Saying goodbye to your furry friend, even for a short while, can be tough. But sometimes, vacations, work trips, or unexpected events require us to leave our pets in capable hands. One of the biggest concerns pet owners face when considering boarding is medication administration. After all, a missed dose or incorrect administration can have serious consequences on our beloved babies. Administering medication to pets can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it becomes second nature.

So what are the most important things that you need to know about pet medication administration? At Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral we hope to equip you with some essential knowledge about administering medication to both dogs and cats, while also highlighting the importance of choosing a pet boarding facility with trained staff for medication management. 

Understanding Your Pet’s Medication:

The first step in healthy medication administration is familiarizing yourself with your pet’s medication. Here’s what you need to know for each medication:

• Medication Name and Dosage: Ensure you have the correct medication, dosage amount, and frequency clearly labeled on the container. This is especially important when handing your beloved pet and his or her medication over to a stranger who will be administering the medication while you’re away. They are trusting you to provide them with the correct information as they do not have direct access to your pet’s veterinary records or medical history.
• Administration Method: Is it a pill, liquid, topical solution, or injection? Knowing the method is crucial for proper administration. Be sure to thoroughly read all instructions provided with the medication. Additionally, be sure to provide your pet boarding facility with all medication in its original packaging to avoid any confusion about proper administration methods.
• Potential Side Effects: Be aware of any potential side effects and what to do if they occur. Always have emergency numbers on hand that you can call in case your pet experiences any adverse reactions as a result of the medication. A competent pet boarding facility will also be aware of how different medications can affect your dog or cat.

Administering Medication at Home:

Here are some tips for safe and successful medication administration at home:

• Choose the Right Time: If possible, administer medication around mealtimes to avoid upsetting your dog or cat’s stomach.
• Create a Routine: Establish a consistent schedule to ensure that your furry friend doesn’t miss a dose. Routine will also provide predictability for your pet.
• Be Patient and Positive: Use treats or praise to create a positive association with medication time. No one likes to take medicine, not even our pets. So let’s make it as enjoyable of an experience for them as we can! Positive reinforcement creates voluntary four-legged patients out of your pets and helps make administering medication to them that much easier.

Administering Medication to Dogs:

• Pills: 
  • The Pill Pocket Approach:  For some dogs that readily accept treats, hide the pill inside a pill pocket. These are commercially available sleeves made of a soft, palatable material that disguises the pill.
  • The “Pill in Food” Strategy:  If your dog enjoys wet food, with your veterinarian’s approval, you can try crushing the pill and mixing it with a small amount of their favorite food. Ensure they consume the entire portion to receive the full dose.
  • The Direct Approach: Gently restrain your dog by holding them securely but comfortably, either in a standing or sitting position. Tilt your dog’s head back slightly and gently open their mouth by holding the lower jaw with your thumb and forefinger. Quickly place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible, aiming for the pouch-like area. Hold their mouth closed for a few seconds and gently blow on their nose to encourage swallowing. Watch your dog for signs of swallowing. Once they swallow the pill, offer them plenty of praise and a treat to create a positive association.
  • Pill Launchers: These devices use a spring mechanism to launch the pill towards the back of your dog’s throat. While convenient, consult your veterinarian for proper usage and ensure your dog is comfortable with the device.

• Chewable Tablets:
  • Treat Time: These tablets are designed to be palatable for dogs. Offer them like a treat, allowing your dog to chew and swallow them on their own.

• Liquids:
  • Syringe or Dropper: This is a common method for administering liquid medications. You can gently pry open your dog’s mouth and squirt the medication onto their cheek or tongue, aiming for the side.
  • Mixing with Food: Some medications can be mixed with a small amount of wet food to disguise the taste. However, ensure your dog consumes the entire portion to receive the full dose.

• Topical Solutions:
  • Creams and Ointments: Apply topical creams or ointments directly to the affected area according to the veterinarian’s instructions. Shaving the area might be necessary for better absorption in some cases.
  • Ear Drops: Tilt your dog’s head to the side and gently apply the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. Massage the base of the ear to distribute the medication. Repeat on the other side if needed.

• Suppositories:
  • Rectal Administration: This method requires inserting the suppository gently into your dog’s rectum according to the veterinarian’s instructions.

• Injections:
  • Veterinarian Administration: Injections should only be administered by a veterinarian or trained veterinary technician.

Administering Medication to Cats:

• Pills: 
  • Direct Approach: Similar to dogs, one way to administer pills to cats is to gently pry your cat’s mouth open and place the pill at the back of their tongue. Hold their mouth closed and blow on their nose to encourage swallowing.
  • Pill Pockets: These are commercially available sleeves made of a soft, palatable material that can hide pills. Simply place the pill inside the pocket and offer it to your cat.
  • Food Crushing: If your veterinarian approves, you can crush the pill and mix it with a small amount of their favorite wet food. Ensure your cat consumes the entire portion to receive the full dose.

• Liquids:
  • Syringe or Dropper: As with dogs, you can use a syringe or dropper to administer liquids to your cat. Aim for the side of the cheek or lift the lip slightly and squirt the medication towards the back of the mouth. Dispense slowly to avoid choking.

• Topical Solutions:
  • Ear Drops: Just like with dogs, tilt your cat’s head to the side and gently apply the prescribed number of drops. Massage the base of the ear for better distribution.
  • Eye Drops: Gently pull down your cat’s lower eyelid and apply the prescribed number of drops directly onto the eyeball.

General Tips:

• Remain Calm and Positive: Maintain a calm and positive demeanor throughout the process. Pets will pick up on your anxiety and start to feel anxious about the medication themselves.
• Reward Good Behavior: Offer praise and treats to pets or distract them with a favorite toy after successful medication administration to create a positive association. Remember, positive reinforcement is the key to a smooth administration routine.
• Wrap Your Cat (Burrito Method): For particularly squirmy cats, gently wrap them in a towel (like a burrito) with their head exposed. This can restrain them and make medication administration easier. However, when using the burrito method or any restraint techniques, ensure you handle your cat gently and avoid causing them any distress.
• Patience and Persistence: Cats can be more challenging than dogs when it comes to medication. Be patient, persistent, and offer praise and treats throughout the process.
• Consider a Medication Dispenser: Some medications come in a paste or gel formulation dispensed through a small applicator tip. This can be a simpler option for some cats who are difficult to administer medication to.
• Consult Your Veterinarian: Always discuss the best method for administering medication with your veterinarian, considering your dog or cat’s specific needs and temperament.

The Importance of Trained Staff at Pet Boarding Facilities:

While some medications are easy to administer at home, others require more expertise.  This is where a pet boarding facility with trained staff comes in. Here’s how Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral can ensure your pet receives their medication safely and effectively:

• Experienced Staff: Our staff is trained in medication administration for various forms and procedures, providing peace of mind for your pet’s specific needs while you’re away.
• Clear Communication: We encourage clear communication from pet owners. By requiring our clients to provide detailed instructions about their pet’s medication, including dosage, frequency, and any potential side effects we avoid any potential medication mishaps.
• Proper Documentation: Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral have a system for documenting medication administration for each pet, ensuring your furry friend receives the exact care they require. We also require that all of our clients fill out a form to provide consent for their pet’s medical treatment.

Peace of Mind for Your Pet’s Vacation:

By familiarizing yourself with medication administration techniques and choosing a pet boarding facility with trained staff like Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral, you can ensure your furry friend receives the care they need while you’re away. This allows you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing your pet is happy and healthy.

Contact Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral today to discuss your pet’s specific needs and ensure a stress-free boarding experience!