Pet Care Tips

[November Rain]

I know we have threads on training dogs & behavioural problems etc, but I thought it might be useful to have a thread where members can share their tips on general pet care.

For instance:

If you need to cut up a tablet to give a smaller dose (half or quarter), dog nail clippers give a far cleaner cut than a knife. Works on both segmented & unsegmented tablets.

Rather than the old trick of putting a tablet to the back of a dog's mouth, then holding his muzzle upwards & stroaking his throat to stimulate swallow reflex, giving tablets can be far easier & less stressful if given in food. A lump of canned food works well, as does sausage or chicken. For dogs that eat the meat & spit out the tablets, putting it in something stickier & gooier like liver pate or cream cheese can work. (Be careful with cheese, as dairy products can adversely affect the efficiency of some medication).

Now, does anyone have a tip on how to give liquid medication orally to animals who don't like it? I've never been able to stop pups who don't like the sensation/taste spitting half of it out.

Sorry, these were all doggy tips - I don't think I've ever given medication to any other animal.

[Nienke]

Now, does anyone have a tip on how to give liquid medication orally to animals who don't like it? I've never been able to stop pups who don't like the sensation/taste spitting half of it out.

I use a syringe. Open the mouth by pushing lips between teeth and syringe in back of throat. Another option can be mix it with few drops of milk, broth, yoghurt or something.

With biting dog, muzzle the mouth, then syringe in cheek-pouch while holding head up. Have to admit this sounds easier than it sometimes is. The above is easier.

Nienke

[November Rain]

I use a syringe Nienke, but by the time I'm pulling it out, the pup is also spitting out half the meds. Must admit, I'm wary of squirting it in quickly, as I don't want them to aspirate it.

[Nienke]

I use a syringe Nienke, but by the time I'm pulling it out, the pup is also spitting out half the meds. Must admit, I'm wary of squirting it in quickly, as I don't want them to aspirate it.

Looks you are dealing with quite a fighter

Did you try with a few drops of milk or something else delicious?

My sweet heart biter, didn't want to eat anything (he got sick after the neutering ) and squirt liquid in his mouth ... well ... But mixed with a tiny bit milk went great.

Depending on the amount of liquid and if the pup wants to eat, you can also mix it with some canned fish or minced meat. Or on a piece of bread?