If you are not afraid of your dog biting you (some dogs are just too defensive), tilt his head back, and gently open his mouth. Now, all you have to do is place the medicine on the back of his tongue and massage your dog's throat to help him swallow it.
Quickly place the medication as far back in the mouth as possible. Preferably on the back of the tongue. Do not place your hand too far into the mouth, however, as this may cause your dog to choke and gag. Gently lower your dog's head and keep his mouth closed by wrapping your fingers around his muzzle.
Holding your dog's head still with one hand, insert the tip of the dropper or syringe into a corner of the mouth, between the cheek and the teeth, aiming toward the back of your dog's head. Do not tilt your dog's head back; this may cause him or her to inhale the medicine. Squeeze the dropper or syringe to empty it.
The easiest way to give your dog a liquid medication is to mix it with some canned food. To ensure that the medication is actually taken, 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.
Place the liquid filled syringe into the side of the mouth, jus past the lower teeth. Slowly squirt small amount into the mouth, pausing between squirts to allow your dog to swallow the medication without gagging or choking. Give your dog plenty of praise, always using your happy voice, and possible give him a treat.
Take the syringe, with the correct dosage, and place it inside that pocket, just behind a canine tooth. Angle the syringe past the tooth line, toward the throat, so the medicine hits the back of the tongue. Squeeze the syringe slowly to dispense the liquid. Going slowly gives your dog time to swallow and breathe.
The American Heartworm Society recommends that puppies and kittens be started on a heartworm preventive as early as the product label allows, and no later than 8 weeks of age.
If the medicine is too big to be hidden in your dog's food, a pill dropper is the perfect solution. Simply make your dog sit down, and just like you would do with your hand, tilt your best friend's head, use the pill dropper to drop the medicine right on the back of his tongue, and massage to help him swallow.
If your pet has been prescribed a powder or liquid, try mixing it with some peanut butter and spread it on his paws. This works for two reasons—dogs don't like anything on their paws and dogs love peanut butter. Your dog will lick the peanut butter off his paws, and he'll get his dose of medicine at the same time.
Gently press the pup's lips against it teeth to encourage it to open its mouth. Or, slip one finger inside its mouth and gently press the roof of its mouth and the dog will open wide. Then use your other hand to push the pill to the back of its tongue, quickly close its mouth, and stroke its throat until it swallows.
Yes, there are a few human medicines that pets can take, but it's not that simple. While some human drugs can be given to pets on a regular basis, others can be very toxic. Always get specific pet medicine instructions from your veterinarian.
While some human drugs can be given to pets on a regular basis, others can be very toxic. Always get specific pet medicine instructions from your veterinarian. Do not attempt to extrapolate and estimate dosing from humans to pets; ask your vet for the right dose.
When should you begin to treat your dog? If you're set on not providing your dog with year-round flea protection, we recommend you begin treatment on your dog a few months before the peak flea season for your area.