When your dog is ill, or has just had surgery, your veterinarian may prescribe a liquid medication to be administered at home. Many people are intimidated by the idea of medicating their dog but you don't need to be concerned. This can be a simple and painless endeavor if you prepare ahead of time and approach the dog with calm and confidence.
Things You'll Need
- Prescribed medication
- Oral syringe
- Dog food (if the medication is required to be taken at mealtime)
- Dog treat
Instructions
Preparing Liquid Medication
Read the instructions provided by your veterinarian, including the information on the bottle and on any handouts provided. Find out whether or not the medication needs to be taken with food. Double-check the dosage. Make sure you know if the medication needs to be shaken on otherwise prepared.
Insert the oral syringe into the bottle and pull the plunger up, drawing medication into the chamber. Pull more medication than is required.
Keep the syringe in the bottle, and depress the plunger slowly, getting rid of excess medication and air until the fill line is equal to the correct dose.
Set the medication in the oral syringe aside, but within reach. Keep a treat or two nearby. Call your dog into the room in a happy, cheery voice.
Feed your dog half her normal meal if the medication requires administration with food.
Administering Liquid Medication
Wrap your non-dominant arm around the dog to brace him. For larger dogs, it may be helpful to have the dog between you and a wall for stability. If the dog is nervous, and treats are not contraindicated, offer a small treat.
Hold the syringe in your dominant hand, and grasp dog's muzzle with that hand, across the top with your thumb on one side and your fingers along the other side.
Lift the muzzle upward and squeeze the just behind the canine teeth, causing the mouth to open. Insert the syringe into the back of the dog's mouth, where there are no teeth.
Depress the plunger slowly and steadily. Keep the pace steady, but be careful not to go faster than your dog can swallow. Praise your dog in a calm but positive tone throughout.
Dispense all the medication, then remove the syringe and release the dog. Praise her and offer a small treat, or, if it is mealtime, provide the remainder of the meal.