Administering medications to your pets can be a daunting experience for some owners. Many people fear that they are hurting or upsetting their pets’ feelings by forcing them to take medications. In our experience the following steps can make medicating animals quick and stress-free, while ensuring your pet gets its treatment. Training your pet to accept medicating by using treats is best started while your pet is as young as possible, but even older pets can be trained to accept treatment as well.

Important points to remember when giving medications:

• Read the dosage directions on the medication label.
• Always ensure you give the full course of medication as directed by your veterinarian.
• It is helpful to have someone else help hold your pet and keep them calm.
• Always praise or reward your pet after administering medication.
• If you are having difficulties, please contact us.

Tablets & Capsules:

• Place the pill between the thumb and the index finger of one hand.
• Firmly grasp the upper jaw with the thumb and index finger of the other hand, gently folding the upper lip over the teeth as you open the mouth. This will reduce the chance of being bitten.
• Rotate your wrist to tilt the head upwards, pointing the nose to the ceiling.
• Use your middle finger to slowly open the lower jaw.
• Keep your middle finger over the small incisor teeth and deposit the pill as far back on the tongue as possible. A ‘pill popper’ may assist with giving a cat a tablet.
• Close the mouth and wait for your pet to swallow before releasing the grip on the mouth.

Liquids & syrups:

• Fill the syringe or dropper with the medication.
• Firmly grasp the pet’s muzzle with one hand while holding the syringe or dropper with the other hand.
• Gently squirt the medication into the pouch between the teeth and cheek.
• Hold the jaw closed and tilt the head back slightly until they swallow

Spot-on treatments:

• Ensure you pet has not been swimming or bathed in the past 48 hours.
• Part fur at the back of the neck so that the skin is visible.
• Apply product directly on the skin, if there is too much for one area then repeat same process in multiple sites along the neck and back.