Monday Pet Tip: Medicating Your Dog

Coaxing, pleading, begging- it's for the dogs! It can be a frustrating experience to convince your canine friend to take his daily dose of medication. We have gathered together some helpful tips and advice on how to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

 

LIQUID MEDICATIONS

The easiest way to give your dog a liquid medication is to mix it with some canned food. To ensure that the medication is swallowed, it is best to hand feed a small amount of food containing the medication, rather than a large portion that the dog may not completely consume. Some dogs may be unwilling to eat the food or may have dietary restrictions that prevent you from using this technique. If this is the case, you will need to administer the medication directly into your dog’s mouth.

Place your dog in a safe and comfortable area where it can be easily handled. Have the medication prepared and easily accessible. It is easiest to give liquid medication if you have a second person available to help you.

Make sure you have carefully read the prescription label and understand the dosing instructions. Most liquid medications should be gently shaken or mixed prior to drawing them into the dosing syringe.

Gently pull your dog’s lip away from the teeth and create a “pouch” along the side of the mouth.

Place the tip of the syringe in the side of the mouth, just behind one of the canine teeth and advance the syringe so that it is in the mouth just past the tooth line.

Slowly squeeze the syringe to dispense the liquid medication. Make sure you do this slowly so the dog has time to swallow the liquid and breathe normally.

Most dogs will spit out some of the medication. DO NOT re-medicate unless you are certain that NONE of the medication was taken.

Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat or extra playtime after giving the medication. This will make the experience more positive and make it easier to give the medication the next time.

Rinse the dropper or syringe thoroughly with water and refrigerate the remaining medication if necessary.

PILLS/CAPSULES

The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to hide the pill in food. This usually works best if the pill is hidden in a small amount of canned dog food, peanut butter or cottage cheese, or you can purchase a product called "Pill Pockets" from our hospital, which is designed specifically for this. To ensure that the pill is swallowed, it is better to hand feed a small amount of food or the Pill Pocket that the dog is certain to eat rather than offering a large portion that the dog may not completely consume. Some dogs may spit out the pill, so it is important to carefully observe your pet after administering the medication.

If your dog persists in spitting out the pills or if dietary restrictions prevent you from hiding the pills in an appealing treat, you will need to administer the pill directly into your dog’s mouth.

Place your dog in a safe and comfortable area where it can be easily handled. Have the pill ready and easily accessible.

Make sure that you have carefully read the prescription label and understand the dosing instructions.

Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger (use your dominant hand – for example, if you are right-handed, use your right hand).

Gently grasp your dog’s muzzle from above with your other hand, by placing your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other side behind the canine teeth.

Once you have a firm but gentle grip, tilt your dog’s head toward the ceiling. The lower jaw will usually drop open. If not, open the mouth by placing the last two fingers of the hand holding the pill between the two lower canine teeth and pushing downward.

Quickly place the pill as far back over the tongue as possible. The pill is most likely to be swallowed if you place it beyond the hump of the tongue at the back of the mouth. Try not to place your hand too far back to avoid stimulating a gag reflex.

Close the dog’s mouth and hold it closed while you return the head to a normal position.

Gently rub the dog’s nose or throat, or blow lightly on the dog’s nose. This should stimulate swallowing.

The dog will be most cooperative if this procedure is performed quickly, in one smooth motion.

Make sure you give plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat or extra playtime after giving the medication. This will make the experience more positive and make it easier to give the medication the next time.

EYE DROPS

The proper administration of eye medications is essential for your pet’s prompt recovery. If your dog’s eye is painful, you may need to have someone assist you with restraint or you may need to place a muzzle on your dog.

Make sure that you wash your hands both before and after administering the medication to prevent the potential spread of infection.

Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the prescription instructions.

Hold the bottle using your thumb and index finger. You may want to rest this hand on the top of the dog’s head to help stabilize it.

With your other hand, use your thumb to pull down the lower eyelid. Place your remaining fingers under the dog’s jaw to support the head. The lower eyelid acts as a pouch to receive the drops.

Hold the bottle close to the eye but make sure you DO NOT touch the eye’s surface.

Squeeze the prescribed number of drops onto the eyeball, aiming for the center of the eye. Release the head.

The dog will blink, spreading the medication over the surface of the eye.

Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat when you are finished.

EAR DROPS

Administering ear medications to your dog can be challenging. Remember that your pet’s ears may be painful and that even a normally gentle and passive dog may respond by struggling, biting or scratching. You may need to muzzle your dog for this procedure.

Warm any refrigerated medication by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the prescription instructions.

Squeeze the liquid medication into the dropper or prepare the squeeze bottle as directed.

Gently pull the ear flap straight up using your other hand.

Apply the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal while continuing to keep the ear flap elevated.

Rub the base of the ear against the head in a circular motion. Be cautious and gentle as your dog may object to this procedure. You should hear a “squishing” sound as you massage the medication deep into the ear canal.

Release the ear and let your dog shake its head. If the medication contains a wax solvent, debris will be dissolved so it can be shaken out.

Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat after giving the medication.

APPLYING CREAMS, OINTMENTS & LOTIONS

Applying topical medications to your pet can sometimes be a challenge. The information provided in this handout may help make treating your pet easier – for both of you.

What is the difference between creams, ointments and lotions?

Creams are non-greasy. Ointments have an oily base. Lotions are liquid preparations.  All are similar as far as application is concerned. Creams, ointments and lotions are for external use only. It is important to prevent your pet from licking and swallowing them.

Be sure to follow any directions concerning application of the product, e.g. using gloves, etc. This is important since some veterinary preparations may be irritating to human skin.

My dog is perfectly fine until I try to put the preparation on and then he becomes very agitated.

This may represent discomfort or actual pain. It is always a good idea to get someone to hold your dog, especially when applying medications to a sensitive or painful area. If you prefer, your veterinarian can recommend several types of comfortable muzzles that you can use when treating your pet.

I can apply the preparation but my dog licks it off as soon as it is applied.

A good tip in this case is to apply the product just before the dog is fed. Another technique is to take your dog for a short walk immediately after applying the medication. Most topical preparations work better if they are gently massaged in for a few moments after application. If you still have trouble applying your pet’s medication, please contact us and we will supply you with an Elizabethan collar. These are large plastic hoods that prevent the dog from licking at the affected area.

I have tried an Elizabethan collar but my dog goes crazy with it on!

The majority of dogs are initially upset by the collar because of its bulky size and appearance. Try giving your dog a treat or taking him for a walk to distract him from the collar. Approximately 80% of dogs will tolerate a collar with few problems.

Monday Pet Tip: Administering Medications to Your Cat

It can be quite a challenge to medicate your cat- they are known for being quite willful, not to mention squirmy! We have put together some helpful tips to make administering medication to your cat as easy as possible. The tips are divided by type of medication: oral liquids, pills and capsules, eye medication, ear medication, and topical medications. If you have any tips that work great for you and your cat, please share in the comments! Next week we will go over tips for medicating your dog.

oral liquids

The easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. To ensure that all of the medication is ingested, it is best to give a small amount of food that the cat is certain to eat rather than a large portion that the cat may not complete. Some cats may be unwilling to eat the food or may have dietary restrictions that prevent you from using this technique. If this is the case, you will need to administer the medication directly into the cat’s mouth.

• Prepare an area where you can safely handle your cat. Have the medication ready and in a place where it will be easily accessible. Make sure you have carefully read the prescription label and understand the dosing instructions.

•  Verify that you are administering the correct drug and amount. Shake the medication gently if required prior to drawing the medication into the syringe or dropper.

•  If you are administering the medication by yourself, you may find it easiest to place your cat in your lap. It may be advisable to restrain the cat by wrapping it in a blanket or towel with only its head exposed. The first few times, it may be helpful to have someone else hold the wrapped cat while you administer the medication.

•  Hold the syringe or dropper containing the medication with your dominant hand. First, allow the cat to lick the medication from the tip of the syringe as you slowly depress the plunger.

•  The cat may accept the medication more readily if it is warmed to room temperature.

•  If your cat is not interested in licking the liquid, gently take the cat by the scruff of the neck and pull the head back.  The mouth will then open slightly.

•  Place the tip of the syringe in the side of the mouth, just behind one of the canine (“fang”) teeth.

•  Advance the syringe so it is placed in the mouth just inside of the teeth. Be sure to angle the syringe slightly to the side. You do not want to forcefully inject the liquid straight into the back of the throat. This can increase the risk of the cat inhaling or aspirating the liquid.

•  Slowly squeeze the syringe to dispense the liquid medication. Make sure you do this slowly so the cat has time to swallow the liquid and breathe.

•  Most cats will spit out some of the medication. DO NOT re-medicate unless you are certain that NONE of the medication was taken.

•  Rinse the syringe out with warm water, and refrigerate if appropriate.

pills/capsules

The easiest way to give your cat a pill is to hide the pill in food. This usually works best if the pill is hidden in a small amount of tuna, salmon or cream cheese- or you can purchase a product called "Pill Pockets" from our hospital, which is designed specifically for this. To ensure that the pill is swallowed, it is best to place the pill in a small amount of food, or a Pill Pocket, that the cat is certain to eat rather than a large portion that the cat may not complete. Some cats may spit out the pill, so it is important to monitor this activity. If your cat persists in spitting out the pills or if dietary restrictions prevent you from hiding the pills in an appealing food or treat, you will need to administer the pill directly into the cat’s mouth.

• Prepare a safe place to handle your cat. Have the pill ready and in a place where it will be easily accessible.

•  If you are administering the medication on your own, you may find it easiest to place your cat in your lap. You may need to have someone assist you in restraining your cat by wrapping it in a blanket or towel with only the head exposed.

•  Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the dosing instructions.

•  Lubricate or “grease” the pill with a very small amount of margarine or butter so it doesn’t stick in your cat’s mouth or throat and will be easier to swallow. This is very helpful with the administration of capsules.

•  Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger.

•  Gently grasp your cat’s head from above with your other hand, by placing your thumb on one side of the upper jaw and your fingers on the other. Tilt the cat’s head back over its shoulder so that its nose points to the ceiling. The jaw should drop open slightly.

•  With your pilling hand, use your little finger and ring finger to open the cat’s mouth further by gently putting pressure on the lower lip and front teeth.

•  Quickly place the pill as far back over the tongue as possible. Try to place it on the back one-third of the tongue to stimulate an automatic swallowing reflex.

•  Close the cat’s mouth and hold it closed while you return the head to a normal position.

•  Gently rub the cat’s nose or throat, or blow lightly on the nose. This should also help stimulate swallowing.

•  If you have trouble with this method of opening the mouth, try placing the cat on an elevated table. Hold the cat by the scruff of the neck and lift the front paws off of the table. The mouth will drop open. Quickly place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible, as in the previous method.

•  If you continue to experience difficulty, you may want to purchase a “pet piller” device or inquire if the medication can be compounded into a liquid. Most medications can be made into liquids with appealing flavors such as tuna, chicken, or salmon.

eye drops

• Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the instructions.

•  Wash your hands before and after administering the medication to prevent the spread of infection. Gently clean the cat’s eyes with warm water and a washcloth prior to administering the eye drops.

•  If you are administering the medication on your own, you may find it easiest to place your cat in your lap. It may be advisable to restrain your cat by wrapping it in a blanket or towel with only its head exposed. It may be helpful to have someone else hold your cat while you apply the drops.

•  Hold the bottle using the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand with the tip pointed downwards. Be sure to keep the tip clean and do not allow it to contact the cat, the eye or any other surface. If this occurs, clean the tip by wiping it off with a clean cloth or ask your veterinarian for specific cleaning instructions.

•  Use the last two fingers of the same hand to pull back the upper eyelid. Place your remaining fingers under the cat’s jaw to support the head. The lower eyelid will act as a pouch to receive the drops.

•  Hold the bottle close to the eye but ensure you DO NOT touch the eye’s surface.

•  Squeeze the prescribed number of drops onto the eyeball, aiming for the center of the eye, and then release the head.

•  The cat will blink, spreading the medication over the surface of the eye.

 It is normal for your cat to blink or paw at the eye after administering the drops. If this persists or if the eye appears more inflamed or red after administration of the medication, consult with your veterinarian.

ear drops

• Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the dosing instructions and the amount of liquid you are to instill into the ear.

•  Hold the cat securely in your lap. It may be advisable to restrain the cat by wrapping it in a blanket or towel with only its head exposed. The first few times, it may be helpful to have someone else hold the wrapped cat while you apply the drops.

•  Draw up the liquid into the dropper, if necessary. Hold the applicator or bottle between the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand.

•  Use the last two fingers of the hand holding the dropper or bottle to hold the tip of the ear.

•  Place your remaining hand under the cat’s jaw to support the head.

•  Apply a small amount of medication into the ear canal. Be sure to place the tip as far into the ear canal as possible, unless the condition is confined to the outer portion of the ear.

•  Gently massage the base of the ear in a circular motion. Be cautious and gentle. The cat may not allow you to do this.

•  Release the ear and let your cat shake its head. If the medication contains a wax solvent, debris will be dissolved so it can be shaken out.

 Remember that the ear may be very painful and that your cat may respond by scratching or biting.

TOPICAL MEDICATIONS- CREAMS, OINTMENTS, LOTIONS

Creams are non-greasy, ointments have an oily base, and lotions are liquid preparations.  All are similar as far as application is concerned. Creams, ointments, and lotions are for external use only. It is important to prevent your pet from licking and swallowing them.  If necessary, you may need to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent this.

Be sure to follow any directions concerning application of the product, e.g. using gloves, etc. This is important since some veterinary preparations may be irritating to human skin.