Care Sheet: Giving Medicines at Home

Giving medicine can feel tricky, but with a little patience and lots of praise, most pets get used to it. Here are the tips we share with our own clients.

Tablets

• Hide the tablet in a small piece of soft food your vet has said is safe, such as plain boiled chicken.

• Give a 'decoy' treat first, then the one with the tablet, then another treat.

• If your pet spits it out, ask us about a tablet pocket treat or a pill-giver.

• Never crush tablets unless your vet says it's okay. Some don't work properly when crushed.

Liquids

• Use the syringe provided and measure carefully.

• Slide the syringe into the side of the mouth, behind the teeth, and give slowly so your pet can swallow.

Eye and ear drops

• Gently hold your pet's head and rest your hand on it so you move with them.

• For ears, give the drops, then massage the base of the ear for a few seconds.

• Don't let the dropper touch the eye or ear.

Golden rules

• Always finish the full course, even if your pet seems better.

• Never give human medicines. Many common painkillers are poisonous to pets.

• Set a phone reminder so you don't miss a dose.

• Praise and a cuddle afterwards make the next time easier.

Every pet is different, so always follow the specific instructions your vet gives you. If anything worries you, big or small, message us on WhatsApp at +91 81690 67671. We're always happy to help.

Blue Cross Vets Clinic, G Block 115/116, Sector 12, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Open every day, 10am to 7pm.