Ear cleaning

Question
Hi Brandie,

My 10 year old Chihuahua does not allow me, or the vet and his staff to clean her ears or clip her nails.  I have tried several times and she is very mean and bites me.  The same issue at the vet only worst.

In the past, she was this way at a different veterinarian.  Her ears are very dirty and smell awful.  Her nails are long but I can live with that as she was bleeding after the last visit to the vet.

Is is safe to give her Xanax?

Thank you

Answer
Hi Kathy,
I understand your problem and as a dog groomer have seen this many times. You have asked about Xanax, doctors regularly prescribe medications for dogs with problems like this and yes Xanax is one of them.  It isn't something that you should do without consulting them however, the dosage isn't the same and they will need to be aware of what medication she is taking and the dosages just in case there is a problem.  Give your vet a call, tell him your concerns - ears being cleaned and nails trimmed are basic things that MUST BE DONE.  Your dog doesn't have a choice.  If she didn't have a problem at the vet in the past, did you make a change of doctors?  Something must have triggered the change in her.  You can't just allow her to have long nails, they sometimes grow around and back into the toes and in other cases grow straight out and easily get torn off.  As far as her ears go, I'm sure you don't want smelly infected ears on your dog - it's painful to her and smells awful in your face when your trying to give her some love!  They do make muzzles - and don't be afraid to use one.  The last thing you need is your dog biting you when you are only doing what must be done to properly take care of her.  Wrap her in a towel and put the muzzle on her and with some good solid help, get the ears cleaned out and the nails cut.  Stay calm and talk to her letting her know everything is ok.  Make sure you don't get worked up and hurt her and no yelling (which is the first thing we all want to do) keeping a calm strong way about you will let her know that this is something that is going to happen and that your taking care of her so nothing will hurt her.

Good luck!!
Brandie