Stress-Free Ways to Give Medication to Your Dog or Cat

If you’ve ever had to give medication to your pet, you’ll know more often than not it can feel like a challenge. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, especially if you have a cat or dog who just isn’t interested in cooperating. Wriggling away, spitting out pills, or clenching their teeth together, they’ll usually find a way to avoid it. However, it isn’t impossible, and as it is important for their health if prescribed medication, you’ll want to find an easy solution. 

With a few clever tricks up your sleeve and a calm approach, you can avoid the daily struggle with medication, creating a routine that works for both of you which will make all the difference. Below, we’ll explore some stress-free tips and solutions that you’ll hopefully find helpful, as well as what to do if you are still struggling.

Why Being Prepared Matters When It Comes to Medication 

There can be many reasons for needing to give your dog or cat medication, from something unexpected to managing a long-term condition. When they need it, your vet will provide guidance on what to do, but once at home, it may not be as straightforward as you first thought. You’ll know your pet better than anyone, so if you already know from experience that they may not cooperate, tell your vet – chances are, the problems you may have will be quite common, so they’ll be able to provide some further tips too.

As with any trips to the vet, being financially prepared is also important so that you can cover the costs of medication, treatment, and any other routine procedures. These costs can quickly add up over the course of a year, and that’s before adding in anything that happens out of the blue. Having a comprehensive pet insurance policy from Petgevity will cover unexpected accidents or illnesses, so that you can visit the vet with confidence that anything like this can be covered and they’ll get the treatment they need.

Knowing you’re insured gives you the freedom to focus on helping your pet feel better, rather than worrying about vet fees. It’s a simple step that can make the situation far less stressful for both of you.

Know Your Pet – Understand What Works for Them 

Your pet is unique, and while you may have a popular breed of cat or dog, it will have its own personality and little quirks that you’ll know well. This can work to your advantage when it comes to giving medication. Does your dog love a particular type of treat? Do they respond well to certain commands you’ve taught them? You want to find what works for you and them. 

Remember, you don’t want to force the situation, so the following tips may not work first time. With practice and finding adjustments that work for your furry friend, you’ll work out the best approach. Some pets are food-driven and will happily take pills hidden in a treat, while others will be more cautious and may quickly work out what you’re trying to do.

Find a time when your pet is most relaxed, such as after a walk or during downtime in the home when there isn’t lots of noise and distractions. If you notice your cat or dog is not particularly in the mood, then try again later, but make a note of when you do. As per the Blue Cross, if you miss a dose of antibiotics or it’s nearly time for their next dose, never double up for a missed dose. It’s best to speak to your vet if you are concerned about the routine of giving medication.

Helping Your Dog Take Medication 

It’s probably no surprise to dog owners that their pooch is generally more food-motivated than a cat. This will work to your advantage and is why many owners may find success with disguising medication in food. As per the Dogs Trust, it can be best to try this first as it means you won’t have to handle your dog’s mouth if you or they are uncomfortable with doing so, meaning you can prepare their food in a bowl along with their medication.

Another method away from their regular meal is to try hiding pill medication in your dog’s favourite treats – try foods you know are a winner with them like peanut butter, cheese or sausage that can easily have the pill disguised. Just be sure to check the food you use is dog-friendly first. You may be able to crush certain pills into powder that will make it easier to hide in their normal meals, but check with your vet first before doing so. Some pills should be given to your dog whole.

If it is medication in liquid form, this can be easier than giving them a pill. You can gently squirt it into the side of their mouth using the provided syringe and then follow up with a treat. You may also be able to put this into their normal meal too, but ask your vet first to ensure it is still effective. Positive reinforcement can be key here as your dog will associate having the medication with a reward, helping to build trust which will make doing so easier each time.

Top Techniques For Cat Owners

Depending on your cat’s personality, it can be trickier than with a dog to find the best way to give them medication. They can be stubborn at the best of times, so here’s what you can try to see what works for you.

For tablets, you may find strong-smelling foods like tuna can help disguise the taste, according to the Cats Protection. This is because cats are very sensitive to smells, so something strong will hide the smell of the tablet much better. Just like with dogs, you can try crushing pills (if your vet confirms this is ok to do) and put them into their meals – just make sure they finish their whole meal rather than eating half and walking away! 

If you are not feeling confident with handling your cat’s mouth, you can ask your vet about using liquid forms of the medication which you can use a syringe with, or even look at using a vet-approved pill popper tool which will help you place the tablet safely into the back of their mouth without using your fingers.

If your cat is particularly feisty and just doesn’t like to be held still, you may want to try wrapping them gently in a towel. You’ll be able to hold them comfortably and avoid any scratches.

Building a Routine Will Help To Reduce Stress 

If it is the first time your pet is having to experience a different type of medication, getting into a routine as quickly as possible that stays consistent will help to keep the situation calm and, hopefully, less stressful for both of you. Doing so around their regular mealtimes is usually a great way to do this, another reason why hiding it in food can work well.

Picking a quiet relaxed moment may be better for your dog or cat, so if mealtimes are just too hectic or noisy, wait until everything is calm. This will help them stay still and more relaxed whether it’s a pill, liquid, or ear drop medication (another your pet may not enjoy experiencing). 

A topical treatment like a cream or ointment can be best to do during their routine brushing or when checking their coat over in general. If injections are needed at home, your vet will have shown you the best technique for this. Be sure to have someone to help hold your cat or dog whilst you do so as it may prove difficult to do alone. 

Patience, Practice and Peace of Mind 

The most important thing is to not overthink giving your pet medicine and stay positive! Your cat or dog will pick up on any little signs you may feel stressed, so stay calm and they will follow your lead.

Once you’ve done so successfully the first time, you’ll see there’s nothing to worry about. If you do have any concerns, do mention this to your vet and they will look to help you by offering further advice. It may take some trial and error, but that’s okay – your pet will thank you in the long term, so stick with it and good luck!

.Cent Magazine london.Stress-Free Ways to Give Medication to Your Dog or Cat

If you’ve ever had to give medication to your pet, you’ll know more often than not it can feel like a challenge. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, especially if you have a cat or dog who just isn’t interested in cooperating. Wriggling away, spitting out pills, or clenching their teeth together, they’ll usually find a way to avoid it. However, it isn’t impossible, and as it is important for their health if prescribed medication, you’ll want to find an easy solution. 

With a few clever tricks up your sleeve and a calm approach, you can avoid the daily struggle with medication, creating a routine that works for both of you which will make all the difference. Below, we’ll explore some stress-free tips and solutions that you’ll hopefully find helpful, as well as what to do if you are still struggling.

Why Being Prepared Matters When It Comes to Medication 

There can be many reasons for needing to give your dog or cat medication, from something unexpected to managing a long-term condition. When they need it, your vet will provide guidance on what to do, but once at home, it may not be as straightforward as you first thought. You’ll know your pet better than anyone, so if you already know from experience that they may not cooperate, tell your vet – chances are, the problems you may have will be quite common, so they’ll be able to provide some further tips too.

As with any trips to the vet, being financially prepared is also important so that you can cover the costs of medication, treatment, and any other routine procedures. These costs can quickly add up over the course of a year, and that’s before adding in anything that happens out of the blue. Having a comprehensive pet insurance policy from Petgevity will cover unexpected accidents or illnesses, so that you can visit the vet with confidence that anything like this can be covered and they’ll get the treatment they need.

Knowing you’re insured gives you the freedom to focus on helping your pet feel better, rather than worrying about vet fees. It’s a simple step that can make the situation far less stressful for both of you.

Know Your Pet – Understand What Works for Them 

Your pet is unique, and while you may have a popular breed of cat or dog, it will have its own personality and little quirks that you’ll know well. This can work to your advantage when it comes to giving medication. Does your dog love a particular type of treat? Do they respond well to certain commands you’ve taught them? You want to find what works for you and them. 

Remember, you don’t want to force the situation, so the following tips may not work first time. With practice and finding adjustments that work for your furry friend, you’ll work out the best approach. Some pets are food-driven and will happily take pills hidden in a treat, while others will be more cautious and may quickly work out what you’re trying to do.

Find a time when your pet is most relaxed, such as after a walk or during downtime in the home when there isn’t lots of noise and distractions. If you notice your cat or dog is not particularly in the mood, then try again later, but make a note of when you do. As per the Blue Cross, if you miss a dose of antibiotics or it’s nearly time for their next dose, never double up for a missed dose. It’s best to speak to your vet if you are concerned about the routine of giving medication.

Helping Your Dog Take Medication 

It’s probably no surprise to dog owners that their pooch is generally more food-motivated than a cat. This will work to your advantage and is why many owners may find success with disguising medication in food. As per the Dogs Trust, it can be best to try this first as it means you won’t have to handle your dog’s mouth if you or they are uncomfortable with doing so, meaning you can prepare their food in a bowl along with their medication.

Another method away from their regular meal is to try hiding pill medication in your dog’s favourite treats – try foods you know are a winner with them like peanut butter, cheese or sausage that can easily have the pill disguised. Just be sure to check the food you use is dog-friendly first. You may be able to crush certain pills into powder that will make it easier to hide in their normal meals, but check with your vet first before doing so. Some pills should be given to your dog whole.

If it is medication in liquid form, this can be easier than giving them a pill. You can gently squirt it into the side of their mouth using the provided syringe and then follow up with a treat. You may also be able to put this into their normal meal too, but ask your vet first to ensure it is still effective. Positive reinforcement can be key here as your dog will associate having the medication with a reward, helping to build trust which will make doing so easier each time.

Top Techniques For Cat Owners

Depending on your cat’s personality, it can be trickier than with a dog to find the best way to give them medication. They can be stubborn at the best of times, so here’s what you can try to see what works for you.

For tablets, you may find strong-smelling foods like tuna can help disguise the taste, according to the Cats Protection. This is because cats are very sensitive to smells, so something strong will hide the smell of the tablet much better. Just like with dogs, you can try crushing pills (if your vet confirms this is ok to do) and put them into their meals – just make sure they finish their whole meal rather than eating half and walking away! 

If you are not feeling confident with handling your cat’s mouth, you can ask your vet about using liquid forms of the medication which you can use a syringe with, or even look at using a vet-approved pill popper tool which will help you place the tablet safely into the back of their mouth without using your fingers.

If your cat is particularly feisty and just doesn’t like to be held still, you may want to try wrapping them gently in a towel. You’ll be able to hold them comfortably and avoid any scratches.

Building a Routine Will Help To Reduce Stress 

If it is the first time your pet is having to experience a different type of medication, getting into a routine as quickly as possible that stays consistent will help to keep the situation calm and, hopefully, less stressful for both of you. Doing so around their regular mealtimes is usually a great way to do this, another reason why hiding it in food can work well.

Picking a quiet relaxed moment may be better for your dog or cat, so if mealtimes are just too hectic or noisy, wait until everything is calm. This will help them stay still and more relaxed whether it’s a pill, liquid, or ear drop medication (another your pet may not enjoy experiencing). 

A topical treatment like a cream or ointment can be best to do during their routine brushing or when checking their coat over in general. If injections are needed at home, your vet will have shown you the best technique for this. Be sure to have someone to help hold your cat or dog whilst you do so as it may prove difficult to do alone. 

Patience, Practice and Peace of Mind 

The most important thing is to not overthink giving your pet medicine and stay positive! Your cat or dog will pick up on any little signs you may feel stressed, so stay calm and they will follow your lead.

Once you’ve done so successfully the first time, you’ll see there’s nothing to worry about. If you do have any concerns, do mention this to your vet and they will look to help you by offering further advice. It may take some trial and error, but that’s okay – your pet will thank you in the long term, so stick with it and good luck!

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