can't get my dog to take his ear medication - Pet forum for dogs cats and humans

snapback_851 · #1 November 5th, 2008, 04:03 PM

my dog has an ear infection and the vet prescribed a cleaner and a antibiotic but we can't get the drops in. Everytime he sees them he tries to attack us. I don't know what to do!!! Any suggestions?! We tried a muzzle, we tried to hold him but nothing is working.

danam314 · #2 November 5th, 2008, 05:24 PM

Hi, and welcome to the boards. What kind of dog do you have?

Can you possibly try and distract him with treats or toys? How about sitting on the floor with him and playing or cuddling until you have him in a good position to hold him and get the drops in? I wouldn't be too aggressive with your methods because then each time you try and give him the drops it will be more and more of a struggle. I'm not sure how a muzzle and holding him down wouldn't work, but maybe I'm picturing it wrong. Basically you need to take control of the situation in a "pack leader" mode, not an aggressive one. Try putting him on his leash so he can't squirm as much? That's about all I can think of.

EDIT: I forgot to add, don't let him see the drops. Keep them in your pocket until the right opportunity arises. Then he wont be able to go hide or prepare for a fight when you go and get them.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Karin · #3 November 5th, 2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danam314

Hi, and welcome to the boards. What kind of dog do you have?

Can you possibly try and distract him with treats or toys? How about sitting on the floor with him and playing or cuddling until you have him in a good position to hold him and get the drops in? I wouldn't be too aggressive with your methods because then each time you try and give him the drops it will be more and more of a struggle. I'm not sure how a muzzle and holding him down wouldn't work, but maybe I'm picturing it wrong. Basically you need to take control of the situation in a "pack leader" mode, not an aggressive one. Try putting him on his leash so he can't squirm as much? That's about all I can think of.

EDIT: I forgot to add, don't let him see the drops. Keep them in your pocket until the right opportunity arises. Then he wont be able to go hide or prepare for a fight when you go and get them.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

I have to agree here, it's sounds like he has more control than you do. Ask your vet or the tech to demonstrate a safe way to hold him for the treatment. Once he sees that this does not hurt and you know what you are doing..he should relax. I think he is pushing your buttons because he knows he can.

snapback_851 · #4 November 5th, 2008, 06:56 PM

hi,
i just tried the calmly approaching him with the ear drops in my pocket and petting him and the drops were a success. He didn't do anything. It's crazy i didn't think of that. But the thing is that i am scared of the dog cause he is 5 years old and I don't really know how he reacts to anything and such. But thank you. I am going to keep on doing it that way. Thanks

Karin · #5 November 5th, 2008, 07:23 PM

That is a good thing! Kudo's and high fives!

Please, do not be afraid of your dog, get to know him...(he just may be just afraid of you too)

Snuggle, lay on the floor, join his world and get to know each other. And talk to him.
Thanks so much for reporting back.

Welcome to the board!