How to Administer Medication to a Sick Dog? Master the Correct Administration Method

Most medications for treating dog illnesses are given orally. There are many methods for administering medication to dogs, and the choice should be based on the dosage form, dosage, and symptoms.

1 Tablets, pills, and ointments: Have the dog sit and restrain it appropriately. The person administering the medication places the left palm across the dog's nose bridge, uses the thumb and index finger (or adds the middle finger) to open the mouth from both corners, or wraps the skin on both sides of the upper jaw around the upper teeth to open the mouth, then immediately places the tablet or pill at the base of the tongue, or uses a bamboo stick to apply the ointment to the base of the tongue, releases the left hand, and uses the right hand to support the dog's lower jaw, letting the dog swallow on its own.

2 Liquid medication: To administer a small amount of liquid medication, or a suspension made from powder or crushed tablets mixed with a small amount of water, as well as traditional Chinese medicine decoctions, have the dog stand or sit and restrain it appropriately. The person administering the medication uses the left hand to open the mouth from the corner, and the right hand holds a medicine bottle or dosing spoon inserted into the mouth, pours in the liquid, waits for the dog to swallow, then continues pouring until finished. When administering, the dog's head should not be tilted too high, to prevent the medication from choking into the trachea.

3 Stomach tube administration: To administer a large amount of liquid medication, use a stomach tube, which not only avoids wasting medication but is also safe and reliable. Before administration, select a stomach tube of appropriate size, use the stomach tube to measure the distance from the dog's nose tip to the eighth rib, mark it on the stomach tube, and apply a lubricant such as paraffin oil to the front end of the stomach tube. During administration, have the dog sit and restrain it appropriately, place a specially made iron tube (about 30 cm, inner diameter 1.5-2 cm, with a round hole drilled in the middle to allow the stomach tube to pass through, and sliding iron rings at both ends with strings attached) horizontally into the dog's mouth, and tie the iron rings at both ends with strings to the dog's upper jaw, ears, and area behind the ears. Then slowly insert the lubricated stomach tube through the round hole in the middle of the iron tube into the mouth. When it reaches the pharynx, gently twitch it to stimulate the pharynx. When the dog makes a swallowing motion, insert the stomach tube into the esophagus accordingly. At this point, determine whether the stomach tube has entered the esophagus. Determination methods: blow air from the end of the stomach tube and observe fluctuation between the jugular veins; or insert a deflated rubber bulb into the stomach tube, and the rubber bulb remains deflated (negative pressure in the stomach); or place an ear near the end of the stomach tube to listen for air flow caused by respiratory movement. After confirmation, continue inserting the stomach tube deeper until the mark. After that, attach a funnel to the port of the stomach tube and pour in the medication. After pouring, remove the funnel, blow a breath into the tube so that all the medication in the tube enters the stomach, gently withdraw the stomach tube, and then remove the iron tube placed horizontally in the dog's mouth.