Introduction
Introduction
As a pet owner, you might find yourself in a situation where your furry friend needs medication. Administering medication to pets can be a daunting task, especially if you’re dealing with a finicky eater or a pet that’s wary of pills. However, with the right approach and a bit of creativity, you can make this process smoother for both you and your pet. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to administer medication to your cat or dog, drawing from personal experiences and scientific insights.
Disguising Your Pet’s Medicine
One of the most effective ways to give medication to pets is by disguising it in their food. This method works well for many dogs and cats, although some cats might be more particular about their food. You can use lunchmeat, cheese, grilled chicken, hot dogs, canned cheese, cream cheese, or peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free for dogs) to mask the pill. For pets that enjoy canned food, creating “meatballs” by wrapping a small amount of food around the pill can be an excellent strategy. Commercially available treats like Pill Pockets can also be a convenient option for hiding pills.
When using this method, it’s essential to keep one hand as the “medication hand” and the other as the “clean” food-handling hand. This practice prevents transferring the bitter taste or smell of the pill to the food.
If the medication is scheduled around mealtimes, offer the treat containing the pill before the meal. Pets are more likely to gobble up a delicious treat when they’re hungry.
How to Give Your Pet a Pill
Despite your best efforts, some pets might see through the disguise and leave the pill behind. In such cases, you might need to administer the pill directly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- For large dogs, position them against a wall or furniture so they can’t back away. For cats or small dogs, a table or countertop might work, but ensure their safety.
- Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger.
- Gently grasp the pet’s muzzle from above, holding their upper lips just behind the canine teeth.
- Squeeze gently behind the upper canine teeth and tilt the pet’s head upwards, causing the lower jaw to open.
- Use your other fingers to open the lower jaw further by applying gentle pressure on the incisors.
- Quickly place the pill as far back in the mouth as possible, ensuring it’s over the ‘hump’ of the tongue.
- Hold the pet’s mouth closed, lower the nose a bit, and gently blow in their nose while rubbing their throat to encourage swallowing.
- Watch for signs of swallowing, such as a visible gulp or lip licking, before releasing them.
What if I Don’t Want to Put My Hands in My Dog’s Mouth?
If you’re uncomfortable putting your fingers in your pet’s mouth, there are alternatives. Pill poppers, available in most pet stores, can help minimize the risk to your fingers. These devices have a rubber tip that holds the pill until the plunger is pressed, dispensing the pill into the pet’s mouth. Remember to restrain your pet as described earlier.
What About Compounding Medications?
With patience and practice, most pets can be given pills at home without much hassle. However, if your pet resists all attempts, consider seeking guidance from your vet on how to administer the pill. If that doesn’t work, ask your vet if compounding is an option. Specialty compounding pharmacies can transform medications into flavored chews, liquids, or transdermal gels. Keep in mind that not all medications can be compounded, as they may be ineffective or not absorbed properly in different forms.
Conclusion
Administering medication to your pet may seem challenging, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, it can become a manageable task. Whether you choose to disguise the pill in food, use a pill popper, or explore compounding options, the key is to find the method that works best for your pet’s individual needs. Remember, practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll be able to administer medication with ease and confidence.