How to Remove Porcupine Quills From Your Dog

If you own a dog, chances are you have either had to deal with a dog who's had an unfortunate encounter with a porcupine or you will in the future.
Having hunting hounds, we take our 'porcupine kit' right along with us during our wooded adventures.
I'd like to share with you the proper process for removing those nasty quills which are not only painful but will make your dog very sick if not removed promptly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle Nosed Pliers or small Hemostats
• Vinegar
• Scissors

1. 

   Contain your dog. A helper holding a leash will usually do but, depending on the dog, you may wish to muzzle the dog before proceeding. Go through the following steps for each quill you remove.

2. Pour plain white vinegar on the areas where the dog was stuck. This will help to loosen up the quills.

3. Snip the quill with the scissors. By snipping it, you will allow some of the air to escape thereby making it easier on you and your dog when it's time to pull it out.

4. 

   Use your pliers or hemostats and get a good grip on the quill as close to the dog's flesh it's penetrated as possible.

5. Holding your pliers/hemostats with one hand, use the other hand to gently hold downward on the dog at the area where the quill is stuck as you gently but firmly pull the quill from the dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check the inside of your dog's mouth, ears, between the paws and other seemingly hidden areas.
• If your dog has a very severe case in the number of quills or that the majority is in the mouth, etc... it is in your dog's best interest to be taken to a vet asap where the vet will offer the dog an anesthetic and take the quills out without further stressing your dog.
• Quills will start moving inward on their own after being injected so time is of the essence in getting them out.

[missykitty8]

on 7/9/2009 jalondon.. technically you are correct that the quills are not barbed, but the effect is the same:

"Another common myth about porcupine quills are that they are barbed like fishhooks. In reality, the ends of the quills have diminuative, overlapping scales which make the quills act as though they are barbed. Because of the configuration of the scales, the quills will move forward once embedded.This will cause the quills to become deeply embedded. The quills may move through the skin, up to a millimeter an hour!"

This quote is from a reputable source, a government website. Here is the link: http://www.nps.gov/wica/naturescience/porcupine-erethizon-dorsatum.htm

[abyss445]

on 1/10/2009 I had a friend take my dog to the vet because I was at work and he looked like he was hurting. A big mistake. It was Friday afternoon at 3:00 and all the vets were busy, including mine. The vet I was able to get to treat him charged me $923.73!!!! I'm still in shock. I am also still finding quills and pulling them out myself.

[showpup]

on 11/17/2008 Misery - consider taking him to the vet. Restraints will only make the dog more upset. If you have the need to restrain your dog, it's time for a vet visit. If you do not feel you need to pay the vet to remove the quills because they aren't necessarily hard to get at, but your dog is too frisky, you can just have the vet administer a light anesthetic. I've done this before with a large dog, worked great!

[Misery]

on 11/17/2008 A good way to restrain a big dog would be of help? My shep just got a few quills in the lower mouth area, he's not a biting dog, but is strong. I was thinking of taking a strip of sheet an making a kinda heavy rope out of it and restrain him with it so it doesnt strangle him cause of its thickness. Also will use a blind fold.

[Gracie1402]

on 11/6/2008 this is great! I always feel so bad for the dog. This will help!