How to Get Porcupine Needles Out of a Dog

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, sniffing around things that catch their interest. A porcupine may not frequent all areas, but if your dog encounters one of these spiny rodents, the consequences will be very painful. The porcupine may shoot just a few of its needle-like quills at your dog, or hundreds. Ease of removing the quills depends on how many there are, as it is a painful process and might require veterinary assistance.

Things You'll Need

  • Heavy-duty gloves
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Cotton balls
  • Hydrogen peroxide
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your dog in a comfortable position on a table or on the floor. You need to have easy access to your dog and the areas with quills.

    • 2

      Speak to your dog in a calm, reassuring voice and remain composed and patient. Your dog is currently in pain and needs to have full trust in you. A dog can sense if you are in a panic and will react accordingly.

    • 3

      Put on the heavy gloves to protect yourself from the quills or sudden nip from your frightened pooch. The pain can cause your dog to unintentionally bite you.

    • 4

      Get an assistant to help and hold your dog down. It should someone who can also remain calm and reassuring to keep your dog a little more relaxed.

    • 5

      Grab the needle-nose pliers and place it at the base of the quill nearest to the skin, grip the quill securely and pull it straight out with a smooth but quick movement. Proceed to remove all the quills in this manner.

    • 6

      Dab some peroxide on a cotton ball and squeeze a little of the solution on each area where the quills have been removed to disinfect the puncture wounds on the skin. Use as much peroxide as necessary to treat all areas.