Administering Medicine

It is foolish to force medicine down a dog's throat if he can be 'tricked" into taking it naturally, without even being aware that he is doing so. Even when force is necessary there is no need for opening a dog's teeth when liquid is to be given, for if poured into the patient's cheek it will drain through the teeth. When a dog refuses to swallow whatever is placed in his mouth - as he is liable to do - all that is necessary is to hold his head up and close his nostrils and jaws for a couple of seconds.

Giving pills to some dogs is a more difficult matter. Hold the dog's head well up, open mouth with your left hand, and place the pill well down his throat on the base of the tongue, quickly close his jaws for a second and slightly chuck your hand or finger agaist his throat and he is bound to make a gulp and swallow it. Some dogs are very cute and will keep the pill inside or on one side and when you are not looking will quickly spit it out, so watch them for a minute or so to be sure the pill has gone down. Pills can also be given hid in a piece of meat (providing the dog is not so sick that he has refused food), but if you give them pills this way, fool the dog by giving him first a few pieces of meat one at a time, having your prepared piece handy when he will not suspect and will take it, following it up with a few more pieces of meat.

A great many dogs will take - when not too sick - castor oil, cod liver oil, syrup of phosphates, and many powders even, in a little savory broth or porridge. When powders are refused in food, mix them in a little butter, honey or syrup, and place well back on the tongue. With large and powerful dogs the mouth can be held open by twisting a towel around the upper jaw, and an assistant is generally necessary except with small toy dogs, which can be held tightly between the knees while giving the medicine. As soon as the medicine is placed on the tongue, close the mouth and hold it shut till dog is seen to swallow, but must not be held so as to interfere with his breathing through the nostrils. The best way to give liquid medicine is to gently raise the dog's head and form a pouch or pocket by drawing outwards -and slightly upwards the lower lip at the corner of the mouth, and gradually pouring into the funnel thus formed.

Gelatine capsuls are very handy in administering powders. If the dose is bulky it is better to divide it up among several small capsules than it is to try to inclose it in a single large one. Powders are also administered by mixing with butter, syrup or glycerine.

Injections

Use a rubber syringe, never a glass one, as they are dangerous. A bulb syringe with a flexible tube two or three inches long I find the best, as you can so handily hold the bulb in your hand and work it quickly when ready before the dog can get out of position. The regular fountain syringe is also very good. For injection in the ear there is a regular ear syringe made.

Following was published in Field and Fanoy, and is very good: