Some just free hand it using just the lancet itself, I never got the hang of it that way, so I use a slightly modified version, I take the cap off the lancing device and then use it that way so I have better aim, but use the spring loaded action of the device to make the poke quick. That way I can see where I'm aiming but not chicken out and pull the poke itself.
Now Max has really fluffy ears so I use a little neosporin for pain on his ears to help the blood bead up and not disappear in the fur. It also helps in the ear healing process. You may have to try several different approaches until you come up with what works best for you and Doctor.
Other things that help is either warming the ear by rubbing or the use of a rice sock. With Max I can usually just warm his ears by rubbing but now that the weather is colder and the house is chillier I have been using the rice sock to help warm his ears. (thinnish sock filled about 2/3 full of plain white rice and then microwaved for a few seconds to make it very warm but not hot). I check it against my own ear or neck to check temperture before touching his ear. I also try to warm up my hands as well as Max tends to jump if my hands are too cold as well. I just run them under warm water for a few minutes then off to test.
Don't get to frustrated if you don't get blood on the first few tries, it gets easier and you will develop a routine that works for you both. If you have problems come back and post and we will try to help, lots of folks have figured out lots of ways to do it, so someone will have a trick that works.
Mel
