Administering Liquid Medications to Your Dog
The easiest way to give your dog a liquid medication is to mix it with some canned food.
To ensure that the medication is swallowed, it is best to give a small amount of food that the dog is certain to eat rather than a large portion that the dog may not complete. Some dogs may be unwilling to eat the food or may have dietary restrictions that prevent you from using this technique. If this is the case, you will need to administer the medication directly into your dog’s mouth.
1) Place your dog in a safe and comfortable area where it can be easily handled. Have the medication prepared and easily accessible. It is easiest to give liquid medication if you have a second person available to help you.
2) Make sure you have carefully read the prescription label and understand the dosing instructions.
3) Gently pull your dog’s lip away from the teeth and create a “pouch” along the side of the mouth.
4) Place the tip of the syringe in the side of the mouth, just behind one of the canine teeth and advance the syringe so that it is in the mouth just past the tooth line.
5) Slowly squeeze the syringe to dispense the liquid medication. Make sure you do this slowly so the dog has time to swallow the liquid and breathe normally.
6) Most dogs will spit out some of the medication. DO NOT re-medicate unless you are certain that NONE of the medication was taken.
7) Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat or extra playtime after giving the medication. This will make the experience more positive and make it easier to give the medication the next time.
8) Rinse the dropper or syringe thoroughly with water and refrigerate the medication if necessary.
This client information sheet is based on material written by Ernest E. Ward Jr., DVM
© Copyright 2002 Lifelearn Inc. Used with permission under license. June 15, 2009.
