How to drop medication into a dog's ears when a tick is present? - briefly
First, restrain the dog, grasp the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, and pull straight out without crushing the body. Next, tilt the head, administer the prescribed ear drops as directed, and massage the base of the ear for about one minute to ensure distribution.
How to drop medication into a dog's ears when a tick is present? - in detail
When a tick is attached to the ear canal, the ear must be treated carefully to avoid further irritation and to ensure the medication reaches the intended site.
First, isolate the animal in a calm environment. Enlist an assistant if possible to hold the dog securely while one hand works on the ear. Use a leash or a muzzle only if the dog shows aggression; otherwise, gentle restraint is sufficient.
Second, remove the tick before applying any drops. Follow these steps:
- Sterilize a pair of fine‑point tweezers with alcohol.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding crushing the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the tick releases its mouthparts.
- Disinfect the puncture site with a pet‑safe antiseptic solution.
Third, inspect the ear for debris, wax, or inflammation. If excess wax is present, clean the outer ear with a veterinarian‑approved ear cleaner applied to a cotton ball; never insert the cotton ball into the canal.
Fourth, prepare the medication:
- Shake the bottle to ensure uniform distribution of active ingredients.
- Verify the correct dosage according to the product label and the dog’s weight.
- Prime the dropper by squeezing a few drops into a clean surface to remove air bubbles.
Fifth, administer the drops:
- Hold the ear flap upright to expose the canal.
- Gently pull the base of the ear backward and upward (for dogs) to straighten the canal.
- Place the dropper tip just above the entrance, avoiding contact with the skin.
- Release the prescribed number of drops, allowing the liquid to flow into the canal.
- Keep the ear held in the upright position for 30–60 seconds to facilitate absorption.
Sixth, massage the base of the ear gently for a few seconds to distribute the medication evenly. Observe the dog for any immediate adverse reaction such as excessive shaking, vocalization, or swelling.
Finally, monitor the ear over the next 24–48 hours. Re‑apply medication according to the veterinarian’s schedule. If signs of infection, persistent inflammation, or tick‑related disease appear, seek professional veterinary care promptly.