Administering ear medications to your dog can be challenging. Remember that your pet’s ears may be painful and that even a normally gentle and passive dog may respond by struggling, biting or scratching. You may need to muzzle your dog for this procedure.
Warm any refrigerated medication by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
- Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the prescription instructions.
- Squeeze the liquid medication into the dropper or prepare the squeeze bottle as directed.
- Gently pull the ear flap straight up using your other hand.
Apply the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal while continuing to keep the ear flap elevated.
Rub the base of the ear against the head in a circular motion. Be cautious and gentle as your dog may object to this procedure. You should hear a ‘squishing’ sound as you massage the medication deep into the ear canal.
Release the ear and let your dog shake its head. If the medication contains a wax solvent, debris will be dissolved so it can be shaken out.
Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat after giving the medication.
