Eye drops and a squirmy worm

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Luna has pink eye - we think she got it from a neighborhood child (who may or may not have poked her in the eye).

 

In any case - $200 later the prescription is eye drops (they are viscous - sort of annoying) 2 times a day.  She won't keep her little head still - and she just struggles more if I try to hold it.  The only thing that sort of works is that she knows a "watch" type command (if I hold a treat out to the side she stares into my eyes), but she is easily distracted by the DH with the eye drops in hand.

 

Any suggestions for calming down a squirmy worm so I can get her the meds she needs?  Last night it took a good 4-5 attempts before we *think* we got some of it in her eye instead of her eyelashes.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Well, you are right, drops suck.  Can't just wrap them in Peanut Butter and have them gobble them up.  However, could you try something like peanut butter on a spoon for her to be distracted with while the other gets the drops in.  The only other thing I would try if it were me is getting them up on the grooming table, on their side and while one rubs the tummy, the other hits with the drops.  They tend to be a little less inclined to wiggle too much if they are up on the table.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

She does love peanut butter!  I will try that.  We don't have a grooming table (she doesn't need clipping etc.) so she's been sitting on the couch.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

use any type table you can get her up on, even up on bathroom counter or (dare I say) kitchen island or something like that.  Something up high.

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

Hi.  This is what we've always done when the dogs needs eye or ear drops.  We've always had them lay on their side on the floor and used a "head down" (meaning lay your head on the floor) and "stay."  Give a treat.  (I always have treats on the floor where the dog can see them so he knows they are coming.)  Yes, it's bribery but we all know how difficult medication administration can be.  Anyhow, then I give another "stay" command and put the drops in and immediately give another treat while the dog is still laying on their side.   Then give the "free" command and yet another treat. 

Also, sometimes dogs are more receptive to eye medication if you administer it at the outside corner of the eye instead of directly in the center of the eye.  (Trying to administer it at the inside (nose side) corner of the eye will just make the go cross eyed and freak them out.)

Good luck. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

When she gets older and better trained.......

Sorry, that is the only 'cure' I have found for administering ear or eye drops.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I think doodles are just too smart ;)

 

I try something once.. and the next time she's onto me immediately.  I think I'm just going to have to resort to distraction and a bit of luck so they don't hit her eyelashes ;)