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Post by john84 on Jul 18, 2006 12:58:40 GMT -5
Not sure where this post fits so I apologize if I posted in the wrong place.
My 2 yr old lab/terrier has a cut in his ear. He doesn't give it time to heal as he keeps scratching and re-opening it. Is there a way to get him to stop scratching this place. I was told to use one of those cones but I didn't want to resort to that for a little scratch. Any suggestions?
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Post by Aussienot on Jul 18, 2006 18:49:02 GMT -5
You can try distracting him, keeping him occupied, and constant supervision. Keeping the scratch well lubricated with antibiotic cream will make the healing wound slightly less itchy. But unless you can watch him 24/7, he's going to keep scratching it open whenever he's unsupervised, and all your good work will be for naught.
I had an dog who had surgery on her ear, and the vet advised keeping her in a crate only slightly taller than her height. This discourages the dog from lifting the back leg to scratch the ear. It did work. But you are taking away all of the dog's freedom of movement, which is a pretty drastic alternative.
My advice is to suffer the cone for a week or two. It's the easiest way for you, the most sure way for the wound to heal and long as you don't laugh at the dog they learn to tolerate the cone pretty well.
And use Manuka honey - medicinal healing honey available at health food stores - makes wounds heal much more quickly. It works miracles as long as the dog doesn't lick it off.
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Post by john84 on Jul 20, 2006 2:56:21 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice. If I were to use the Manuka honey - is it harmful in any way to the dog unless he happens to lick it off?
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Post by Aussienot on Jul 20, 2006 18:38:26 GMT -5
It's completely safe to ingest. The reason you don't want him to lick it off is that you want it to work topically on the skin. Sugar in any form is not great for dogs, (just like it's not good for people) but in small amounts is ok. And it's a bit more expensive than regular honey so you don't want to waste it on giving him a 'treat'.
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