As much as we love them, caring for our dogs can sometimes be, well, difficult! Here are some tips for some relatively common tasks that happen to be relatively challenging for many dog owners. Hopefully this will make your job a little easier. If you find you still need help, don’t hesitate to call us!
Dogs often take medication is specially designed tasty pill pockets available at Angel Ridge Veterinary Service.
Giving Medication
Pill Administration
- Remember to use caution when medicating an animal, as there is always a risk of being scratched or bitten. If you feel uncomfortable administering medications, or have any questions about what to do or how to do it, please call us! We’re happy to help.
- There are several methods you can use to give your dog pills, tablets, or capsules. The following one is a good way to start:
- Check the bottle to make sure you have the correct medicine for the correct dog. Also double check the dosage instructions.
- Wash your hands.
- Hold the capsule or tablet between your thumb and index finger.
- Place palm of your other hand on the top surface of your dog’s nose.
- Insert your thumb behind one upper canine (back) tooth into the mouth, rolling the animal’s lips inward over its teeth to minimize the possibility of being bitten. Stroke the roof of your dog’s mouth with your thumb.
- Tilt your dog’s nostrils toward the ceiling or sky. This head position causes the lower jaw muscles to relax in most animals, which should make it easier to keep the mouth open.
- Press downward on your dog’s lower teeth with the third, fourth, and fifth fingers of the hand holding the medication.
- Place the capsule or tablet on the base of your dog’s tongue.
- Withdraw your hand from your dog’s mouth and close the mouth quickly. Hold it closed while rubbing your dog’s neck to induce swallowing.
If this procedure does not work with your dog, don’t dismay. Some dogs may take medication hidden in a treat or require the use of a “pill popper.” In any case, there’s no need for frustration. Call us for help!
Liquid Medication Administration
- Remember to use caution when medicating an animal, as there is always a risk of being scratched or bitten. If you feel uncomfortable administering medications, or have any questions about what to do or how to do it, please call us! We’re happy to help.
- There are several methods you can use to give your dog pills, tablets, or capsules. The following one is a good way to start:
- Check the bottle to make sure you have the correct medicine for the correct dog. Also double check the dosage instructions.
- Wash your hands.
- Place liquid medication in syringe or small bottle.
- With one hand, form a pouch in your dog’s cheek between the lining of the lips and the teeth by pulling the lip out gently (the jaw may remain closed).
- Place liquid medication into the cheek pouch, small amounts at a time, keeping your dog’s nose pointed slightly upward, but careful not to point straight up.
- Give the medication slowly; ensure your dog has swallowed a small amount of liquid before placing any more liquid into the cheek pouch.
As always, if you need help of have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call!