The simplest and most common way of administering medicine to the dog is by mouth. The pet owner will be called upon to perform this task at some time or other, so it is advisable that he master the basic technique at the earliest opportunity.
In giving a dog a pill, the animal is first placed in a sitting position. The left hand is then put over the bridge of the animal’s nose, and with the thumb from one side and the fingers from the other, gentle pressure is applied to the animal’s cheeks so that they press against the teeth of its upper jaw. The pill is held between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand. While the pressure of the cheeks against the teeth is maintained with the left hand, the dog’s mouth is gently forced open with the middle finger of the right hand. Ordinarily the dog will not attempt to close its mouth because it would be biting down against its own cheeks. The pill is then quickly thrust far into the mouth onto the roof of the tongue. The dog will then swallow the pill by reflex action. This can be encouraged by tickling the throat region from the outside, with the thumb and the forefinger, after the mouth is closed.
It is best to administer liquid medicines in a small glass vial or bottle. With the animal in the sitting position, the open end of the vial is placed in the pouch of loose skin between the animal’s teeth and the corner of its lips (buccal pouch). The medicine is given slowly, and the speed of administration should be gauged by the rapidity with which the animal swallows. Care should be taken not to have the dog’s head raised too high. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate these simple procedures.
In addition to giving oral medication, the veterinarian may administer medicines by way of the rectum; on, into, or under the skin; into the nose directly or by inhalation; into muscles, the trachea, veins, joints, and the spine; and on mucous membranes.
