Pets of the Month

Hold the filled syringe in one hand and use your free hand to lift the animal’s upper lip on the side of the mouth.

Insert the syringe and slowly squeeze the liquid into their mouth, pausing often to give them time to swallow the medicine, and avoid spitting it out.

Do NOT squirt all the medicine in one thrust. Too much at one time may cause your pet to aspirate the liquid and choking or damage to lungs could occur.

Eye and Ear Medications

Eye medications are in liquid or ointment form. Again, sitting behind your pet provides the easiest access to their face and prevents escape.

While holding the eye medication in your dominant hand, use the thumb and index finger of the other hand to separate your pet’s eyelid.

Holding the bottle or tube within 1-2 inches of their eye, quickly squeeze the required dosage into it. Do NOT touch the eye with the applicator.

If the medicine gets onto only the tips of the pet’s eyelids, shift more of the dosage into the eye by gently massage around eyelids.

Giving ear medicine is similar. While seated behind your pet, hold their head in place and squeeze the medicine into the ear canal and massage the base of the ear externally or with the ear flap folded over.

Seek Help if Needed

Giving your pet necessary medication is critical. Never avoid giving it if it becomes too difficult for you to do alone. Ask your veterinarian for help. An alternative medicine in a more appealing flavor may be available. They may also be able to suggest pet sitters who can come to your home to medicate. Boarding at the veterinarian’s office may also be an option. Additionally, there are some medications that come in long-lasting shots that the vet can administer.

Don’t force medicine into your pet. Some slight resistance is to be expected, but if your pet fights back, don’t risk injury to him or to yourself. Wait about 30 minutes between attempts to avoid more anxiety.

And always follow up with praise, gentle stroking, and a tasty treat! After all, a trusting, compassionate relationship with your pet will go further than any trick to securing a successful outcome.

Sources: www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/putting-thetreat-into-treatment-getting-medicine-into-petseffectively-but-kindly

www.petmd.com/dog/care/how-give-your-pet-pill

thefrugalchicken.com/giving-medication-to-apet/

About the Author: A volunteer at King Street Cats, Carolyn Cockroft lives with her cats, Marigold and Butterbean, who instruct Carolyn on the proper etiquette of feeding, nail trimming, and dispensing treats.

PETS

OF THE MONTH

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

Louie

If good things come to those who wait, then 11-year-old Louie deserves all the best! This American foxhound mix has the patience of a “Zen Master” and is ready to wait as long as it takes to find his perfect Best Friend. Louie’s hobbies include leisurely strolls with his nose to the ground, cuddling with his friends and the occasional bouts of zoomies. Louie is currently enjoying a stay with one of the AWLA’s amazing foster families, and his adoption fee has been paid by a generous donor, so schedule time to meet him by emailing Adopt@AlexandriaAnimals.org.

Serena

Serena is ready to sing her siren song, straight into your heart! At 9 years old, this sweet terrier mix is all about her human friends, and she loves to shower them with puppy kisses and wiggly snuggles. She’s also an energetic gal who loves to show off her excellent walking skills and sprint with her favorite toys around the yard. Serena’s adoption fees have already been paid by a generous donor, so learn more about meeting Serena by emailing Adopt@ AlexandriaAnimals.org.

Chance

How does 4-year-old Chance stay cool during the dog days of summer? By showing off his “chillest” self, of course. This red and fawn terrier mix loves a good run around the yard, but when the weather’s hot, he’s just as happy to cuddle with his friends in the comfy A/C. Chance is recognizable by his trademark goofy grin and his wiggly