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P.O. Box 669
Funkstown, Maryland 21734
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Giving Pets Medication

Joanne M. Bicknese, DVM, ELS, Global Veterinary Medical Director, Pharmacia Animal Health

It's rarely fun, but sooner or later you're going to have to do it. You come home from the veterinary clinic with medication, and now it's up to you! The good news is that almost all treatments can be given at home, once you learn how. The following tips may help you ensure your animal is medicated properly.

	Appoint one person in the household to be the medicine-giver. This will help to ensure that the pet isn't given an accidental overdose of medicine due to more than one person giving the medication and duplicating efforts.
	Use a calendar or a weekly/daily pill dispenser to keep track of when medicines are given.
	If you observe any abnormalities other than the problem your pet is being treated for, call your veterinarian.
	Make sure all medications are taken for the prescribed number of days even when your pet appears to be doing better.

Giving a Pet a Pill

When your veterinarian has prescribed a medicine in pill form, an extra pair of hands may make it easier to give to your pet. One person can restrain and comfort your dog or cat, while the other treats the pet. Several methods can be used to make sure your pet gets the medication it needs. Try different approaches to see which works best. Here are several suggestions:

	Gently open your dog or cat's mouth by placing your hand across the mouth and pressing your forefinger and thumb against the jaws, behind the canine teeth. Place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible, then hold the jaws closed while you gently stroke the throat, using a downward motion to encourage swallowing.
	Hide the pill (for dogs) inside a piece of cheese or rolled inside a piece of soft bread.
	Crush the pill and add it to food. Remember, with this method, there is always a danger that the full dose may not be taken. Use a small amount of food and try to ensure that all of the food is eaten.

Giving Liquid Medication

For liquid medication, make sure your veterinarian gives you an eyedropper, or some other type of delivery device. Begin the process by picking up the dropper in one hand. Using your other hand, gently grasp your pet's muzzle from above. Hold the head level. Place the tip of the eyedropper in the corner of your pet's mouth while gently holding his muzzle. Administer the medication in small amounts, with a slight pause between each portion. Hold your pet's mouth closed and his head level until you feel him swallow the medication. Always praise your dog or cat following any treatment. This helps them associate the activity with good things. Praising should help make the next session run even more smoothly. If you have difficulty medicating your dog or cat, have your veterinarian explain the process.

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