We dog and cat lovers know the frustration and challenge associated with giving our dogs and cats medicine. If we're lucky enough to have a medicine in liquid form, such as an herbal extract, giving it to your cat or dog is relatively painless. On the other hand, if the medicine is in pill form, we may have to overcome a degree of opposition.
Before trying to aggressively coerce our cat or dog to swallow a pill - or cunningly hiding the pill inside food - let's take a look at how veterinarians give pills to their charges. Using a few simple strategies practised by some medical professionals will make the activity much easier for us and less stressful for the cat or dog.
* Step 1. Relax the cat or dog by playing with it in your usual fashion. Use a toy if your cat or dog is accustomed to one. Don't exhaust your dog or cat; just play with the animal until his or her mood improves.
* Step 2. Position yourself so you are at a similar physical level as the pet. If your cat or dog is relatively large, kneel down beside the pet while he or she is sitting. If, on the other hand, your pet is small, pick the animal up and situate him or her on a grooming table or countertop.
* Step 3. Place a single hand over the dog or cat's muzzle (the area right between the pet's eyes and nose) while retaining the pill in the other hand. Don't let the pet see the pill or it might demonstrate anxiety that could prevent successful administration.
* Step 4. Delicately open the animal's mouth using the hand that is holding the pill. Place the pill on the rear of the tongue and close your pet's mouth.
* Step 5. Hold the dog or cat's mouth shut at the same time as you gently blow on the tip of his or her nose. Doing this will lead the animal to swallow on reflex before he has an opportunity to spit the pill out.
* Step 6. Give your dog or cat a treat as soon as the pet swallows the pill to ensure that it is not lodged in his or her throat or stowed in one side of his or her mouth.
* Step 7. End the procedure with play and praise to nurture better cooperation in future attempts. Wait at least ten minutes before trying to give any futher pills.
Tips:
Praise your cat or dog at each stage of the process. This will help the dog or cat calm down and build trust during the course of the process.
Remember, too, that liquid medication is more bioavailable, and that's because it's up to 5 times more absorbable than pills or granules.
Author Resource:-
That's why today's cutting edge in herbal remedies for cats and dogs is Primalix Herbal Extract line of Functional Food Drops. Now you can transform regular food into functional food that not only nourishes ... but also heals.
Gary Le Mon is a Board Certified Master Herbalist specializing in natural home remedies for dogs and cats. Go to www.NaturalWonderPets.com for BOGO Specials and useful information on 100% natural herbal treatments you can use at home to heal your cats and dogs.just host promotional
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