Panorama Pet Hospital now offers DNA health screening for your dog. With greater than 99% accuracy, our new DNA tests screen for more than 230 genetic health conditions and unlocks breed ancestry, which can inform health care.

With just one cheek swab, your veterinarian can learn actionable insights and create a personalized care plan for your dog. Together, we can be proactive and improve your dog's health! Contact us at (818) 786-4300 to take the next step in providing for your dog's wellness and schedule a DNA test.

Medication Tips For Your Pet

Veterinarian holding pet medication

Tips For Effectively Administering Pet Medication

Trying to slip a pill between your pet's clenched teeth just might be one of the hardest pet-related tasks you'll ever perform. The experience can be difficult and frustrating for both of you and may prevent your pet from receiving much-needed medication. These tips can make the process much easier and less stressful.

Follow This Step-By-Step Procedure

If your pet's veterinarian has prescribed pills, follow these steps:

  • Place the pill between your index finger and thumb.
  • Tilt the pet's head back slightly to make it easier to swallow the pill.
  • Lift the upper jaw using the middle and ring fingers.
  • Drop the pill into the center of your pet's tongue and close the jaw.
  • Gently rub the throat to encourage swallowing.
  • Use a pill applicator if you have difficulty placing the pill in your pet's mouth. The device deposits the pill in the back of the mouth for easy swallowing.

If you'll be giving your pet liquid medication, don't tilt its head back, as this position may cause choking. After you open your pet's jaw, squirt the medicine in the side of the mouth.

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. If a friend or family member isn't available to hold your pet, wrap your dog, cat, rabbit or small animal in a towel or blanket to limit squirming and prevent injuries.

Get Creative

It may not be practical to use the above method if your pet is very large or difficult to control, even if you have help. Hiding whole pills or liquid medication in food or treats may offer a simple way to ensure that your pet receives the medication. Don't crush pills without speaking to your pet's veterinarian first, as some medication may not be as effective if it's crushed.

The food you choose should be large enough to conceal the medication completely and tasty enough to tempt your pet. Buy treats that contain pill pockets or hide medication in foods your pet enjoys, such as tuna, canned meat, peanut butter, cream cheese, baby food or wet pet food.

Try Pet-Approved Flavors

Beef, chicken or fish flavors can be added to some medications to make them more attractive to pets. If your pet takes medication that contains one of these flavors, be sure to store the container in a safe place to prevent an accidental overdose.

Don't Share Medications

Dosage amounts vary depending on the size and type of pet. A therapeutic dose of a medication for your large dog may sicken your cat or smaller dog. In some cases, your pet may be prescribed the same drug that you take. Although it may be tempting to save a little money by offering by your dog or pet half of one of your pills, the dosage may still be much too strong for your pet.

Some medications intended for use by humans can be toxic for pets. Aleve, Motrin or Advil may help your aches and pains but can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers and kidney failure in pets, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause red blood cell damage in cats and dogs and liver failure in dogs. Before you give your pet any drug intended for humans, check with your veterinarian first.

A Few Things to Remember

Keep these things in mind when your pet is taking medication:

  • Follow Instructions Carefully. Some medications should be taken with or without food or water. If you don't follow these instructions, the medicine may not work as well. It's also important to give doses at the intervals noted on the label.
  • Use the Entire Prescription. Your pet may begin to feel better a few days after starting a medication. Unfortunately, the symptoms may return if you don't give your pet all of the prescribed pills or liquid medication.
  • Be Alert for Side Effects. Pets can experience side effects from medications just as people can. Ask your pet's veterinarian to describe common side effects and explain which effects are serious and warrant a call to the office.

Do you have any questions about your pet's medication or symptoms? Give us a call and let us know how we can help you.

Sources:

Institute for Safe Medication Practices: Top 10 Tips for Keeping Pets Safe Around Human Medications, 3/14/19

American Kennel Club: 6 Tips for Giving Your Dog His Pills, 8/22/18

AVMA: Your Pet’s Medications

Pet Poison Helpline: Top 10 Human Medications Poisonous to Pets

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I have nothing but good things to say about Panorama Pet Hospitals Dr. and staff. Took my dog in for a dental exam and Dr. Suman addressed the problem immediately. Dr. Suman and the veterinary assistant were so gentle with my dog and made him feel very comfortable. I ended up booking a deep cleaning and I could not have been happier. Dr. Suman took great care of my dog and got his teeth cleaned. All I can say is if you want a trust worthy doctor and a kind staff head over to Panorama Pet Hospital you wont regret it! Thank you again Dr. Suman and staff!"
    Tanya D.
  • "I was contemplating coming here due to the distance. Since I was extremely unhappy with our previous vet. I took the hour's drive. Needless to say, was one of the best decisions I made in my dog's life. Our initial visit was let me just say first impressions go a long way. Dr. Prabhakar showed great concern immediately about my dog Molly's condition. I have worked closely with doctors throughout my career and I have a good intuition on whether a doctor genuinely cares about their patients and Dr. Prabhakar does. A lot of Doctors just prescribe medication. Without determining the underlying problem. When I leave all my questions and concerns are answered. The staff there are so nice and friendly. Tammy is the best! No matter how busy she is she takes the time to stop and listen to me and answers my questions. Definitely worth the drive. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
    Sabrina M.
  • "Came across Doctor Suman after looking for a vet to perform surgery on my kitty leg ! I went to 5 different
    opinions until I found this Doctor! He explained everything in detail and told me exactly how the work would be
    done, I felt so comfortable! He did a fantastic job! Thank You Doctor Suman and Staff! My dog needed the same
    surgery and Doctor Suman was there again performing his magic! He truly cares and has love for every animal
    that comes through his door! The entire staff is full of love and caring hearts!"
    Susie M.
  • "I love this vet so much. Dr. Suman is so smart and kind. Everyone here is very accommodating and whenever
    I've come in stressed and worried for my pet, they are so comforting. It is always a quick and easy experience
    and one of the less expensive vets. Thank you for all your help!"
    Amber F.
  • "This wonderful office squeezed an appt in for my cat's urinary tract infection. They were kind and considerate,
    and accepted Care Credit. Since I lost my teaching job during Covid, the doctor was very compassionate and
    affordable. Thank you, Dr. Prabhakar!"
    Elizabeth F.
  • "Dr. Suman really cares for his patients. Personally even does follow ups and calls to check on how his patients
    are. He respects the pet parents and understands that life us difficult- he presents the real scenario and issue and what needs to happen but also presents options on how to go about the situation if needed."
    Cris Q.
  • "Dr. Suman is the best Veterinarian. I brought my dog in extremely ill suffering from ITP. He was able to place her
    on the right medication to control her illness. The way he demonstrated care, nurture, compassion and
    responded quickly was the best care my fur baby could have received. Thank you Dr. Suman and the whole."
    Erika G.
  • "I've been bringing my cats to dr. Suman for many years now. I find him to be caring and a great vet. They've
    got a wonderful new addition to the team in Dr. Gupta. She is helping me with my cat Joey who has dental
    issues. I feel very confident with her. The ladies in the front office are very nice too."
    Susan M.