Something got into my dog's ear, what should I do? - briefly
If something has gotten into your dog's ear, it is crucial to remain calm and avoid attempting to remove the object yourself. Immediately contact your veterinarian for professional guidance and possible removal to prevent further injury or infection.
Something got into my dog's ear, what should I do? - in detail
If you suspect that something has gotten into your dog's ear, it is crucial to act promptly and with care. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Inspect the Ear: Gently lift your dog’s ear flap (pinna) and examine the visible part of the ear canal using a flashlight. Look for any signs of foreign objects, such as grass seeds, insects, or debris. Be cautious not to insert anything into the ear canal if you are unsure about what you see.
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Remain Calm: Dogs are very perceptive and can sense your anxiety. Stay calm and reassuring, speaking softly to your dog throughout the process.
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Do Not Use Cotton Swabs or Other Instruments: Avoid using cotton swabs, tweezers, or other instruments to remove the object yourself. These tools can push the object further into the ear canal or cause injury.
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Contact Your Veterinarian: Immediately call your veterinarian for advice and guidance. Provide them with as much detail as possible about what you observed in the ear. The vet may instruct you to bring your dog in for an examination or may provide specific instructions based on their assessment of the situation.
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Follow Veterinary Instructions: If the veterinarian advises you to bring your dog in, do so promptly. They have the necessary equipment and training to safely remove the object without causing further damage. In some cases, they might use a special instrument called an otoscope to better visualize the ear canal or may need to sedate your dog for safer removal of the object.
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Monitor Your Dog: Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and any signs of discomfort or pain. If your dog starts pawing at its ear, shaking its head more frequently, or showing other signs of distress, seek veterinary help immediately.
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Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent similar incidents in the future, keep your dog away from areas where they might pick up foreign objects. Regularly inspect their ears during grooming sessions and clean them as advised by your vet.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your dog receives the necessary care to remove any foreign object safely and effectively.