Instructions
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Your veterinarian has prescribed liquid medication for your dog. Here’s how you give it to them. Start by reviewing the medication instructions on the label and gently shake the bottle as indicated. Draw up the liquid into a syringe or dropper according to the dosing instructions. If the medication was refrigerated, you may want to hold the syringe or roll it in your hands for 1 to 2 minutes to warm it up.
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There are different ways to position your dog when giving them liquid medication, and there is no right way to do this, only the way that works best for you and your dog if you have a larger dog. Try having them sit with their rear end in the corner of a room, which will deter them from backing away from you.
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Straddling them can also work for smaller dogs. You can have them sit on your lap or beside you in a chair. In all cases, a second person may be helpful. Now it’s time to give the medication. Start by seeing if your dog likes the taste. If they do lick, lick the medication from the tip of the syringe as you slowly depress the plunger.
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If your dog isn’t interested, try to coax them by coating the syringe with something tasty like spray cheese, which will encourage your dog to lick at the syringe. For larger dogs or those with longer noses. Hold the syringe or dropper with your dominant hand. Gently place your other hand over their head and hold their muzzle. Direct the syringe into their cheek pocket outside their teeth.
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For small dogs or those with short noses. Again, hold the syringe in your dominant hand and then control their head with your other hand. Place the tip of the syringe in their mouth just behind a canine tooth or fang teeth, and angle it slightly to the side. This ensures the medication is deposited on their tongue and not into the back of their throat, as this can cause your dog to inhale the liquid into their lungs.
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In both cases, squeeze the syringe to dispense the liquid medication. Make sure your dog has time to swallow the liquid and breathe. Reward your dog with massage or treats. And finally, rinse the dropper or syringe thoroughly with water and refrigerate. The remaining medication is directed. Here’s a few extra pieces of advice. Many dogs spit out some of the medication.
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Do not re-medicate unless you’re certain that none of the medication was swallowed. Mixing the medication with your dog’s food may be an option, but some dogs won’t eat if they suspect their food has been medicated. And finally, take it as slow as you need to give yourself and your dog time to work through the process. Here are the key things to remember when giving liquid medication.
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Find a position that’s comfortable for both you and your dog. Steady your dog’s head so that the syringe can be placed in a good position, and praise your dog when it’s open. Giving liquid medication may not go as planned the first time, or even the 10th time. But as a pet owner, you do the best you can because your dog is worth it.
