Giving Tablets - Tips
For some pet owners, this can be one of the most difficult parts of caring for your pet.
But it is very important. The following links give clear guidelines on techniques
to give tablets to dogs and cats.
You may also find the following tips to be valuable:
- Read all directions on the label and always follow your vet's dosing instructions for
any medication. Give the entire course unless we've advised you otherwise.
- With over-the-counter medications, it's important to weigh your pet accurately to
ensure the correct dosage.
- For cats and small dogs, using a pill-popper can make things easier. This device
looks like a syringe and is used to push the tablets over the back of the tongue.
- Unless the medication needs to be given on an empty stomach, you can try mixing the
medicine with food. Use strong-smelling and tasty food to try to disguise the presence of
the medicine. Some tablets can be crushed into powder. Some capsules can be opened and
mixed with food, but check with your vet first. Small tablets can be disguised within a
piece of food or a treat, such as cheese or meat. Some pets will eat tablets coated in
butter, honey, peanut butter or Vegemite.
- Try Waltham Tab Pockets - a highly palatable, mouldable chew that aids in the
administration of tablets via an indentation in which the tablet is inserted.
- If you are still having difficulty giving tablets, ask us about alternatives. Many
medications (including many wormers, antibiotics and pain relievers) are available as
flavoured tablets, liquids or pastes. These might be a bit more expensive, but can make
the difference between treatment success and failure. Make sure you keep these securely
out of reach of your pets and children.
- Some products such as wormers and flea control can be replaced with spot-on
liquids (eg. Revolution) or injections (yearly heartworm injections for dogs).
Ask us for advice.
- While it's easier to medicate your cat with a helper, you can learn to do it
yourself.
- Don't be scared to push the tablet right over the back of the tongue. By doing this,
your pet has no choice but to swallow it. If you don't, the tablet may start to dissolve,
and your pet will drool and spit it out. You'll have a battle on your hands trying to get
it in again!
- Remember the faster the process, the less stress to your pet, and the less he has
time to struggle.
- If you have trouble following these instructions, ask us to show you how. We can also
dose your pet with worm tablets that you buy from us.
For an alternate way to give cats tablets, click on this
link - just for laughs!