Should I worry about leeches getting into my dog's ear canal?

I would not be concerned with your dog eating a leech. They don't have any toxic qualities and the leech if it was not already dead when swallowed will die in the acidic environement of the stomach.

I haven't seen that before. It could possibly be a leech. I am not familiar with these in your part of the world, so it may be worth a call to a local vet to see if there is anything that needs to be done other than a thorough bathing in the groin area.

I bet that does burn Leeroy's ears! Witch Hazel can also burn and I do not recommend to put that in his ears again. Only use products that are tested and safe to use in pet's ears. Your veterinarian will carry a variety of ear flushes that will help to flush out the ears without causing additional damage. The pet store will also carry ear flushes that are generally safe. You will want to get a routine cleaner that is NOT medicated. Use this to copiously flush out his ear and use something soft like a cotton ball or gauze pad to dry out the liquid. Use the cleanser, massage the ear, wipe out the liquid. Repeat this several times. If this does not help after a few days or if LeeRoy is still uncomfortable, have him seen by the doctor. I hope this helps and that he starts feeling better soon. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It could be allergic reaction or ringworm on the ear - the skin does look red and inflamed. However, it is not uncommon in dogs with ear canal infection to have red pinna from excessive scratching. Ear canal infection would explain the black 'dirt' near the ear canal. Summing up, your Levi should be seen by your local vets to make the definite diagnosis. Ear canal examination will be crucial to differentiate between ear canal infection and skin problem. If it is only problem with the skin on the ear, your vet will likely prescribe an ointment or cream for a few days. Ear canal infections are treated with 7-10 days course of antibiotics ear drops

No need to worry at this point. If it did get inside Axel will probably shake it out. If it wasn’t dead it will crawl out, and if it’s dead the tiny hairs inside you dog’s ear will help it get pushed out with the ear wax. If he starts shaking his head excessively or pawing at the ear then I would take him in for your veterinarian to look inside and see if there is anything there. I expect cleaning the ear with a dog ear cleaner will assist in the removal if needed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Axel.

Leeches like to stick to skin, not fur. I highly doubt it was a leech. Can you post a photo? But to answer your question directly, there is no medication to prevent leeches. That being said, you should use a flea/tick prevention if Marshall goes outdoors. I don't know what products you have in Ireland so I suggest you consult with your vet on that.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would not recommend lancing the ear at home as this risks introduction of harmful bacteria that will cause an infection. I would recommend having this examined by a veterinarian as Jack will likely need an oral antibiotic and the ear drained properly. Sometimes the ear needs to have a drain surgically placed into the hematoma site so that it is unable to fill back up. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.