Most dog owners will have to regularly administer medication to their dog, for example dog worming tablets every few months. As a result it is is important to understand how to safely administer internal forms of medication, before bringing a new pet home for the first time.
How to Give Dogs Medication - Liquids
When a dog is prescribed a medication in the form of a liquid, make sure that the exact dosage and treatment times are completely understood. Never be afraid to ask the vet for more information or help on how to administer dog medication. Most vets will be more than happy to do this, as they will have the dog's best interest at heart.
In Dog Health, Davis (2007) explains that the simplest way to administer medication to dogs in liquid form is as follows:
- Obtain sterile syringes from the vet
- Simply insert the nozzle in the corner of the dog's mouth
- Slowly squeeze out the contents, a little at a time
- Stroke the dog's throat to encourage him to swallow
How to Administer Medication to Dogs - Dog Pills
As dogs will usually be given pills, such as dog worming tablets, on a regular basis, it is important to learn how best to administer tablets, in order to make things as least stressful as possible for the dog. While some dogs will be perfectly happy to take a tablet or pill straight from their owner's hand, others will be far more reticent about having to swallow anything that is unfamiliar to them. A few options for getting dogs to swallow pills, include coating the pill in something the dog finds tasty or hiding it inside a favoured dog treat.
For those dogs who are particularly unkeen to swallow a tablet, Davis (2007) recommends simple steps to help administer medication, as follows:
- Hold dog firmly
- Tip his head back
- Open his mouth
- Pop pill at back of throat
- Close his mouth
- Stroke his throat to encourage swallowing
If none of the above methods are working and the dog is getting very distressed, return to the vet and ask him to help show how best to administer the specific medication. Another option is to ask a relative or friend who is used to administering medication and who the dog is comfortable with, to show how it is done.
As highlighted above, administering medication in liquid form is best done using a syringe from the vet, while administering medication in tablet form can be done by coating it in something tasty or disguising it in a favourite treat. Never be afraid to ask for more guidance on dog medication from the vet, most will be more than happy to show key techniques to make the process less distressing.
Source:
Davis, C. (2007) Dog Basics London: Octopus
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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