Animals do not like receiving any form of medication, and can we really blame them? It’s not a pleasant experience swallowing pills or receiving injections - and aside from anything else, most likely it means you are feeling under the weather.
When administering pills, the easiest way to do it is the Trojan horse method. That means you wrap the offending pill or capsule in the form of some kind of pet treat. Then your pet does not see it coming. Generally they won’t notice the pill and swallow it all whole, however it may be sensible to hold your pet’s mouth shut to prevent it from spitting it out until it has swallowed.
You can also give a pill directly by following these simple steps:
When administering pills, the easiest way to do it is the Trojan horse method. That means you wrap the offending pill or capsule in the form of some kind of pet treat. Then your pet does not see it coming. Generally they won’t notice the pill and swallow it all whole, however it may be sensible to hold your pet’s mouth shut to prevent it from spitting it out until it has swallowed.
You can also give a pill directly by following these simple steps:
- Place your non-dominant hand on top of the muzzle with thumb on one side and finger on the others and gradually tilting the head slightly upward.
- Using your dominant hand to hold the pill between the your thumb and index finger, then grasp the lower jaw with your remaining three fingers to open the lower jaw farther.
- Place the pill near the side of the mouth and push it as far back as possible before closing the mouth.
- Still holding the mouth shut, gently stroke the underside of the lower jaw to encourage your dog to swallow the pill.
- Offer a treat for his good behaviour.
For liquid medicine administration, use a plastic syringe (needle-less) or dropper. Draw up the correct amount of medicine, open the mouth in the same way as outlined above and place the syringe at the cheek pouch before squirting a small amount in. If you squirt the full amount your pet is likely to choke and spit it out. Then you can slowly release the rest of the liquid while holding the lips closed until it has been swallowed. Give your pet a treat for such good behaviour!
When you need to apply eye drops, you may find it helpful if someone else holds your pet’s head, however it can be done single handed. Remember to wash your hands before and after application. Simply hold the muzzle and tilt the head with your non-dominant hand and with the other, drop the required number of drops into the eye. Shut the eye for a second to allow it to be distributed around the eye and wipe any excess away with a tissue.
Washing hands before and after any of these procedures is vital in order to avoid any contamination and infections.
If any of you have any other methods for administering medicines to your pet, please let me know. All comments are welcome.
When you need to apply eye drops, you may find it helpful if someone else holds your pet’s head, however it can be done single handed. Remember to wash your hands before and after application. Simply hold the muzzle and tilt the head with your non-dominant hand and with the other, drop the required number of drops into the eye. Shut the eye for a second to allow it to be distributed around the eye and wipe any excess away with a tissue.
Washing hands before and after any of these procedures is vital in order to avoid any contamination and infections.
If any of you have any other methods for administering medicines to your pet, please let me know. All comments are welcome.
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