How to Administer Liquid Oral Medications to Pets

Here's How:

1. Read administration instructions, if shaking the medication is required before administering, shake thoroughly.
2. Aspirate the proper dosage amount up into the dropper.
3. Have a small treat or some canned food nearby. Make sure that the medication can be given with food.
4. Talk to your pet, encouraging and praising him/her as you get into position. If your pet is nervous or unwilling, practice this step a few times at random, without giving the medication each time, to help ease fears.
5. Wrap your non-dominant arm around the back of the pet's neck, grasping the underside of the jaw with thumb and fingers for stabilization.
6. Tilt the nose up, at about a 45 degree angle.
7. Gently slide the nose of the dropper between the lips at the corner of the mouth, to the back of the cheek. You don't need to open the mouth.
8. Administer the medication slowly -- too quick, and the animal may gag and cough the medicine out.
9. As the medication hits the back of the throat, the animal will swallow.
10. Continue the liquid administration slowly and at a constant rate. The pet should 'drink' it down without too much fuss.
11. Uncooperative pets may need to be wrapped in a towel or blanket prior to medication administration.
12. Once all of the medication has been given, release and stroke your pet for a few minutes while observing to make sure that there isn't any drooling or regurgitation of the medication.

Tips:

1. Some vets and pharmacies specialize in making medications tasty to pets. If you are having difficulty with medication administration, ask if this would be a possibility for your pet.
2. Praise and reward the pet after the medication is administered, so the experience will be as positive as possible. Give the treat without the medication now and then, too.
3. Stand behind your pet, using your body to prevent the pet from wriggling free backwards through your arms.