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How To Give A Dog Medicines
The simplest and most common way
of administering medicine to the dog
is by mouth. The pet owner will be called upon to perform this task at
some time or other, so it is advisable that he master the basic
technique at the earliest opportunity.
In giving a dog a pill, the animal is first placed in a sitting
position. The left hand is then put over the bridge of the animal's
nose, and with the thumb from one side and the fingers from the other,
gentle pressure is applied to the animal's cheeks so that they press
against the teeth of its upper jaw. The pill is held between the thumb
and forefinger of the right hand. While the pressure of the cheeks
against the teeth is maintained with the left hand, the dog's mouth is
gently forced open with the middle finger of the right hand.
Ordinarily the dog will not attempt to close its mouth because it
would be biting down against its own cheeks. The pill is then quickly
thrust far into the mouth onto the roof of the tongue. The dog will
then swallow the pill by reflex action. This can be encouraged by
tickling the throat region from the outside, with the thumb and the
forefinger, after the mouth is closed.
It is best to administer liquid medicines in a small glass vial or
bottle. With the animal in the sitting position, the open end of the
vial is placed in the pouch of loose skin between the animal's teeth
and the corner of its lips (buccal pouch). The medicine is given
slowly, and the speed of administration should be gauged by the
rapidity with which the animal swallows. Care should be taken not to
have the dog's head raised
too high. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate these simple
procedures.
In addition to giving oral medication, the veterinarian may administer
medicines by way of the rectum; on, into, or under the skin; into the
nose directly or by inhalation; into muscles, the trachea, veins,
joints, and the spine; and on mucous membranes.
How to
Give a Dog a Pill
How to
Give a Dog a Liquid Medicine
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