He snapped at me?!
We have now had our new rescue puppy one week. The first day was 6 hours in the car, poor guy, and the next day was a full coat shave and a visit to the vet. The poor guy had ticks that died in the mats of his fur, they didn't even make it to the skin and he had a really bad ear infection. I am supposed to give him oral antibiotics and ear drops 2x's a day. He takes the oral medicine great, it's in a treat, but the ear drops make him mad. He growls and yesterday he snapped at me and got me a little bit. I called the vet who told me to continue with the drops, he has to have them. I feel like I'm hurting him, and I don't want to hurt him. The poor guy was so neglected and is still very much a puppy and he is very good. Any suggestions out there, I really appreciate it. [/quote] |
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| I wish I could help. I too have a new rescue, and its been really tough reading his temperment this first week. He was abused, so he is a little afraid of me. I keep trying to look at the tip of his ear, because he either has scabs on it from being shaved/cleaned up or its a tick, but he won't let me near it, he really goes to bite me and I don't want to get bit either. I would appreciate any advice too on this issue. |
| So sorry to hear your pup has a bad ear infection.
These can be very uncomfortable for them. We were lucky, when I gave our pup ear drops he did well with minimal moving around. We gave him a highy flavored treat to munch while I quickly instilled the drops. I'm sure other members have some helpful suggestions as well... For your information there is a good review of ear care/medications at the Washington State University vet site: www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientEd/dog_ears.asp Hope your pup feels better soon ! |
| If you're afraid, it won't be good for either of you.
May I suggest you put on a muzzle, and make that a pleasant experience, with some treats.... take it off, put it back on, more treats... leave it on for a little bit, another treat, treat the ear, another treat... or some such. Of course, they'll have to be small treats! |
| You may have to resort to a muzzle. Sometimes if you can cuddle a little with your dog he will allow you to put the drops in because he is relaxed and you aren't chasing him to do it. Just kind of pet him and rub his ears a little before you try the drops. Once he trusts you it will be easier. Good Luck |
| I would also suggest a muzzle for when you have to do these unpleasant tasks. His ears probably DO hurt a great deal, ear infections are extremely painful. He doesn't understand that he must have the drops to clear it up, he just thinks it hurts.
Perhaps ask your vet for an oral antibiotic as well because if the infection has progressed it is likely in the inner ear as well, which can get into the bones and blood and become very severe, as well as cause deafness. It is best to treat it aggressively and get rid of it for good. I would also ask about a pain medication, maybe aspirin which is also an anti inflammatory. |
| Positive experiences are a must in this cases, where your new dog is beginning to adapt to a new environment. Expect some biting and growling as your new dog adapts, specially if he's sick. Your doggie does not know you're trying to make him feel better, so he must trust you so you can place the medicine in his ears. MAybe requesting for pills or something less threatening for the dog may work.
If you need to resort to a muzzle to avoid being hurt, make it a postive experience with treats and hugs, kind words and a quiet environment where he can feel safe. When I play rough with my dogs I now wear thick leather gloves, like the ones construction workers use to avoid them hurting me with their teeth, maybe that could work out for you too when handling your new dog. |
When I have done rescue and have had dogs with very painful ears and most dogs are very paw sensitive (which stands to reason  ). I have always muzzled the pup/dog if there was even the remotest chance of being nipped or snapped at. Rub the ears after ward and always follow unpleasant procedures with very enthusiatic positive enforcement after ward. For example for sensitive ears after ward rub the dogs neck and belly and make a big deal of how wonderful your pup is. Soon they learn to put up with any thing nasty and to trust you. They also learn that by tolerating any thing you throw at them they will be wonderfully rewarded.
Another item I would like to mention. When you have a pup/dog which may possibly bite or snap when having its nails clipped, ears cleaned or coat brushed out...please let the Vets, groomers or whomever else may be dealing with them know. Don't assume that just because they are professionals that they should be able to deal with a potentially aggressive dog. I can't count the amount of times working at the grooming shop I wish the owners would have "told" me about their dogs little issues.  |
| How's the treatment going?
Remy came to me with a bad ear infection too, and now that it's cleared up I have to continuely keep it in check and now I clean with Ear Wash and Dry...it's much better. |
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