Giving Liquid Medication to Dogs

The easiest way to give your dog liquid medication is to use a treat specially designed for this purpose or mix it with some canned food, if the medication does not require an empty stomach. To ensure your dog swallows the medication, it is best to hand feed the medicated food or treat, rather than mixing it into a large portion that the dog may not completely consume.

Some dogs may be unwilling to eat medicated food or may have dietary restrictions that prevent you from using this technique. In this case, you must put the medication directly into your dog's mouth.

Step by Step

1. Gently shake or mix the liquid medication, as indicated on the label.

2. Draw up the liquid into a syringe or dropper, according to the dosage instructions.

3. If the medication was refrigerated, hold the syringe in your hand for 1–2 minutes to warm it up or place it in a warm water bath. Do not microwave the medication.

4. Prepare an area where you can safely handle your dog and place the medication within reach. Massage or cuddle your dog to help them relax.

• If you have a small dog, it may be easiest to place them in your lap. You can wrap a small dog in a towel to keep them away from the syringe.
• Consider having a second person hold your dog while you administer the medication.

5. Hold the syringe or dropper with your dominant hand. If your dog likes the taste, you can let them lick the medication from the tip of the syringe as you slowly depress the plunger.

6. If your dog does not lick the liquid, gently place your non-dominant hand on their head and hold their cheek bones (if they have a short nose like a french bulldog or pug) or their muzzle (if they have a longer nose).

7. In longer-nosed dogs, direct the syringe into their cheek, outside their teeth. In short-nosed dogs, place the tip of the syringe in the mouth, just behind one of the canine teeth ("fangs").

• Advance the tip into the slight gap between the canine tooth and the pre-molars behind it.
• Angle the syringe slightly to the side, so the tip of the syringe deposits the medication onto the tongue, not straight into the back of the throat, which may cause the dog to inhale or aspirate the liquid into its lungs.

8. Slowly squeeze the syringe to dispense the liquid medication. Make sure the dog has time to swallow the liquid and breathe.

9. Most dogs spit out some of the medication. Do not re-medicate unless you are certain that none of the medication was swallowed.

10. Rinse the dropper or syringe thoroughly with water and refrigerate the remaining medication.

Tips

• Use a syringe regularly, to give your dog liquid treats, so the syringe is seen as a good thing. You can also try coating the syringe in something tasty, like peanut butter.
• Give your dog praise throughout the procedure and offer a special treat after giving the medication. This will make the experience more positive and may make it easier to give the medication the next time.