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The simplest and most common way of
administering medicine to the dog is by mouth. The pet
owner will be called upon to perform this task at some
time or other, so it is advisable that he master the
basic technique at the earliest opportunity.
In giving a dog a pill, the animal is first placed in a
sitting position. The left hand is then put over the
bridge of the animal's nose, and with the thumb from one
side and the fingers from the other, gentle pressure is
applied to the animal's cheeks so that they press
against the teeth of its upper jaw.
The pill is held between the thumb and forefinger of the
right hand. While the pressure of the cheeks against the
teeth is maintained with the left hand, the dog's mouth
is gently forced open with the middle finger of the
right hand. Ordinarily the dog will not attempt to close
its mouth because it would be biting down against its
own cheeks. The pill is then quickly thrust far into the
mouth onto the roof of the tongue.
The dog will then swallow the pill by reflex action.
This can be encouraged by tickling the throat region
from the outside, with the thumb and the forefinger,
after the mouth is closed.
It is best to administer liquid medicines in a small
glass vial or bottle. With the animal in the sitting
position, the open end of the vial is placed in the
pouch of loose skin between the animal's teeth and the
corner of its lips (buccal pouch).
The medicine is given slowly, and the
speed of administration should be gauged by the
rapidity with which the animal swallows. Care should be
taken not to have the dog's head raised too high. Ask
your veterinarian to demonstrate these simple
procedures.
In addition to giving oral medication, the veterinarian
may administer medicines by way of the rectum; on, into,
or under the skin; into the nose directly or by
inhalation; into muscles, the trachea, veins, joints,
and the spine; and on mucous membranes.
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