    Yesterday Max and i went to the vets, he has a slight ear inflammation so we were given some ear drops, usually I use Epi-Otic and hes not too bad when ive done this previously however since the vets he wont let me touch his ears nevermind giving the drops!! Im suppose to give hi m his drops twice daily for 2weeks! He's going to end uphating me by the end of the week as keeps freaking out :(: I know he was stressed out yesterday as not only did he have a new vet pour solution down his ears to clean them she also checked his hips and legs as well as his booster.
    On the plus side he doesnt have hip dysplasia but a sprained ankle/paw.
    I should also say that Max is a nervous dog, im trying to help him gain confidence but this has set me back.
    Thanks for reading any advice would be appreciated.
     
  2. Boogie

    Boogie Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: Any advice with giving ear drops?

    I had exactly this problem with Tatze. She was terrified of me going near her ears, they must have been very uncomfortable. I was using Thornit powder at the time so was able to put it on a paintbrush and do it by stealth when she least expected it. It was murder!

    Since then I have been looking in her ears every day to get her used to it, so that it's not such a trial if there is a next time.
     
  3. Tori_lizzie

    Tori_lizzie Registered Users

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    Re: Any advice with giving ear drops?

    Thank you, he was fine before but I guess he have to get reuse to it. He still let's me check everywhere else which is good.
     
  4. Dexter

    Dexter Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: Any advice with giving ear drops?

    For us it's always a 2 pronged assault on Dexter!Not really an assault but it does take 2 people.
    First get his fave biscuits out and put them in view....
    I used to get him to sit beside me ,show him and let him sniff everything that's coming towards him and then put my arm round him and hold hold his snout gently but firmly and assistant administers ear drops then jackpot stream treats into his mouth to give the drops time to soak in and distract from shaking head.
    We had a bad run before xmas and I was doing this such a lot that I got it so he would lie down with one eye on the sea biscuits and I could do it on my own.
    Note to add,holding some dogs snouts could upset them,even hugging your dog with your arm round them might upset them.I've got a dog that has always had no problems with me handling him all over ,he will stick his head anywhere ::) I clicker trained a halti and head harness which I think helped us in this.
    if you think it might upset Max proceed with my method very slowly and cautiously with lots of yummy rewards for staying still and letting you do it x
    Great news about the injury being a sprain and nothing more serious x
     
  5. Tori_lizzie

    Tori_lizzie Registered Users

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    Re: Any advice with giving ear drops?

    Thank you for sharing your experiences with Dexter I think ill try it with an assistant tonight, luckily Max is very loving to my mom and I plus he knows how to give a "hug" same as we taught him to "kiss", that might be a bit odd but it gets his tail wagging full speed!!
    Ill have to remember the jackpot reward im sure he'll love that!
     
  6. Dexter

    Dexter Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: Any advice with giving ear drops?

    An hope you get on ok..it's a tricky one,you have to get the drops in to make them better but they don't understand you are trying to help them
    Good luck x
     
  7. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: Any advice with giving ear drops?

    Sit on the kitchen floor, and clicker train lie down beside you (I have Charlie on my left, with his head across my lap in preparation for doing the ear drops). Feed in this position.

    Now get the ear cleaner out, and click the dog for any movement towards you while he can see the ear cleaner. If non, try with the ear cleaner further away.

    Get him back in the lying down position. Feed.

    Move your hand one mm towards the ear cleaner, click if he stays. 2mm...C&T...3mm...C&T...10mm...C&T...etc. etc. pick up the ear cleaner..C&T..move ear cleaner 1mm towards dog...C&T...

    You get the idea, eventually, you can lift an ear and get the ear cleaner towards the ear, then eventually apply it (you've got to do the whole tiny drop, bit more of a drop...).

    Anyway, it works. Took a while though, but since Charlie had load of ear troubles, it was worth it.
     

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