Tips for owners

Giving your pet a pill or syrup is not always easy. But with the right approach, it can be done quickly, safely, and without unnecessary stress.

 

How to give medicine to a dog

The easiest way is through food

  • - Hide the tablet in a small piece of meat, pate, cheese, or sausage.
  • - Give this piece as a treat. Often the dog will not even notice the pill.
  • - If you need to give several tablets, first give 1-2 "empty" pieces, and then give them with the medicine.

Directly into the mouth

  1. - Open your mouth with one hand (thumbs on the upper jaw, other fingers under the lower jaw).
  2. - Place the tablet as deep as possible on the root of your tongue.
  3. - Close your mouth and gently stroke your throat to stimulate swallowing.

Empty capsules

  • - If the tablet has an unpleasant taste or if you need to mix several medicines, put them in an empty gelatin capsule (available in pharmacies or veterinary clinics).
  • - The capsule dissolves quickly in the stomach without irritating the mucous membrane.
  • - The capsule can be given in food or by hand, like a regular tablet.

 

How to give medicine to a cat

Cats are more finicky, but there are ways to cope with them.

Through food (if allowed)

  • Some cats will accept pate, pasta, or treats containing a pill.
  • But more often they smell the bitter odor of the medicine and refuse to eat.

Manually (if the cat is not aggressive)

  1. - Wrap the cat in a towel, leaving only the head (so that it does not scratch).
  2. - Open the mouth by pressing slightly on the corners of the jaws.
  3. - Place the tablet or capsule deep in your mouth.
  4. - Close your mouth and gently rub your chin or nose.
  5. - To be safe, give water with a syringe (without a needle).

Use of empty capsules

  • - If the tablet cannot be crushed or is bitter, put it in a gelatin capsule.
  • - This reduces bitterness and irritation.
  • - It is especially useful if you give a mixture of several medicines.

Liquid medicines - syrups, drops, suspensions

  • - Draw the medicine into a syringe (without a needle).
  • - Gently inject from the side of the mouth, closer to the cheek.
  • - Do not pour too quickly, allow the animal to swallow.

Important.

  • - Do not force your pet to take the medication if it is resisting, as this will only make the situation worse.
  • - Some medications should not be chewed or crushed - always check with your veterinarian.
  • - If you are unable to give the medicine, contact the clinic and we will show you how to do it correctly.

Little tricks

  • - After taking the medicine, be sure to praise the animal, give it a treat, or play with it.
  • - A pill with an unpleasant taste? Hide it in a capsule or a special meat "pocket" (commercially available).
  • - Some drugs come in the form of chewable tablets with a pleasant taste - ask your doctor if there is an alternative

Bottom line.

Giving medicine is a skill. It will get easier every time. And the main thing is to take care of your pet's health.