How to Medicate Your Pet: Tips from the Pros

Administering medication to your pet can be a tricky process, especially when your pet is not too keen on swallowing pills or taking liquid medicine. But with the right techniques and approach, medicating your pet can become a manageable task. At Peak Pet Urgent Care, we’re here to guide you through the process with some professional tips to make medicating your pet as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

1. Understand the Medication

Before you start administering any medication, make sure you thoroughly understand what it is for and how it should be given. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions, but always feel free to ask:

  • Is the medication given with or without food?
  • Can the medication be mixed with food or water?
  • What are the potential adverse effects to look out for?

For more information on what medications may involve urgent care situations, visit our FAQ page.

2. Administering Pills

Pills can be particularly challenging to give, especially to cats and smaller dogs. Here are a few techniques to make the process smoother:

  • Hide the pill in food: This is often the easiest way to administer medication. Hide the pill in a small amount of peanut butter, cheese, or a pill pocket designed for this purpose.
  • Use a pill popper: A pill popper is a tool that helps place the pill at the back of your pet’s throat, making it easier for them to swallow. This can be especially helpful if your pet is prone to spitting out pills.
  • Manual pill administration: If your pet won’t take the pill hidden in food, you may need to manually administer it. Gently open their mouth, place the pill at the back of their throat, close their mouth, and then gently stroke their throat or blow on their nose to encourage swallowing.

3. Giving Liquid Medication

Liquid medications can sometimes be easier to administer than pills, but you’ll still need to approach the process with care:

  • Use a syringe or dropper: Draw the prescribed amount of medication into a syringe or dropper. Gently insert the tip of the syringe into the side of your pet’s mouth, between the cheek and teeth, and slowly squeeze the liquid in. Be sure not to squirt it in too quickly, as this could cause choking or spitting.

4. Medicated Chews and Treats

For pets that refuse pills or liquid medication, medicated chews are a great alternative. These chews are flavored to appeal to your pet, making them more likely to accept the medication willingly. Make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions on how to offer these chews and never give your pet more than the recommended dose.

If you’re unsure about the best form of medication for your pet, discuss the options with us at your next appointment.

5. Administering Eye and Ear Medications

  • Eye drops or ointment: When applying eye medications, gently hold your pet’s head still and use your thumb to pull up the upper eyelid. Apply the prescribed number of drops or a small amount of ointment to the eye, being careful not to touch the eye with the dropper or tube. Afterward, gently close your pet’s eyelid to help distribute the medication.
  • Ear drops: For ear medications, hold the ear flap upright, squeeze the medication into the ear canal, and gently massage the base of the ear to ensure the medication is distributed. Your pet may want to shake their head afterward, which is normal.

6. Stay Calm and Positive

Animals can pick up on your stress, so it’s important to stay calm when administering medication. Use a calm, soothing voice and reward your pet with treats and affection after each successful administration. By associating medication time with positive reinforcement, your pet may become more cooperative over time.

7. Create a Routine

Pets thrive on routine. Administering medication at the same time each day can help make the process more predictable for your pet. Whether it’s with their morning meal or at bedtime, establishing a routine can reduce stress for both of you.

8. Consult Your Veterinarian

If your pet is refusing medication or experiencing side effects, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can offer alternatives, such as compounding medications into flavored liquids or switching to injectable options. At Peak Pet Urgent Care, we’re always here to ensure your pet gets the right form of medication your pet needs.

For urgent questions or concerns, especially if your pet is refusing medication during a health emergency, contact us immediately via our contact page.

Conclusion

Administering medication to your pet doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the right approach and tips from the pros at Peak Pet Urgent Care, you can confidently medicate your pet and keep them healthy. For any questions or concerns about your pet’s medications, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.