Giving Liquid Medication to Your Dog

The easiest way to give your dog a liquid medication is to mix it with some canned food. To ensure that the medication is actually taken, it is best to give a small amount of food that the dog is certain to eat rather than a large portion that the dog may not complete. Some dogs may be unwilling to eat the food or may have dietary restrictions that prevent you from using this technique. If this is the case, you will need to administer the medication directly into your dog’s mouth.

Instructions

• Prepare the environment so that you have a safe place to handle your dog. It is easiest to give liquid medication if you have a second person available to help you to handle the dog.
• Have the medication ready and in a place where it will be easily accessible.
• Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the dosing instructions.
• Create a pouch along the side of the mouth by gently pulling the lip away from the teeth.
• Place the tip of the syringe in the side of the mouth, just behind one of the canine teeth and advance the syringe so that it is in the mouth just past the tooth line
• Slowly squeeze the syringe to dispense the liquid medication. Make sure you do this slowly so the dog has time to swallow the liquid and breathe.
• Most dogs will spit out some of the medication. DO NOT re-medicate unless you are certain that NONE of the medication was taken. Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat or extra playtime after giving the medication. This will make the experience more positive and will make it easier to give the medication the next time.
• Rinse the dropper thoroughly with water and refrigerate.