FAQ’s
How do I give my pet his/her medication?
Pets can be very challenging to give medication to, but on occasion it needs to be done. Here are a few tips to help.
Dogs: Medication can often be given hidden in a morsel of food. A bit of canned food makes things easiest since a tablespoon sized amount can be formed into a ball. The tablet or capsule can be hidden on the inside. If you offer this treat prior to a meal, when your pet is hungriest, your dog should accept it readily.
Cats: Place your pet in a confined area so that he/she cannot get away by backing up. If right handed, place your thumb and forefinger of your left hand on either side of the face just below the eyes (as though you were going to pet him/her on the top of the head). With the medication in your right hand, use your finger to gently pull the jaw down and rapidly place the medication on the back of the tongue. Quickly close the mouth after dropping in the medication and gently message the throat until her/she swallows (often indicated by licking of his/her nose).
To give liquid medication, insert the dropper or syringe between the teeth and the cheek, far enough to that the medication does not dribble out. While tilting the pet's nose up toward the ceiling, slowly dispense the medication.
If you are still having difficulty giving the medication, contract your veterinarian. Alternative forms of the medication may be available such as topical, flavoured chewable tablets or flavoured liquid.
