How to give puppy meds

JackiesZoo · 07-24-2008, 09:30 AM

Ash does not like taking his meds at all. We had a little scare a couple of nights ago which I posted here:

http://www.dogforums.com/13-dog-heal...ood-clots.html (Pooping blood clots)

He is doing better, but I was given meds to administer to him for 5 days. This morning was pure hell!

Boy can he squirm/squiggle/bite/scratch his way out of pretty much anything.

It is in liquid form which I give him out of a syringe. He wouldn't take it on the spoon and i don't know how else to give it to him other than holding him down while he yelps his little heart out...I don't like it.

Does anyone have any experience giving a dog liquid meds? If so, what methods have you used to make it easier?

TIA

harrise · 07-24-2008, 09:39 AM

The only method I've used for liquids is force. They get better after a couple of days. Just sneak up on him, and open his mouth without going for meds. Then one time, BAM! down the throat. The syringe gives you the needed momentum to get the back of the mouth. I'm constantly opening their mouths just for that reason, some day I will NEED to get in there. Just be glad it's not an eye, that was a learning experience.

Belle's mom · 07-24-2008, 03:55 PM

I usually just sit in a chair or on the couch with the meds ready. I give a treat first to get them calm then i ease the med into the corner of their mouth. I give another treat afterwards for they are better at taking thier meds. It does take a few days to get the hang of it though.

Patt · 07-24-2008, 04:01 PM

Put the syringe or eye dropper in the side of the mouth between the cheek & teeth. This link explains it better. http://www.peteducation.com/article....articleid=1071

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Lorina · 07-24-2008, 04:36 PM

When I had to give my cats liquid meds, I first put a towel around their front, like a bib that covered their front legs, and held them with one hand on the towel (keeping it taut around their front) near the back of the neck/base of the skull. With the other hand, I slid the syringe in the side of the mouth towards the back and squirted.

The towel keeps them from bolting and from reaching up and pawing/swatting/scratching/knocking the syringe out of your hand and across the room.

poodleholic · 07-25-2008, 06:16 AM

Liquid meds are easy. Gently hold his muzzle with your left hand, and place the syringe in his mouth between his inside cheek and against the teeth, then gently push the plunger of the syringe until empty, or if a lot, pause so he can swallow. His mouth does NOT need to be open, and actually, forcing it with mouth open, he can aspirate the liquid into his lungs. NOT something you want to do.

Whoops! I posted before seeing that Patt already told you the same thing!

JackiesZoo · 07-25-2008, 09:37 AM

Thx everyone for the advice.

Ash does not like for me to come near him with the syringe at all. He is a fast little doggie. Last night and this morning were better than before. I guess it just takes some time. He only has to take it for two more days thank doG.