The responsibility that comes with being a pet owner can include having to dispense medication to, or force feed, an ill animal. Syringes are available in various sizes to make the task a little easier when dealing with both large and small animals.
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Types
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Feeding syringes used on animals are made from a clear plastic and operate in a plunger-like fashion. They come in various sizes, widths and measurements.
Function
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Feeding syringes help to ensure that proper nutrition is being delivered to animals in critical situations, like an orphaned baby bird or a guinea pig recovering from dental surgery.
Considerations
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When using a syringe to dispense food, it&'s important to make sure it is size-appropriate for the animal or it may cause gagging and general discomfort.
Expert Insight
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According to the "Journal of Zoo Animal Medicine," proper restraint and accurate weight monitoring are critical to the success of force-feeding programs.
Warning
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The syringe should be placed in the animal&'s mouth behind the incisor teeth and aimed at the opposite side of the mouth. Plunging food directly down the throat is dangerous.
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