There’s A Training Tip For That – Administering Dog Ear Drops

I have to give my dog ear drops??

There’s a training tip for that!

So, your dog has an ear infection

You find yourself at a crossroads…your dog has an ear infection and he’s in pain; but you can’t fathom how you are going to get those dog ear drops actually into his ears. The vet made it look so easy. What’s the big deal, right? Your dog is moderately well-behaved and has gone through basic training at AZ Dog Sports. This is possible! (You whisper under your breath.)

How are you ever going to get your dog to stay still when you have to put ear drops in those really big or really small ears. Not always an easy task.

I’m here to help…

Distracting your dog

I found that the best way to do this is the simple art of “distraction”. When your dog is so interested in something else, you can sneak in some therapy. While distracted, your dog is less likely to notice the liquid running down their ear.

Find your own way

It will be different for all of us, but I have found that the best time for me and my German Shepherds is when they are eating. Yup, they are so busy eating they don’t pay as much attention.

When they are eating their head is down and the drops will find their way down the ear canal. So I start by rubbing the head and ears when they first put their heads down to eat. Then take hold of the ear tip and hold ear open and quickly squeeze the drops in. Then continue to massage the ear so the drops can work their magic. Even when you let go and they shake the ear most of the medicine gets where it should.

Of course you have to be pretty quick, especially with food hounds like mine. But if you practice you can really get the job done.

~ Lynn Brand