Medicating Pets

Unfortunately for pet sitters, many clients will ask you to administer medication to their pets while they are away. While most pets accept medication readily, some may prove to be difficult.

In general, medicating dogs is much easier than medicating cats. The easiest way to give dogs tablets is to hide the pill inside a small amount of food. Commonly used “treats” are canned dog food, cheese, bread, peanut butter or other similar items. If the dog refuses the “medicated treat,” gently but firmly open the dog’s mouth by placing your hand over his muzzle and your thumb and fingers behind the large canine (fang) teeth on the opposite sides of his mouth. With the other hand, separate the jaws and place the pill as far back on the center of the tongue as possible. Close the dog’s mouth and hold it shut. Stroke his throat until he has swallowed. Keep in mind that short-nosed breeds are the most difficult to pill (i.e. Pekinese, Shih Tzu, etc.) and liquid medication is always preferable for these breeds. If you must give a dog liquid medication, insert the dropper between the teeth and cheek and, while tilting the chin upward, slowly dispense the medication.

Cats rarely accept medication in food (there are exceptions!) and usually need to be “pilled” or given liquid medication. Start by wrapping the cat’s body and legs tightly in a towel, leaving only its head sticking out from the towel. Cradle the cat in one arm and place your thumb and forefinger on either side of its face. You can force the mouth open by applying gentle pressure at the space between the teeth. Remember to keep the cat’s head tilted up. “Drop” the pill into the cat’s mouth. Massage or rub the cat’s throat until he or she swallows. Liquid medication is given the same as for dogs.

In pet birds, the addition of medication to drinking water is often the only practical means of drug administration. Oral suspension, ground tablets or the contents of capsules may be applied to fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, fresh corn, cooked sweet potatoes or other items. This generally works best for larger birds such as macaws or parrots.

It’s very important to follow directions carefully and make sure you understand how the client wants you to administer the medication. If administration proves too difficult, contact the owner or the veterinarian who prescribed the medication for further instruction.

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