If an operation is in your companion’s future, brush up on these tips to help you successfully administer oral medication after cat surgery.
If your feline companion must undergo surgery, oral medication will likely be on your agenda. Antibiotics, pain relievers, and other types of medicine can be critical in your cat’s recovery, and some medications may be necessary before surgery, too. Giving oral medication to felines can be uniquely challenging; cats are lithe and nimble, which makes them fantastic escape artists. If an operation is in your companion’s future, brush up on these tips to help you successfully administer oral medication after cat surgery.
Immobilizing Your Companion
Most medicines that cat guardians will need to administer are either in liquid or capsule form. For both types, the process for restraining your feline and administering the medication is very similar. First, ensure that you have all of your supplies within reach: medication, a towel, treats, and (if possible) an assistant. Place your companion on a flat surface, with their head facing away from you. Position their rump in the crook of your elbow or shoulder so that they cannot back up and escape. Gently yet firmly grasp your companion’s head, placing your palm on the top of their head and wrapping your fingers around to hold their cheekbones. Grasping their head within one hand gives you greater control, and gently tilting their head upward will help relax their jaw muscles. For exceptionally lively cats, a towel can be wrapped around the patient’s body to immobilize them.
Administering Liquid Medication and Pills After Cat Surgery
To dispense liquid medication, ensure that your syringe has the correct dose of liquid from the start. With your companion’s head tilted upward, insert the syringe’s tip into the corner of their mouth. With the syringe placed between your feline’s gums and cheek, push the plunger to dispense the medication. Keep your companion’s head immobilized until they have swallowed the medication. For pills or capsules, follow the procedure above and hold the pill in the hand that is not around your feline’s head. Using your pointer finger and thumb to grip the pill, open your companion’s mouth by gently inserting your middle finger between their front teeth. With their top and bottom teeth parted, slide the pill down the tongue and to the back of the mouth. If your feline is not swallowing the pill, you may gently rub their throat to encourage swallowing. For food-motivated kitties, placing a capsule or pill in canned food or a moldable treat like a Pill Pocket™ may be a good option for you. It is always very important to ensure your furry friend receives the complete dose and actually eats the medication.
Cat Surgery Recovery and Medication Tips
After administering medication, be sure to provide one of your companion’s favorite treats. While some guardians use pill pockets or attempt to hide medication in food, this can sometimes have the unwanted effect of souring your feline’s appetite for their normal diet. One way to get your companion accustomed to oral medication is to practice the procedure above and administer treats instead of pills. As with all other aspects of your companion’s recovery from cat surgery, be sure to follow your veterinary care team’s instructions to the letter.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.