You may feel that medicating your pet is a wrestling match that results in scratches, your pet scampering off, and your exhaustion. Difficulties medicating pets is a common pet owner complaint, but pets often need medications to treat their pain, infection, and chronic health conditions. Whether you’re administering pills, applying topical treatments, or giving injections, ensuring your furry friend gets the correct dose of medication with minimal distress is essential. Therefore, our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team explains the best approach and techniques to make the process safer and more effective.

1: Talk to our veterinary team

Many pets are pill-resistant or refuse oral drugs, so before giving up, speak to our Oriole Road Animal Hospital veterinarian. We will explain the correct way to administer the drug, the proper dosages, and other methods. You should also let us know if your pet is reluctant to take certain types of medication—for example, they will accept liquids but refuse capsules or pills. We can accommodate you, when possible, and change the medication to a form acceptable to your pet.

Before administering any medication to your pet, it’s crucial that you understand what it’s for, how it should be given, and any potential side effects. We will provide detailed instructions on dosage, frequency, and administration methods.

2: Stay calm and reassure your pet

Pets can sense your anxiety, so you must remain calm and composed during the medication process. Speak to your pet soothingly, offer plenty of praise, and assure them that they have nothing to fear. Soft music or a calming pheromone spray can help create a serene atmosphere for your furry friend. 

3: Choose techniques based on your pet’s medication

Different medication forms require varied techniques for successful administration. Medication types include:

  • Oral medications — Pills, capsules, or liquids that are taken orally are the most common pet medication forms. To make the process easier, you can try hiding pills and tablets in your pet’s food or pill pockets, which are special treats designed to conceal medication. Always check with our veterinary team whether the medication should be taken with or without food. Liquid medications can be dispensed with a syringe or dropper, aiming for the inside of the cheek, toward the back, to avoid choking. 
  • Topical treatments — Topical medications, such as ointments or creams, are applied directly to the skin or affected area. Use disposable gloves to avoid contacting the medication. When applying topical treatments, follow our team’s instructions regarding dosage and frequency, and wait for the medication to dry before letting your pet wander away. They may need monitoring, so they don’t lick the medicated area.
  • Injections — Some medications, such as insulin or allergy shots, need administration via injection. Our veterinary team can teach you proper techniques if you’re uncomfortable giving injections. Always use sterile needles that you dispose of properly.

4: Use positive reinforcement to encourage your pet

Positive reinforcement techniques involve rewarding your pet with treats, favorite activities, and praise when they cooperate. These are the same techniques used widely for obedience training, but the same principles will work with tasks such as medication administration. Over time, your four-legged friend will associate the task with a wonderful reward, and the process will be smoother the next time they need their meds. 

5: Administering pet medication: Practice makes perfect

As with any new experience, your pet will need time to adjust. Routine is essential for pets, and you can minimize their stress by adhering to a daily schedule. Medication timing is crucial for its efficacy, so maintain the correct timing each day you medicate your pet. Eventually, your furry pal will consider medication time another part of their daily routine.

Medicating your pet is often challenging. Still, with patience, practice, and proper techniques, you can ensure your furry friend receives the medication they need for their health and well-being. Always consult our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team if you have questions or concerns about your pet’s medication regimen.