How to Calm a Dog to Apply Ear Drops

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By acopro13
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Even nice dogs can be naughty when comes to giving meds!

Even nice dogs can be naughty when it comes to administering medication to them. What we need to remember when giving a dog eardrops or other medications is that the dog does not understand what you are doing to them. They only thing they know is that they don't like it! Below are some tips and steps on calming your dog so that eardrops will be easier to administer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A helper (Optional but makes it easier)
Ear drops
Muzzle or roll of cotton medical gauze (if your dog tries to bite)
Cotton Balls
Your dog's favorite treat

Step 1

Bring your dog to a room that has good lighting. The place you choose should be quiet with out any distractions. Talk softly and in an encouraging manner when bringing your dog to the room. It is even helpful to have soft music playing. Make sure there are no strong stimuli such as loud sounds or strong smells. Prior to bringing your dog to the room be sure to place their favorite treat and ear drops in the room. The treats and eardrops should be within reach of your working area but out of sight. Be sure to unscrew the top to the eardrops.
Step 2

Put the dog on a solid and sturdy surface. If your dog is small a tabletop or counter will do. If your dog is large hunker down on the floor with him or her. Continue softly talking to your dog. Make sure the dog does not see the eardrops or the treats yet. If you feel the dog may bite you out of fear be sure to use a muzzle or gauze muzzle (see link below). If using a helper have the helper properly and safely restrain the dog to avoid a bite. If you are on your own a small dog can be wrapped in a thick towel with only its head exposed. For a larger dog sit on the floor with your dog between your legs and facing away from your. KEEP YOUR FACE AWAY FROM THE DOG'S FACE AT ALL TIMES! Now is the time to move swiftly before the dog starts to panic.
Step 3

Make sure ear canal is free of debris. Do a quick and shallow sweep with a cotton ball. Never use a cotton swab. It pushes debris further into the canal and could hurt the dog. Once a sweep of ear #1 is done apply drops according to package instructions. Rub the base of the ear so the drops disperse in the canal. Move on to ear #2 and repeat the process. Continue the encouraging talk to your dog. Tell them they are a good dog. Keep your voice low and soothing.
Step 4

Once done remove dog from restraint. Now is the time to make it a positive experience. Continue to offer affirmative verbal communication. Immediately after releasing the dog from restraint offer the dog their favorite treat as a reward. Offering verbal and physical rewards will help the dog relate to the experience in a better way. The dog will now begin to associate the ear drop experience with good things instead of just being uncomfortable. Each experience should become easier and easier with the dog consistently behaving in a much calmer manner.