Your dog̵7;s sense of hearing is finely tuned and he can pick up sounds you can̵7;t hear, but his ears are susceptible to problems from dirt and trapped moisture that may cause hearing loss if not treated. If your big dog has dirty ears or if your veterinarian suggests ear drops, you could have a struggle on your hands if your dog doesn̵7;t like the idea, and big dogs can be a handful if they resist. This technique will make it easier to successfully insert the drops.
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Elevate and Secure
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Veterinarian offices have elevated examining tables so the vet can better control an animal. A small, sturdy table that will hold your big dog is optimal. Position the table beside a deck or a set of stairs to make it easier for your dog to get up.
Fit your big dog with a slip collar and a leash. A regular collar does not tighten and your dog may pull free but a slip collar, such as a choke chain or a slip lead, will offer you more control. An assistant is handy but you may also use a grooming arm or secure the leash to a point above the dog to keep upward pressure on the leash.
Eardrops
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Heat the ear drops until lukewarm. The shock of cold ear drops is enough to make any dog struggle but you can place the bottle of drops in a cup filled with warm water to reduce the initial shock to your big dog.
Avoid using homemade ear cleaning solutions that may burn or sting a dog̵7;s tender ear tissues. Gentle commercial drops are available at pet supply stores or from your veterinarian.
Applying the Drops
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Stand beside your dog, facing in the same direction. Reach your closest arm under his neck and over his head until you can lift the ear that is closest to you. In this way, your arm acts to secure your dog. Speak gently and reassuringly during this process.
Insert only the very tip of the ear drop bottle into the lowest part of the opening of your dog̵7;s ear with your other hand and gently squeeze in the required number of drops. Avoid squirting the drops into his ear, which may cause him to flinch.
Rub the base of your dog̵7;s ear immediately to distribute the drops deep into his ear canal and praise him. Allow him to shake his head to expel any excess drops before repeating the procedure from the other side.
Reward
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Give your dog a treat when you̵7;re done applying the drops to each ear, even if he wasn̵7;t a model patient. He will remember the reward and it may be easier to apply the drops next time.
Alternate Method
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If your table is not high enough to reach under and around your dog̵7;s neck, try placing your nearest elbow over his neck, bringing your hand back on top to reach his ear. This gives you control in the same manner that a wrestler uses a ̶0;head lock.̶1; Take care, however, not to squeeze too tightly. Use just enough pressure to encourage your dog to stand still.
Consideration
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Avoid scolding or striking a dog that resists ear drops. It will only worsen the situation and it may destroy your dog̵7;s trust in you. Recruit assistants if needed to stabilize your dog when he̵7;s on the table.
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