Putting ear drops in your dog's ears is crucial for treating ear issues, but sometimes the oily drops can end up on your dog's fur, making it greasy or causing clumps. If your dog has oily residue on their fur, try using cornstarch or dish soap to eliminate it. If those methods don't work, consider giving your dog a bath with their regular shampoo or trimming away the affected fur.
Steps to Follow
Getting Rid of the Oil from the Fur
Apply cornstarch to the oily spots. Oily ear drops require something to soak up the oil from your dog's fur. Cornstarch serves as an effective absorbent for this purpose. Sprinkle a light layer of cornstarch over the affected areas, then gently rub it into the fur with your fingers, ensuring even coverage. Allow the cornstarch to sit on the coat for several minutes before brushing it out or giving your dog a bath.
Try dish soap as a remedy.
Dish soap is effective in removing oil from a dog's fur. Place your dog in the bathtub and wet the oily area with water. Apply dish soap, such as Dawn, to the affected patch of fur. Create a lather with the soap, allow it to sit on the fur for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Consider using a specialized pet degreaser. If you prefer not to use dish soap or if your pet has allergies, opt for a pet degreaser specifically formulated for dogs. Wet the oily fur, apply the degreaser, and massage it into a lather. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Dealing with Stubborn Oily Patches
Groom your dog's fur. Brushing your dog's oily fur helps eliminate any debris or particles trapped in the oil. Use a dog brush to gently brush the oily area, focusing on loosening and removing any foreign objects stuck in the fur.
Trim the affected fur. If you're unable to remove the oily residue from the fur, consider trimming away the clumped sections. Use small scissors or dog grooming clippers to carefully trim the affected areas, ensuring not to cut too much. Remove only the oily parts.
Give your dog a thorough bath. Sometimes, bathing your dog with their regular shampoo can effectively remove the small amount of oily ear drops from their fur. Place your dog in the bathtub, wet their fur with warm water, and lather them up with dog shampoo. Rinse them off completely before allowing them to leave the tub.
Preventing Oiliness in Fur
Ensure your dog remains still. Keeping your dog calm and steady during ear drop application can prevent oil from getting on their fur. Enlist the help of someone to hold the dog if possible. If you're alone, secure the dog on a stable surface and wrap your arm around them to prevent movement.
Administer the medication directly into the ear canal. Direct the nozzle of the medication towards the ear canal and gently squeeze the appropriate amount of medication. Maintain proper aim to prevent the drops from landing on the fur.
Massage the medication into the dog's ear. To ensure the medication penetrates the ear and stays in place, gently massage the base of the ear after administering the drops. Allow the dog to shake its head once to disperse any excess medication, then keep them calm to prevent further shaking.