How to administer pet medications

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:

• 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.

A well fed pet is a happy pet

It is very important that your pet is consistently at the correct weight. Being either overweight or underweight can have serious health consequences and shorten their life expectancy. Overweight dogs in particular are prone to arthritic conditions in later life, greater risk of diabetes or liver problems, not to mention a general lack of energy and skin problems. Underweight dogs can suffer from bad muscle tone, longer healing times as well as no energy and even reproductive disorders. For optimum health, pets must receive adequate levels of proper nutrition which means feeding them the correct levels of suitable food.

Selecting a high quality food is very important as it will fulfil nutritional needs and keep your pet in better health than cheaper, poor quality varieties. A general guideline to follow with regards to how much to feed your (small-ish) dog is one and a half cups per 20 pounds of body weight. For larger breeds of dog however around 15% more calories per pound are needed to ensure energy levels are topped up and your pet is receiving the right nutrition.

There are a few other considerations to think about with regard to food such as the actual calorie content of the food which can be found on the label, as well as your dog’s current weight and projected weight (if not at the correct level.) Activity level is also important, as is some environmental considerations for example the daily temperature of the dog’s environment. Your veterinarian can provide further information about food quantities and the best weight for your dog.

It is sensible to avoid giving your pet any food scraps from the table as generally it won’t be designed for a dog and will interfere with its digestion. As long as your pet is receiving the correct quantity of high quality food, they will be full of energy and live a long and happy life. Do any of you have any tips on what and how much to feed a pet? Send in your comments below.

Diet plan for your pet

There are a few different factors to take into consideration when thinking about choosing an appropriate diet plan for your pet, which is why it is recommended that you talk to your veterinarian first before selecting any foods and supplements for your pet.

The age of your pet can affect the diet, with certain brands and types of foods being more appropriate for older animals than others, or other types begin suitable for younger animals only. The size of your dog and also its breed would be something else to take into consideration when selecting a diet plan as this can affect the necessary nutritional content and amount of food to be eaten. If you have a very active dog, then the correct levels of sustenance are essential which would be higher than those for a dog with an inactive lifestyle, and a diet plan able to incorporate this should be selected.

If your pet is overweight, this can affect how you feed them. Portion sizes will also play an important part of your pet’s diet in this instance. By keeping your pet at the correct weight and providing a full and healthy diet, you will undoubtedly prolong its life. Feeding your pet scraps off the table is never a good idea as this does not constitute a healthy meal, regardless of whether your pet is overweight or not. Choose a high - quality pet food and a supplement if deemed necessary to boost the health and vitality of your pet to its optimum levels.

Are there any other important factors to consider when choosing a diet plan for your pet? What foods do you find work the best for your pet? Have you noticed any benefits of a recent switch to another diet? Send in your comments below.

10 signs that your pet is unwell

There are plenty of indicators that your pet is not feeling its normal sparkling self, and it is important to look out for them. If your pet displays any of the signs outlined below it may be important to consult your veterinarian.

Below is a list of some of the most common warning signs that your pet it unwell:

• Change in appetite - look to see if their food is no longer being wolfed down.
• Weight loss or weight gain - a noticeable weight change can be a cause of illness.
• Loss of house training - pets don’t simply ‘forget’ their training.
• Bad mobility - in particular if your pet is having trouble climbing the stairs.
• Persistent cough - if a cough hasn’t gone within a few days, seek attention from your vet.
• Bad breath or bleeding gums - particularly harsh smelling breath.
• Diarrhoea or vomiting - one off occasions are not generally something to worry about, but continued vomiting or diarrhoea is.
• Change in sleep patterns - sleeping all day or changing patterns are something to look out for.
• Excessive scratching or head shaking - this may be allergies, or something more serious.
• Excessive drinking and/or urination - pay attention to how much water your pet is drinking as this can be a sign they are unwell if it is a larger amount than normal.

If your pet is showing any or all of those symptoms, don’t wait until it is too late, act straight away. VioVet is a leading retail site that has been set up in conjunction with a professional veterinary practice in Hertfordshire. Not only can you purchase medications and other supplies for your pet, but you can also seek advice and information about their health and well being.

Have any of you other symptoms that should be looked out for? Send in your comments below.

Supplements for your pet

Supplements are designed to compliment diet and ensure bodies maintain a normal biological function. They work for us, so why not our pets? The pet supplement market has been growing recently and research suggests that at least 17% of pet owners regularly include supplements into their pet’s diet.

Pet supplements range from multivitamins to encourage excellent overall health to targeted formulas that are designed to alleviate specific problems such as joint problems or cognitive dysfunction.

If your pet is suffering from a condition, even a serious one such as cancer, there are supplements available that can help. Alpha lipoic acid for example, a powerful antioxidant can be used to alleviate pain and suffering of your pet. This particular supplement also helps prevent cataracts and even restore numerous biological functions that are diminished with aging.

It is very important however to talk to your veterinarian before administering supplements as self prescribing can sometimes be dangerous. Furthermore there are a number of products available to buy that do not deliver all that they promise and are of overall poor standard.

There are 4 things that as a pet owner you should look out for when selecting supplements:

• Quality - How much of the active ingredient is in the product? Use the telephone number on the product to ask questions about the product.
• Efficacy - What, if any is the scientific basis behind the supplement? Ask about what studies have been carried out and where you can find the results.
• Tolerance - Check all the ingredients as a product may contain something that your pet is allergic to or will react with other medications.
• Safety - Make sure the safety of the product has been proved. Phone the company or check their website if you want to know what safety tests have been carried out.

Have any of you used supplements for your pet? Have you seen a positive change overall or perhaps even dramatic changes? Send in your comments below.

Signs that your pet has allergies

Dogs and cats and humans all have different reactions to things they might be allergic to, so it can be difficult to know what specifically your pet is suffering from. Itchy eyes and a runny nose may be the symptoms shown by a human who is allergic to pollen, however in a dog for example this allergy shows itself in the form of intensely itchy paws.

Although some pets do show signs of an allergy through watery eyes or some sneezing, more often than not it is itching and scratching that represents an allergy. Continued scratching of course leads to welts and sores on your pet’s fur or feet that can become infected. Loss of hair is another problem caused by continued scratching.

As pets get older, the allergies can become worse so it is important to recognize the allergy early on to ensure appropriate help and treatment can be given to alleviate the suffering.

Airborne allergies are caused by inhalation of things such as pollen, molds and dust mites. Allergies from flea bites are another common problem as are direct contact with some carpet fibres or plastics, although this is more rare. Food allergies account for around 10% of allergies in pets from an ingested substance.

You can tell if an animal is suffering from an airborne allergy when some or all of the following symptoms are displayed:

• Chewing at the feet
• Rubbing the face
• Inflamed or infected ears
• Recurrent hot spots on fur
• Wheezing or other respiratory problems
• Licking the side and groin area

An allergy caused through contact with a man fibre or plastic produce these following symptoms:

• Red, itchy bumps on the fur
• Areas of hair loss
• Constant scratching

Food allergies can be diagnosed if you pet shows any of these symptoms;

• Itching, particularly the face, feet and limbs
• Ear problems
• Skin infections that return once antibiotic treatment has ended
• Increased bowel movements
• Soft stool

Food allergies should not be confused with food intolerances which produce generally diarrhea and vomiting.

If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms and seems to be suffering greatly, your veterinarian can help as there are treatments available to ease the symptoms.

Home treatments for your pet

There are a surprising number of home treatments that can be administered at home to your pet. For more serious problems and illnesses or if you are unsure about a condition, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible, however for more common and non-threatening problems, why not think about a home remedy?

Olive oil is an easy to get hold of item and the small amounts needed mean it doesn’t cost a lot to treat your pet with it. Completely odourless and natural, it is definitely recommended over chemical solutions and ointments. Here is a list of some popular and easy conditions that can be treated with olive oil:

Cracked or dry snout - rub a small amount of extra virgin olive oil onto the nose of your pet.

Ticks - Often people resort to burning off ticks with matches or even cigarettes. This is not enjoyable for your pet or the person who has to carry out the task, so why not rub some olive oil onto the little critter? The oil works by suffocating the tick and ensuring it falls off your pet’s coat.

Sticky foot pads - When your dog steps in something nasty like chewing gum or some other substance, soak the foot in a solution of olive oil and warm saltwater. This should break up the foreign substance and remove it altogether.

Clean ears - Soak some cotton wool in olive oil and use it to wipe over the inside of your pets ears. Dirt will be removed as will little mites or other parasitic creatures that cause irritation and itching.

Shiny coat - Add a small amount to your pet shampoo before applying to give your pet a really shiny and soft coat. Olive oil can also be added to your pet’s food to help in this area.

These are just a few ideas of how natural olive oil can be used to treat a number of common conditions suffered by your pet. If anyone else has any ideas of home treatments that are safe to use, send in your comments below.