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Hu-Dad spotted it right away—Roscoe P. Coltrane’s lower lip looked like he’d lost a bar fight. Left side. Puffy. Pouty. Unimpressed with the situation.
Now, Hu-Dad’s no stranger to canine calamities. Over the years, he’s dealt with more limps, lumps, and mysterious itches than he can count. But a swollen lip? That one wasn’t on the Bingo card.
While we waited for a vet appointment, Hu-Dad ran through the potential causes—ranging from mildly concerning to full-blown horror movie. Was it an insect bite? A dental disaster? A freak yawn injury?
Of course, there were other theories.
Like the possibility that Sally landed a right hook during some sibling play time. Don’t scoff. Hu-Dad once had to explain a black eye to his colleagues after Nikita, the Queen of Yesteryear, clocked him during a spirited play session. The jokes were merciless and lasted weeks.
Thankfully, this one turned out to be minor. A tiny cut inside Roscoe’s mouth had let in an infection. A simple two-week treatment plan would clear it right up. Easy peasy.
Well, mostly easy.
Step one: A once-a-day antibiotic pill. Roscoe, culinary connoisseur that he is, has no problem downing it—provided it’s wrapped in a tasty treat. Chicken-flavored bribes? Yes, please.
Step two: The antibacterial rinse. Twice a day, Hu-Dad gently swabs the blue liquid over Roscoe’s lip, then pats it dry.
Roscoe, ever the sleuth, now flees the room the moment he sees the bottle.
And then comes the grand finale—the pièce de résistance—an antibiotic cream, lovingly massaged into the freshly cleaned lip.
Let’s just say… Roscoe is over it.
With each passing treatment, his tolerance dwindles. We’re approaching the point where Hu-Dad may need to wear a helmet and face shield. There’s a distinct possibility he’ll earn his second dog-induced black eye if Roscoe decides he’s had enough of this nonsense, thank you very much.
On the bright side, we now own a lifetime supply of rinse and cream. Into the canine medicine cabinet it goes, right next to the Cone of Shame and that one mysterious ointment no one remembers buying.
Wish us luck. And maybe send bubble wrap.
Hu-Dad’s latest musing featured us. Or, well, at least one of our effects on Chez Herd involving the demise of a robovac. If you’re curious, you read it on his website, watch it on YouTube, or listen on your favorite podcast app.
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Glad Roscoe is feeling better and Hu-dad does not have any injuries from following the vet’s regime of treatments….Nice to see some green grass for a change. Up here in Little Switzerland, NC we are slowly emerging from the last ice age(this Winter’s cold and windy last 3 months…) Just checking if Hu-Dad got my recent messages about Ivar who visited the malamutes and siberians here yesterday…
Yes, received the message. Hope things are working out there for Ivar.
Look for a red envelope thick with photos of the crew here mailed today to you!
Oh, wow. The forecast high for tomorrow here in North Texas is 88! Not kidding. I haven’t looked it up, but that may be a record high for March.
Hahaha
… ” a freak yawn injury”- good one!!!
Hahaha!!! My sister & I had horses for many years+ during one ‘freak medical episode ” I asked my beloved veterinarian ” is it only our horses that seem to get these freaky problems, or do they all?”
He grinned + casually said – ” only yours!!”
Hahaha
Thanks for the funny story!!!
Hahaha
… ” a freak yawn injury”- good one!!!
Hahaha!!! My sister & I had horses for many years+ during one ‘freak medical episode ” I asked my beloved veterinarian ” is it only our horses that seem to get these freaky problems, or do they all?”
He grinned + casually said – ” only yours!!”
Hahaha
Thanks for the funny story!!!
Ahhhh, pills and dogs (or cats)! In order for my dog to take a pill, it needs to be a chicken jerky/peanut butter sandwich. Two small pieces of chicken jerky “cemented” together with peanut butter and the pill in the middle. That is the only thing that consistently worked! Glad Roscoe is doing better.
Thanks for the needed afternoon giggle. But in reality I feel your pain!
After experiencing pills given in treats and only the pill coming back out, I learned how to give the pill straight. It didn’t give them time to taste the nasty thing and spit it out. Not as easy with very large dogs, but doable with practice. Sending happy, healthy sibe vibes to Roscoe!
Oh boy Hu-Dad. It seems they all know when the meds come out. One of my dogs won’t even take a pill no matter what it’s wrapped in.
I’m glad Roscoe is feeling better and you do not get that dreaded black eye.
What horrible treatments our poor dogs must endure. I was laughing as I read every word. Silver sits with his paws crossed and understands completely, after an ear treatment. In this day and age we all need a good laugh!!
I absolutely love when the vet gives meds that will be impossible for us to administer! I’m like you know it’s a Sibe & I will be lucky to get a pill down him
. Oh well part of pet ownership! Glad Roscoe P is feeling better.
I sometimes wonder if it’s pet “ownership” or pet “indentured servitude.” My current canine manager is a 6 pound Chihuahua who thinks he weighs 60 pounds. And it’s all muscle and stubbornness.
My husky was notorious for returning the pill that was shoved down her throat. I explained that to my Vet. He said I must be doing it wrong. I told him to try it. He did & said there nothing to it. Then the pill went whizzing past his head. I laughed until I was crying.
With Typhoon, we called that a rejectile – a rejected pill turned projectile. He was a master.