The Amazing Dog Hair Net Seed in Ear Preventer

I want to say, "Order now! Call the toll-free number within the next 30 minutes and we'll send you three, yes three, Amazing Dog Hair Net Seed in Ear Preventers for the price of one."

Except…we don't have a toll-free number. And this afternoon I paid $1.95 for a package of three hair nets at the Sisters, Oregon drug store.

So since Laurel and I would be re-selling them over late night cable TV for, say, $19.95 (plus shipping), you're better off buying them on your own if you want a more or less workable way of keeping seeds out of your dog's ears.

Here's Serena modeling our invention. I came up with the concept. Laurel did the final design work, figuring out how to use a plastic bag twisty tie to fasten the hair net under Serena's chin.

Our motivation for coming up with the Amazing Dog Hair Net Seed in Ear Preventer was having to make a rushed trip to a veterinarian office on Saturday, just before their closing time.

While on a walk with Laurel, Serena had run through some tall dry grass, likely chasing a chipmunk. She started shaking and tilting her head, the tell-tale (and obvious) sign of a seed in the ear.

Laurel was told by the vet that this can be a serious problem.

For one, the seed might work its way farther into the ear canal and possibly puncture the ear drum. For two, a dog can be driven so crazy by the irritation that the frantic head-shaking bursts some blood vessels. (There's probably "for three" and "for four" also, but this was enough to convince us that a quick trip to the vet was necessary.)

The PetClub UK web site has some good information on the subject. However, we didn't find a whole lot useful under "What can I do to prevent this from happening?"

The most obvious solution to prevent these problems occurring is to stop your dog from entering grassy fields. Stick to short, lawn-type grass and pathway walks or forested areas where grass seeds will be at a minimum.

By cutting your dogs hair, particularly around the toes, feet, arm-pits and ears you will have a much higher chance of spotting the seeds, and the seeds will have less chance of being able to cling on.

Carry out regular checks. Every day if possible, particularly after every walk you should check your dog for these. You may have difficulty spotting the smaller seeds, so comb your dog with a fine brush to doubly make sure nothing is clinging on.

A final note from PetClub UK: This is a serious problem that affects thousands of dogs around the UK and the world every year. Vet practices are often inundated with the same occurrences year in year out. Help them, help yourself and above all, help your pet. Check regularly and be aware!

Sure, that's good advice. But if you live in the country or frequently visit areas with tall dry grass, like we do, the advice to "stop your dog from entering grassy fields" isn't practical.

That's why we came up with our invention. Though it needs refining (version 1.0 slips off the ears fairly easily and needs to be re-positioned), it's better than nothing.

If anyone has a better idea, share it via a comment. Our dog's ears will be grateful.

Comments

[LynR]

Great idea - this is what I need for my cocker spaniel, after two recent trips to the vet for grass seeds in both ears at different times. I thought about this and a friend looked it up for me and it's exactly what I will be doing - buying an old ladies' hairnet and convert for my dog.
LynR Australia
Great minds think alike!!!

[angela]

i would like to order the dog hair net, how can i do this please. can u email me with the information, thank u.

[Blogger Brian]

Angela, we aren't making the dog hair net. Sorry. This was just an experiment which worked pretty well for our own dog.