General Care and Nursing - Administration of medicines

Pills and Capsules - if the dog is eating well, the easiest way to give a pill or capsule is to hid it in a piece of meat, cheese, or some other food he finds appetizing.

In cases where trickery doesn’t work and the pill or capsule must be force-fed, coat it with butter margarine, or honey to make it slippery. Seat the dog on a sturdy surface and till his head upward. Place the palm of one hand on top of his muzzle. Open the mouth by pressing inward behind the canine teeth with your index finger on one side and your thumb on the other. Holding the pill in your other hand, place it on the dog’s tongue toward the back of his throat and push gently downward. Close the jaws and hold them together as you stroke his throat with a downward motion. The dog should swallow; if he does not hold your thumb against his nostrils for an instant.

Liquids - Bitter – tasting liquids should be put into capsules and given as previously described. The dog can vomit at will, and thus can reject what he does not like. Milk-tasting or tasteless liquids are best poured into the mouth from a small bottle, a syringe with the needle removed, or a plastic medicine dropper. If no one is helping you, back the dog into a corner so he cannot draw away. Put your left-hand index finger in the right-hand corner of the dog’s lips, drawing out his lower lip to form a pocket. Pour the liquid slowly into the pouch. Hold fast to the lip and keep the dog’s head up until he swallows. When a large dog is handled without help; the attendant usually straddles the animal to control him with his knees, then pours the dose into the left pouch.
Tasteless powders and liquids can often be concealed by serving them with dog’s regular food or by mixing them with honey.

Eye medicine - Medication for the eyes usually comes in liquid or ointment form. To apply liquid, tilt the dog’s head upward. Hold the container between your thumb and index finger, steadying the palm of this hand on the dog’s head. The prescribed amount of medication can then be dropped into corner of the eye(s). to apply ointment, lift the dog’s head upward. Pull his lower lid downward and squeeze a little ointment on the inside. Let the lid go back into place and, as the dog blinks his eyelids, the medication will coat the entire eye.

Ear medication – This also comes in liquid or ointment form. Hold the ear flap carefully ( if the dog’s ear hangs down, draw the flap back, close to the head). Insert the required amount of liquid or ointment into the ear canal. Steady the dog’s head with your hand to keep him shaking while you massage the base of the ear to spread the medication inside. Release your hold on the head.

Hypodermic injections - While it is unusual for a pet owner to give medication by injection, in the case of diabetes, for instance, you might be required to give insulin to your dog subcutaneously at home. A subcutaneous injection is one that is given under the skin, and when it is necessary, the procedure must be done under the supervision and instruction of your veterinarian. He will demonstrate the necessary procedures involved so that you become familiar with the correct techniques. Injections that are given incorrectly can seriously harm a dog.