[Rachael]

HI Guys and gals,

My little girl has a weird spot under her chin that looked like a scab, we took her to the vet and he said we need to clean the area everyday with betadine for 6 weeks and if it starts to shrink in size its going to go away.... but if it doesnt they have to cut it out, (and because Pepper is so excited at the vet they would have to put her under GA)..... Anyways the problem we are having is trying to keep her calm and sitting while we clean it.. she just thinks its wrestling play time.. I have tried so many different ways to keep her sitting but she either hates the smell, just wanrts to play or just doesnt want to listen. I really hate the thought of her having to go through a General anesthetic just because we couldnt get the cream on.
Anyone have any secrets to getting your beagle to stay still for a few seconds? I feel like ive tried everything bar sitting on her.. HELP

 

[Jennifer]

What did the vet say it was?

I think it sounds like a 2 person job. One to do the cleaning while the other gives treats. Maybe having something like peanut butter on the fingers for her to lick off while you do the cleaning.

That's the approach me and hubby use if I need to tend to anything. He lets the dog lick peanut butter off his fingers while I sort out the problem.

 

[MrsNix]

Our veterinarian showed us a MARVELOUS method for subduing Kioko so we could brush her teeth. It is also a good and gentle method for establishing alpha position over your dog.

I'll try to explain. Place your dog directly in front of you and facing away from you in a seated position on a coffee table or chair...something that will place her back about waist high for you.

Lean over her body until your front is fully in contact with her back.

Take your right arm and wrap it around her chest...OVER her legs. Done properly, this will place her chest in the crook of your arm, and you can easily rest your right hand on her left shoulder.

Now take your left arm around the other side so that you can place your left hand flat and gently on her throat. She will most likely struggle. Let her. Just keep a firm grip until she settles down.

Do this every day. It's a comfortable position, and if you do it every day, it will teach her to let you be in total control of her body.

It's also an ideal position for you to hold her in so that your partner can apply the medication to her neck (or brush her teeth or what have you).

I hope I explained that well. It has worked like a CHAMP for us with Kioko.

 

[Murphys Dad]

I have similar problems cleaning the acne on Maggie's chin. I pretty much have to get everything ready (washcloth, soap, towel, medicine) without her seeing me do that. If she sees me get anything out, she bolts. I hold her head firmly with one hand over her mouth -- yes, she will squirm but letting her know I'm not giving up usually does the trick. If I have everything within reach of my other hand and go through steps quickly, I can usually get it all done. I wash her chin with medicated soap, dry it and then apply neosporin cream. The hardest part for me is keeping her distracted until the cream sinks in. Belly rubs usually work.
Make certain Pepper isn't rubbing her chin on anything -- that will only aggravate whatever is there. Good luck!

 

[Rachael]

Thanks for your input everyone.. The Vet said a really long word that i cant remember but he explained it as a viral infection that is more commen in young dogs. We have to take her back in 3 more weeks to check whether they will have to cut it out!

I will defenitly be giving all your ideas a go!

 

[Murphys Dad]

Can you post a picture of it? I'm intrested to see it....

 

[Rachael]

Ok i'll give it a try

 

[Murphys Dad]

Hmmm, this is strange... thanks for the pictures.

I hope you manage putting the cream on that... /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smack.gif