Help! My dad put WD-40 on our dog's ears and now they are swollen! Help!?

Question

***Sigh***
My dad saw our Lab scratching his ears so he came up with the brilliant iea of rubbing some WD40 on them and now his ears are swollen!!! What should I do??? Help!!!

P.S. I already scolded my dad. Ugh!!! Why would he do that?!!? Geez...

Answer 1

Go to the vet.

Answer 2

Well I'm sure your dad has learned that wd-40 and duct tape isn't the cure for everything, just most.

Gently wash the dogs ears with a mild soap and warm water until the greasy wd-40's gone. Also take him to the vet to make sure none got down into the ear canal. Aside from removing the stuff your vet will probably give you an anti inflammatory.

The Poisen control center might have a couple tips for you we're not thinking of until you can get the dog in..

Answer 3

POOR BABY>>>your dad may not be aware the formula for W-D 40 was changed some time ago. People used to use it for arthritis pain, some rashes..especially in animals that cause exessive scratching and ringworm. you need to take your dog to the vet pronto. if you can see swelling on the outside, the harm inside could be much worse. tell dad from now on if the dog has ears that wont stop itching, use witchhazel, diluted 4-1 as a soak on a rag several times a day and see if that helps. witchhazel is avail at most drugstrores. ask the pharmisist. Put the good old W-D back in the garage where it belongs, it is not for vetrinary use.

Answer 4

Use warm soapy water to remove the WD-40, but don't get the water into the ear canal. If the solvent is deep in the ear canal, then this is a job for the vet. Pat dry with a soft towel. Don't forget to scratch behind the ears when you are done.

Answer 5

My guess is that your dog had open wounds from scratching or flea bites... the WD-40 has irritated it... get some antiseptic cream that has an anti itch factor (Wal-Mart- in the pharmacy area) and try that

If this does not help then call the Vet and guess who should pay ???

Yepper Dew- Dear ol Daddy poo

H.O.T. Dog
Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's
Member U.S.A & A.W.D.F

Answer 6

Here is the Material Data Safety Sheet for WD40.

http://www.wd40.com/Brands/pdfs/msds-wd40_aerosol.us.pdf

It doesn't seem to be a major irritant. Maybe your Lab has an aural hematoma caused by excessive scratching or shaking of his ears. Th e Wd40 could be a cause, an aggravating factor or not really involved.

You need to go to a vet anyway for a swollen ear.

Best of luck to your pooch.

Here is a list of things that your dad can do with WD40 that do not include actually putting it on the dog.

http://www.wd40.com.au/List/list.html

Answer 7

What was he thinking?

First put the dog in the tub and wash the stuff off his ears, using shampoo or dish soap. Rinse VERY well.

Then take him to the vet to be treated for the irritation, and also to check him for an ear infection (which is the likely reason that he's scratching his ears)>

Answer 8

Though WD40 is a poison, it would not cause an ear on a dog to swell up. Whens the last time your hand exploded from having WD40 on them? There is a further underlying cause that is making that happen. I do advise washing the ear well and a visit with a vet may be a good idea. Ear infections are quite painful for an animal

Answer 9

I have been outdoors and rubbed some W-D 40 on my knees
(one learns things about WD40 and duct tape when one moves to the south) It did not break them out. The problem is
that whatever was making them itchy, is now under a covering of oil and is being irritated by it. Get a soft non irritating soap and wash them gently but throughly. Then
let them air dry. Wait awhile for a little healing before you try anything else.

Answer 10

Your dad is misguided at best.

Now you will have to take the dog to the vet to get his ears trerated properly.

You dad has turned what was probably a minor problem into a major one.

By the way, he has to take the dog to the vet whether he wants to spend the money or not. Failure to get medical treatment for an animal that is suffering is against the law, and the fact that he injured the dog himself makes it worse. If he takes the dog to a vet promptly and says what happened, it's a well-intended mistake. If he doesn't get the dog vet care, it's a felony.

Answer 11

You can call the zoo, or university or call the maker of WD40. You should be able to find out how to treat the ears safely. Labs get "yeast infections" in their ears, the vet can help. You need to check the dog for fleas, use Advantage in four places down the back. Don't use cheap store products. If the ears have dark goop it's probably a yeast infection. (Really itchy). Check with the vet. If you can't afford a vet, talk to a pharmacist about treating a yeast infection in dog's ears.