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Dog Ear Plugs: What To Know About Ear Covers and Swimming Snoods for Dogs

By
CJ Puotinen
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0
There are no dog ear plugs, but dog ear covers like swim snoods can keep water out of your dog's ears.
Ear covers, like this snood, can help keep water out of a dog’s ears while they swim. Credit: Courtesy of CJ Puotinen

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If you’re searching for ear plugs or ear covers for your dog, you’re likely looking for something that will keep your pup’s ears dry and free of debris. Dogs who most need this type of protection tend to have long ears, narrow ear canals, allergies, a history of recurrent ear infections, or a tendency to repeatedly shake their heads after swimming.

Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your dog’s ears dry with ear covers. Available types include:

  • Snoods
  • Bathing covers
  • Swim caps
  • Swim hoods
  • Ear wraps
  • Headbands
  • Swim bands
  • Stretch tubes
  • Ear guards

What About Dog Ear Plugs?

Traditional ear “plugs” like those worn by humans are not usually sold for canine use. Although true ear plug for dogs do exist, the companies that make them had, when this article was written, gone out of business or their product lines were “temporarily unavailable.” Online searches for dog ear plugs bring up ear covers like those listed above.

When Ear Covers or Snoods May Be Useful

In addition to protecting the ears of swimming dogs, ear covers can be used during dental procedures to prevent fluids from collecting in a dog’s ears. Dogs with long ears can wear them at mealtime to keep their ears from being soiled by food. Snoods and other ear covers can protect ear hematomas or surgical stitches. Dogs sensitive to loud noises, such as the sound of a dryer during grooming, can relax without being stressed, and the compression that some bands provide has a calming effect on most dogs.

Why Protect Your Dogs Ears While Swimming?

Damp ear canals are a common breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, especially for dogs with long, floppy ears that reduce the flow of air around the ear canal. Even if a dog doesn’t develop an ear infection, water in the ears can be irritating. If your dog flaps her ears after every swim, try experimenting with headbands or snoods.

For swimming, the most suitable designs are usually snug, waterproof snoods rather than fabric hoods that reduce splashing but are not reliably water resistant. Snoods are external covers that hold the pinna (ear flap) close to the head so direct sprays and wave splashes can’t enter the ear canal.

Although the ear covers described here are designed for use in and around water, they can also help dogs relax, focus their attention, and be less distracted. In a previous article, I described how my Labrador Retriever, Chloe, shook her head whenever she swam, even though she didn’t have an ear infection. I purchased an AquaBandit and DogLeggs Swim Snood and found both of them helpful. Chloe swam every week at Apex Animal Hospital in Helena, Montana, where Adele Delp then worked as a veterinary technician. I left the head bands at the clinic’s therapeutic swimming pool for other dogs to try, and Delp said, “I think dogs are more comfortable when wearing a headband. Instead of shaking their heads, they relax and focus on swimming.”

When Casey, a six-year-old Border Collie, started swimming, he was intent on getting the ball, hypervigilant, and wild in the pool. “We tried a swim band on him,” said Delp, “and we were amazed at how focused and calm he became. Whenever we took it off, he became a wild man again. This led us to speculate about the band’s applications in thunderstorms and other stressful situations.

Like Chloe, most swimming dogs adjust quickly to head bands. And they work. Chloe seldom flapped her ears after she started swimming with a band.

ProductTypeMaterialsSizes, ColorsCost
Doglegg Swim SnoodExternal HoodWater-resistant Neoprene4 colors, 5 sizes$64
Walkabout SnoodleHead/Ear CoverWater-resistant Neoprene4 sizes, 2 colors$49
AquabanditHeadbandWater-resistant Neoprene5 sizes, 2 colors$42-$45
BAMY Ear CoverBand/Ear CupsWaterproof Diving Fabric3 sizes, pink$9

Popular Dog Ear Covers: Uses, Fit, and Sizing

The Doglegg Swim Snood is made from water-resistant lightweight materials that prevent water from splashing into a dog’s ears. Designed for dogs with pricked or pendant ears, the Swim Snood is soft and flexible. Velcro fasteners help the snood stay in place. It can be hand-washed in warm water and hung to dry.

For correct sizing, measure the circumference of your dog’s head, including the ears (under the jaw and around the head over the ears). Size Extra Small (XS) measures 9 to 11 inches; size Small (S) measures 12 to 16 inches; size Medium (M) measures 17 to 20 inches, size Large (L) measures 20 to 25 inches, and size Extra Large (XL) measures 25 to 29 inches. See the Doglegg website for a video demonstrating how to measure and use the Swim Snood. It comes in red, camouflage, navy blue, and royal blue.

The manufacturer recommends the Doglegg Swim Snood for aquatic rehabilitation or conditioning, swimming, dental cleaning, oral surgery, grooming, and shielding for sound sensitivity.

The Walkabout Snoodle is made from water-resistant neoprene. To get the right fit, measure the circumference of your dog’s head under the chin and around the ears with ear flaps down. Size Small (S) measures 13 to 16 inches; size Medium (M) measures 17 to 20 inches, and size Large (L) measures 21 to 23 inches. It comes in pink or camouflage.

The manufacturer recommends the Walkabout Snoodle for swim therapy sessions, surfing, swimming, dock diving, oral care, dental procedures, grooming, and for a noise control/calming effect.

The Aquabandit head band uses a specially designed Smooth Skin Neoprene to create a seal over the ear canal with a design that matches the contour of a dog’s head. Adjustable Velcro creates a proper fit. The Aquabandit website recommends measuring tightly around the dog’s head and then subtracting 3 inches to ensure a snug fit. Size Small (S) measures 12-1/2 to 14 inches; size Medium (M) measures 13-1/2 to 15 inches; size Large (L) measures 14-1/2 to 16 inches; size Extra Large (XL) measures 15-1/2 to 17 inches; and size Extra Extra Large (XXL) measures 18 to 22 inches. The Aquabandit comes in black or yellow.

The manufacturer recommends using the Aquabandit for all types of swimming as well as to prevent sand, seeds, grass, and foxtails from entering the ear canal. According to the Aquabandit website, veterinarians recommend it as a post-surgical device to replace cumbersome Ace bandages.

BAMY Ear Covers are made from high-quality diving fabric and plastic, providing waterproof performance during swimming, bathing, or grooming sessions. The cover’s elastic strap design gives a snug and secure fit. To clean and maintain the ear covers, rinse them with water and wipe them dry after use.

Measure your dog’s head circumference as described above. Size Small (S) measures 10 to 15 inches; size Medium (M) measures 14 to 19 inches; and size Large (L) measures 18 to 24 inches.  BAMY Ear Covers are available in pink, yellow, gray, and camouflage.

Safety and Limitations

Whatever the type, ear covers shouldn’t be relied upon to prevent any water or debris from ever entering a dog’s ears. They can be a good tool, but they’re not fool proof. Even when using ear covers, it’s important to keep an eye out for any unusual head shaking, tenderness, or odor that might indicate there’s a problem.

Also, getting a good fit can make a big difference when using ear covers since loose or ill-fitting covers won’t be as effective. Models and sizes can vary significantly so pay close attention to any manufacturer-recommended fitting instructions.

Tips for Teaching a Dog to Wear Ear Covers

Some dogs don’t mind wearing ear covers and take to them right away. Others have more trouble. To help a dog adjust to them, you’ll need to create positive associations with the covers. The trick is to go slowly and break the process down into small steps. That typically looks something like this:

  • Start by showing your dog the ear cover and rewarding them for any movement towards it. Rewards can be treats, praise, playtime, or toys—anything that makes your dog happy.
  • Next, show your dog the ear cover and wait until they touch it to reward them.
  • When the dog is comfortable touching the cover, gently stroke their face and head with it.
  • Place the cover (unfastened) on the dog’s head briefly and reward the dog.
  • If the cover is the pullover type, hold it open and reward the dog for putting their nose through it (even briefly).
  • When the dog is used to the cover being on their head, fasten it or pull it on, reward the dog, and immediately remove it.
  • Gradually extend the length of time the cover remains fastened.

NOTE: If at any point in the process, the dog moves away or looks uncomfortable, give them a break and go back to the previous step.

Video: How To Take Care of Your Dog’s Teeth

By
Editorial Staff
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0
Dental disease is one of the most common problems vets see in dogs, and one of the easiest to get ahead of. In our latest video, veterinarian Dr. Eileen Fatcheric, DVM sits down with Kate O’Connor to walk through how to keep your dog’s teeth healthy at home.
A few things she covers:
  • The warning signs of a dental problem (bad breath is the big one)
  • Why daily brushing with a veterinary enzymatic paste is still the gold standard
  • Where professional cleanings fit in, and how often your dog really needs one
  • The products she reaches for, including a seaweed powder you add to food

How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Teeth

By
Editorial Staff
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0

Dental disease is one of the most common problems veterinarians see in dogs, and it only gets worse when it’s ignored. In this interview, veterinarian Dr. Eileen Fatcheric, DVM sits down with Kate O’Connor to explain why dental care matters and how to keep your dog’s mouth healthy at home.

Why it matters

Dental disease is progressive. Plaque hardens into tartar, which leads to gingivitis, then periodontal disease, and eventually loose, painful teeth. The bacteria and inflammation don’t stay in the mouth, either — they can affect the rest of the body, including the heart.

Signs of a problem

Bad breath is usually the first thing owners notice. Also watch for less interest in chewing, changes in eating, or blood on a chew toy.

The at-home gold standard

Daily brushing with a veterinary enzymatic toothpaste is still the gold standard. Skip human toothpaste — dogs swallow it, and they don’t need the fluoride. The enzymes in a veterinary paste break down plaque before it hardens into tartar. Start young if you can, and build the habit slowly with rewards.

Where professional cleanings fit

Cleanings aren’t automatically a once-a-year event. Your veterinarian is the best judge of when the first one is needed and how often after that. One thing to keep in mind: a cleaning won’t hold if nothing changes at home. Without ongoing care, teeth tend to end up right back where they started within a year or so.

Products Dr. Fatcheric likes

She reaches for Virbac CET enzymatic paste and CET dental chews, and her newest favorite is Proden PlaqueOff, a dried-seaweed powder you add to food. Because seaweed is high in iodine, follow the dosing directions carefully.

The bottom line

Dental disease is expected to get worse, not better, so the time to act is now. If your dog has clean, healthy teeth, put in the effort to keep them that way. If tartar has already built up, don’t wait to get a cleaning and start a home care routine.

Dr. Eileen Fatcheric, DVM is a veterinarian and Whole Dog Journal contributor.

Gentle Dog Stretching Exercises

By
Kate Basedow, LVT
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0
A doberman pinscher enjoys the benefits of dog stretching and massage.
The key to stretching your dog is to use gentle, slow movements. Do not force the dog to move. Credit: Georgiy A Datsenko | Getty Images

Dog stretching exercises can be helpful before and after exercise or simply as part of your daily routine. Gentle stretching can be a good fit for senior dogs, active sport dogs, and dogs with orthopedic issues that make their bodies not work quite right.

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What You Need to Know: Intermediate Dog Training

By
Debby McMullen, CDBC
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Intermediate dog training involves introducing distractions and complications into previous training.
In intermediate dog training, you begin to slowly add distractions, asking the dog to focus on you. Credit: Gajus | Getty Images

Dog training between basic and advanced is sometimes referred to as “intermediate dog training.” Intermediate dog training means you are starting to add distractions to basic cues and expanding on basic cues. Note: We use the term cue, not command. The term command creates a different mindset than rewards-based training we focus on.

Basic cues usually include sit, down, and touch as well as the beginnings of a recall. Adding cues or even behaviors that don’t need a cue can include an automatic leave it, adding distance to a recall, walking in partnership, and starting on a go to place cue.  These are all considered intermediate dog training exercises that can help your dog focus better with distractions around such as happening when out and about in this thing that we call life.

Before I go further, I want to add the caveat that this article is solely discussing what is known traditionally as obedience, but what we now call manners training. If you have a dog who is reactive and/or fearful when out in public, this is not the article for you. Instead, you should consider desensitization.

Intermediate Dog Training Means Proofing

We want to first make sure that the behaviors that you want to proof for distractions are solidly known and performed. Proofing is adding the ability to perform/hold a cued behavior with excitement around the dog. I generally go from house to yard, if your yard is not wide open with a bunch of distractions of course.

You may have to increase the value of the food rewards that you use outside until your dog is more focused on the cues that you are working with. My general go-to with adding in the first intermediate dog training step is practicing the cues that your dog likes best.

For example, both my dogs know touch well, and they understand here here means come to me. My Chow Chow Meri loves to perform tent, which means that she should station herself between my legs. She also loves say hi, which is her permission to jump up on me. Both dogs love spin. These are good yard cue practices.

Once you get these basic cues solidly performed in the second to boring locale, then you can start taking it on the road. I often use a touch or tent on a walk with Meri. With Keric, my Caucasian Shepherd, he does well with touch and with me, which is basically a heeling exercise.

Intermediate Dog Training Reality

The best intermediate dog training tip that I can give you is to not go too fast and to take stock of what is happening in the environment. Be realistic about what you are asking for. Each dog is an individual and their interest levels in what they see or smell will vary. Know your dog.  Intermediate dog training is a wonderful next step beyond the basics as well as a necessary component on your path to advanced dog training.

Video: How To Actually Choose the Right Dog Food

By
Editorial Staff
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0

Walk into the pet food aisle and every bag claims to be the best. In our latest video, companion animal nutritionist Dr. Mary Cope, PhD sits down with Kate O’Connor to cut through the marketing and explain how to actually choose a food for your dog.

A few things covered in this video:

  • Where to start (hint: your own dog, not the front of the bag)
  • How to read a label – the nutritional adequacy statement, who formulated the food, and feeding trials
  • The marketing tricks that hide how much of an ingredient is really in the bag
  • Why the most expensive food isn’t automatically the best
  • How to match food to your dog’s age, size, and activity

Cooperative Care Dog Training

By
Debby McMullen, CDBC
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1
Cooperative care dog training can remove the difficulty of vet visits and grooming.
Taking the extra few minutes to allow the dog to consent to care makes everything easier for the dog and the veterinary staff. Credit: Ron Levine | Getty Images

Cooperative care dog training lets dogs feel less stressed about husbandry and grooming tasks for basic dog care. Cooperative care vet visits allow the dog to “consent” to care. This is basic tenet of positive reinforcement-based dog training.

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Why Your Dog Chews

By
Dan Muse
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You cant stop a dog from chewing on problem items by providing them with a safe and satisfying alternative.
Puppies need to chew, and it’s up to you to provider appropriate safe items for chewing. Otherwise, they’re going to choose whatever attracts them. Credit: Samuel BrownNG | Getty Images

As much as you love your dog, it’s frustrating to return home to discover shoes torn apart, sofa cushions destroyed, bedspreads shredded, and the list goes on. As difficult as it is to live through your dog’s destructive chewing, it’s important to remember that chewing is an essential, natural, biological instinct. It’s not malicious behavior.

Dogs chew for several reasons, ranging from basic biological instincts to self-regulating behaviors to separation anxiety to medical issues.  To help navigate this frustrating canine habit, we talked to three experts to understand the reasons dogs chew, how chewing regulates your dog’s emotional state, and how to spot subtle medical red flags.

Teething: You Can’t Stop Puppies Chewing

Dogs come out of the gate ready to chew. Just like babies, puppies will teethe. A free-range puppy will find things to teethe on, but “teething and chewing aren’t the same thing,” according,” says Chris Loverseed, a trainer and founder of Positive K9 Training. The teething stage doesn’t last for all of puppyhood (i.e., at least the entire first year of life).  “Most puppies have their adult teethe by around 7 months, so the physical teething stage should be over, but they can still enjoy chewing and may have got very good at finding things to chew by then.”

Boredom vs. Separation Anxiety in Dogs

After the teething phase ends, the causes behind destructive chewing generally fall into three categories: boredom, an emotional outlet, or separation anxiety. But how do you tell the difference?

Context is key, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief medical officer at Small Door Veterinary.  “A bored dog may chew a variety of objects throughout the home, particularly when they don’t have other outlets for exercise and mental stimulation. Separation-related destruction tends to be much more specific. Owners may see destruction concentrated around exit points: doors, doorframes, windowsills, or areas where the dog tries to escape.”

The best way to diagnose the cause is to see what happens after you close the front door. “For me, the most useful thing while the owner is out is a camera,” says Loverseed. “You may see a dog have a bit of a chew and then go to sleep. You may instead see panting, pacing, crying, or the dog trying to get through the door, and that is a very different problem.”

One way to assess potential separation anxiety through his stomach. “If a dog who normally loves a stuffed food toy won’t touch it after the owner leaves, it tells me the dog may be too anxious to eat,” says Dr. Anna Larson, a Connecticut-based veterinarian.

Chewing as a Reset Button

Beyond teething, addressing boredom and coping with separation anxiety, chewing also acts as a soothing purpose. For an over-aroused, frustrated, or stressed dog, the act of gnawing alone serves as a powerful emotional regulator.

“Chewing gives your dog an appropriate outlet for some of the energy and emotional tension they’re experiencing, and the repetitive nature of chewing can be calming,” says Dr. Richardson.

“Think of it as an activity that can help shift a dog from a highly aroused state toward a more settled one. That’s one reason I like incorporating appropriate chewing opportunities into a dog’s daily routine, not just using them as something to give the dog when they’re already misbehaving,” Dr. Richardson says

When Chewing Requires Medical Intervention

When a home camera captures separation anxiety, behavioral management tools like food puzzles or crate training your dogs are not only ineffective: They can be dangerous.

“A food toy, sniffing work, and a proper chew can help a dog that needs more to do, but they aren’t going to fix panic,” says Loverseed. “I wouldn’t put a panicking dog in a stronger crate either. That is where the vet or veterinary behaviorist needs to be part of the plan, including any conversation around medication.”

Dr. Larson agrees that confinement often backfires during panic. “Some dogs panic more when confined and may injure their teeth, nails, or paws trying to escape. A dog-proofed room, gated area, sitter, or daycare may be safer while a treatment plan is developed,” she says.

For dogs experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, medication provides the physiological foundation needed for learning to occur. “Behavior modification is the foundation of treatment, but medication can be an important tool for some dogs,” says Dr. Richardson. “In moderate to severe cases, medication can reduce the intensity of the dog’s anxiety enough that they are actually able to learn and benefit from the behavioral work.”

Rule Out Dental Pain

Before labeling a sudden onset of destructive chewing as boredom or anxiety, it’s important to first rule out medical causes. Dogs instinctively hide physical discomfort, but sudden chewing may be due to hidden pain.

“With any behavior change, make sure the dog is not trying to tell us something physically feels wrong,” says Dr. Larson. “Dental pain would be high on my list. We see dogs with fractured teeth, advanced periodontal disease, and objects lodged in the mouth. Dogs are very good at hiding oral pain, and many will continue eating even with a painful tooth.”

Digestive issues can also trigger excessive licking, chewing, or eating nonfood items “Nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort can also cause unusual licking, chewing, or swallowing,” Dr. Larson says. “If a dog is eating socks, fabric, wood, or other non-food objects, I would ask about the dog’s diet, medications, and digestive history. Anemia, malabsorption, and certain metabolic diseases can sometimes contribute to pica.”

Pica is a medical term for persistent craving, chewing, and ingesting nonfood items like socks, rocks, plastic, or even drywall.  Typically, a dog gnaws, shreds, or tears an object to satisfy a physical or mental drive. However, the dog typically spits out the pieces. In contrast, a dog suffering pica swallows and consumes non-edible items, shifting the issue from a behavioral or training topic to a serious veterinary concern.

If your adult dog suddenly begins eating household items—especially if accompanied by drooling, blood, vomiting, or changes in eating habits—your first, and immediate, step is a veterinary and dental examination.

Selecting Safe Chews:  Deploy the “Thumbnail Rule”

If you have a heavy chewer, your first instinct may be to buy the hardest, most indestructible products on the market. Unfortunately, durability can come at the expense of dental health.

“A lot of people go for the hardest chew because they think it will last. I wouldn’t,” says Loverseed. “If I can’t make a mark with my thumbnail, or it has no bend at all, it is too hard. Antlers, hooves, bones, and some hard nylon chews can fracture teeth, and anything breaking into chunks may be swallowed.”

Dr. Larson echoes this caution from a dental perspective. “The large premolars in the back of a dog’s mouth can fracture when the dog bites down on something that is harder than the tooth.” Like Loverseed, Dr. Larson employs the thumbnail rule to determine if a chew or bone is too for the dog’s teeth.

To keep your dog’s teeth intact while satisfying her urge to gnaw, follow these tips:

  • In the pet store, press your thumbnail firmly into the chew. If it leaves no indentation or offers zero flex, move on to another option.
  • Opt for natural rubber toys, pliable dental chews, or stuffed frozen rubber cones.
  • Select chews large enough that your dog cannot swallow them whole, and inspect them regularly for fragments that may have broken off
Avoid These Training Pitfalls

Despite your best intentions, it’s easy to fall into these training traps:

  1. Depending on Bitter Sprays
    Taste deterrents may temporarily protect furniture or doorframes, but they don’t address the underlying issue. “Bitter spray can put a dog off one spot, but it doesn’t teach the dog what to do instead,” says Loverseed. Adds Dr. Larson: “They will not fix dental pain, nausea, or separation anxiety, nor do they eliminate a dog’s basic need to chew.”
  2. Punishing After the Fact
    Dogs associate feedback strictly with their immediate action, so discovering a chewed item and scolding your dog hours later does no good. “Telling the dog off when you get home is far too late,” Loverseed says. Dr. Larson concurs: “With anxiety-related chewing, punishment can make the situation worse. The dog is already distressed when left alone and may then begin to worry about what happens when the owner returns.”
  3. Sack the Shoes or Socks
    Giving a dog an old sneaker creates confusion and poses medical risks. “We understand that one shoe has been designated as a toy, but the dog doesn’t understand why that shoe is allowed while the nearly identical one beside it is off-limits,” says Dr. Larson. “Fabric items also concern me because socks are common causes of intestinal obstruction requiring emergency surgery.”

Tips to Satisfy and Stay Safe

Managing chewing is based on satisfying the drive before your dog seeks out household furniture.

  • Enrichment: Food-stuffed frozen rubber toys, snuffle mats, scatter feeding in the yard, and scent games provide mental workout routines.
  • Supervision: For dogs driven specifically by tearing textures, provide safe, supervised outlets, such as letting them tear apart cardboard boxes, provided they do not ingest the material.
  • Boundaries: Baby gates, tethers, and dog-proofed safe zones prevent access to inappropriate items while building solid habits.

By pairing household boundaries with safe chewing options—and consulting your veterinarian at the first sign of pain or panic—you can satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew while keeping your belongings and your dog protected.

Could Your Dog Use a Heated Dog Bed?

By
CJ Puotinen
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0
A heated dog bed can help with perpetually cold dogs.
: If your dog gets cold when the temperatures drop, consider adding a heating pad or self-warming mat to their bed. Credit: Sviatlana Barchan | Getty Images

Heated dog beds are popular because they comfort older, arthritic, short-haired, or small-breed dogs—as well as puppies who miss the extra warmth of littermates they no longer live with. Warming beds can also help support pregnant or nursing moms, dogs recovering from surgery or illness, and recently adopted or rehomed dogs.

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Can Dogs Take Zofran for Nausea?

By
Kate Basedow, LVT
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0
Dogs can take Zofran to relieve nausea due to medical treatment or illness.
While Zofran won’t treat the underlying cause of a dog’s illness, it can help them to feel less nauseous. Credit: Oscar Wong | Getty Images

Ondansetron (brand name Zofran) can be used in dogs to control nausea and vomiting. It is available in a variety of forms for ease of use and starts working within 60 minutes to help your dog feel less pukey.

Ondansetron for Dogs

Zofran is a prescription medication used to treat nausea and vomiting in humans. In veterinary medicine it is used “off label” on a regular basis to help dogs and cats.

Ondansetron works by blocking serotonin receptors in your dog’s brain and gastrointestinal tract that trigger nausea. It usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes of administration.

One of the big pluses to ondansetron is that it comes in a variety of formulations: standard tablets and liquid that can be given orally, dissolving tablets that melt in the mouth, and an injectable liquid. This is great because it gives us a variety of options for those picky dogs who won’t take pills or are too sick to keep anything down.

The injectable version is used in veterinary facilities, but the oral formulations can be given at home. If giving a dissolvable tablet, we recommend wearing dry medical gloves to ensure that the medication gets into your dog and is not absorbed through your skin.

Zofran Case Study: Lynah
A Belgian Malinois taking Zofran to deal with nauseas from radiation therapy.
Zofran has been very useful for controlling Lynah’s chemo-related nausea. Credit: Kate Basedow

Lynah is my 14-year-old Belgian Tervuren and she has lymphoma. Her oncologist prescribed a variety of “just in case” medications for me to have ready in the event of any side effects from chemotherapy. This is common—while plenty of dogs have no side effects from chemo, oncologists want owners to be prepared to help their dogs immediately if there is an issue. Two of the meds on our list are maropitant (Cerenia) and ondansetron (Zofran).

Her first chemotherapy treatment went very well, but after the second one, she got very sick. When she started vomiting, I gave her Cerenia, our first just-in-case med. This stopped the vomiting, but she continued to drool and smack her lips frequently and did not want to eat. So we added ondansetron, our second just-in-case med, to the mix. Lynah felt much better, stopped drooling and lip smacking, and started eating again!

For Lynah, ondansetron has been more effective against her post-chemo nausea than Cerenia. Cerenia is a fabulous drug that helps many dogs every day, but I am so glad we also had ondansetron in our toolbox. This was a great reminder that what works for one dog or in one situation may not work for another dog or for a different situation. If your dog is not responding to treatment for any illness, talk to your veterinarian to see if a dosage change or a medication change might help.

How Often Can Dogs Take Zofran?

Ondansetron is usually given twice a day. If you miss a dose, don’t panic. Contact your vet and ask what he or she recommends. Generally, if not too much time has passed, you can give the missed dose late and then continue as normal. If it is getting close to your dog’s next scheduled dose, stick to the plan. Avoid giving double doses.

Even though you may have Zofran in your home for yourself, always consult your veterinarian before giving it to your dog. Your vet can give you an accurate dosage appropriate for your pup’s age and health condition and will also make sure that it will not cause harmful interactions with other medications and supplements that your dog may be taking. Veterinary supervision is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, and extremely ill dogs who are more vulnerable to side effects and overdoses.

Does My Dog Need Ondansetron?

Ondansetron can be used to control severe nausea and vomiting in a variety of situations. It will not treat any underlying disease that may be causing your dog to feel unwell, but it will help your dog feel less pukey.

Times that your vet may prescribe ondansetron for your dog include:

We do have an FDA-approved anti-vomiting medication for dogs: maropitant, commonly known by its brand name Cerenia. This is usually the first drug that your vet will reach for when your dog is turning green. But if your dog is still sick while taking maropitant, ondansetron is another great option to try.

Your vet may also choose ondansetron over Cerenia to help keep your bill a bit lower.

Other medications that may be used instead of ondansetron include Benadryl or Dramamine for motion sickness, metoclopramide for vomiting, and Pepto-Bismol for nausea and diarrhea.

Your dog will likely receive other medications in addition to ondansetron. This is because ondansetron only treats nausea and vomiting—your pup will need other treatments tailored to her case. Dogs with pancreatitis or vestibular syndrome or who are undergoing chemotherapy may also need an appetite stimulant, and dogs with pancreatitis frequently benefit from an anti-inflammatory.

Signs of Nausea in Dogs

Vomiting is easy to spot, but nausea can be a little trickier. Telltale signs that your dog may be nauseous include:

  • Drooling
  • Lip licking or smacking
  • Poor appetite
  • Approaching food and then backing away
  • Restlessness
  • Eating large amounts of grass

Sometimes signs of nausea will precede vomiting, but other times the dog may never actually throw up. If you suspect your dog may be nauseous, contact your veterinarian. Recording a video of the behaviors your dog is showing can be very helpful.

When to Avoid Ondansetron for Dogs

Zofran may not be the best choice for your dog if she:

  • Has a GI obstruction
  • Has heart arrythmias
  • Has liver disease
  • Is pregnant or nursing
  • Has the MDR1 mutation
  • Has had a negative reaction to ondansetron in the past

If your dog has any of these conditions, be sure to notify your veterinarian. Your veterinary team will weigh the pros and cons of using ondansetron to control your dog’s nausea and may opt for a different medication.

Ondansetron can also interact with certain medications, including tramadol, cyclophosphamide, apomorphine, some antidepressants, and some heart medications. Remember to tell your vet all medications and supplements that your dog is currently taking.

Side Effects of Zofran for Dogs

While dogs can take Zofran for vomiting and usually tolerate it very well, any medication can cause side effects.

Side effects to watch for when giving ondansetron to your dog include:

  • Mild sedation or drowsiness
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Restlessness
  • Discomfort
  • Head shaking

Humans can get headaches as a side effect of Zofran. It is hard to tell if a dog has a headache or not, but possible signs would be lethargy, reluctance to move, and acting painful.

In rare cases, dogs can experience an anaphylactic allergic reaction, abnormal heart rhythms, or collapse due to low blood pressure. Signs of anaphylaxis include hives, swelling of the head and neck, and difficulty breathing. This is an emergency and your dog will need medical care as soon as possible.

Video: Best Chews For Dogs

By
Editorial Staff
-
0

Not all dog chews are created equal — and some of the most popular ones can crack teeth, splinter, or become choking hazards. In this episode, Whole Dog Journal’s Kate sits down with certified dog trainer and product tester Jae to break down how to choose a chew that’s actually safe for YOUR dog.

You’ll learn why dogs have such a deep need to chew (it’s calming, enriching, and releases feel-good endorphins), how to figure out your dog’s “chewing style,” and the red flags to watch for on the label and in the chew itself. Jae also shares the chews she tested and loved — and the ones she tells owners to steer clear of.

Dog Coat Types Explained: How To Recognize, Groom, and Support Your Dog’s Unique Coat

By
Mary Schwager
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3
Dog coat types vary widely, and their needs can also vary widely.
From smooth and short to wiry and wavy, dogs come with an amazing variety of coat types. Credit: Tom Heiden/500px | Getty Images

The diversity of canines, from purebreds to mixed breeds, brings an array of dog coat types, and it’s important to know what kind your pooch has.

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