Why check your dogs ears, mouth and feet

We recommend getting dogs used to being handled around their ears, feet and mouth from a young age for a very good reason. Dogs of all ages love nothing better than running through long grass, chewing things up and generally going crazy on walks. This can easily result in objects getting stuck between teeth, foreign bodies in ears and feet and even broken claws.

Rather than waiting for there to be a problem with your dogs ears, mouth or even feet. We suggest regularly handling them and making nothing of it. The aim is to get your dog used the sensation meaning when there is a potential problem, they are already used to the handling technique. Never expect your dog to be happy with the handling immediately. Sometimes it will take a while for them to accept it. Ensure you have plenty of treats and take things slowly. For any help and advice our nurses will be more than happy to show you the best method.

Feet

To get your dog used to their feet being handled you should start by rubbing between their toes and lifting each leg individually. This will also help us if nails need clipping. Remember you don't have to get them used to this in one sitting, aim for a foot a day. In some cases you may have to build up trust for them to even let you touch their feet.

Mouth

Feeling around their mouth by lifting the lips and opening their jaw can help them accept this in the vets, particularly if something might be stuck. Try not to go straight in to opening the mouth. Some dogs can be very defensive about their mouth.

Ears

By massaging their ears and lifting the pinna you can get them used to ear handling.

We all know the feeling of food stuck between our teeth, it's no different for dogs. The feeling can be very irritating, you may also notice them coughing and even retching. Sometimes you will be able to look in their mouth and check if this is something you already do regularly. If you've never 'played' with their mouth, it is best to check from a far.

Signs of something stuck

Coughing

Retching

Pawing at mouth

Rubbing face along the floor

Drooling

Difficulty eating

Difficulty breathing

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It can be difficult to assess a dogs mouth and get out what is stuck, therefore a sedation may be necessary.

Common objects stuck in the mouth

Pieces of toy

Bits of stick

Cloth

Bone

Dogs with long, floppy ears like Spaniels are prone to foreign bodies getting stuck in their ears. But it is possible with all dog breeds. Generally because they enjoy running through long grass and sticking their heads in bushes. Seeds can sometimes work there way right in to the ear canal, causing pain and discomfort.

Signs

Head shaking

Head tilt to one side

Pawing at ear

Due to the ear being so sensitive it is usually necessary to sedate your dog in order to remove foreign bodies.

To prevent seeds tracking in to the ear it is important to check your dogs ears after walks.

Grass seeds can not only work there way in to the ear canal. They can also sometimes embed themselves in the foot, resulting in infection, discomfort and inflammation.

Broken nails can also cause lots of discomfort and may need sedation.

Signs

Swelling the foot

Licking the foot

Limping

Sometimes the discomfort can mean they need sedating to allow us to have a good look

To prevent seeds tracking in to the foot it is important to check your dogs feet after walks.