Learning how to give a cat a tablet, or a dog liquid medicine, starts with following the vet’s label exactly, and a trained PetCloud special needs sitter can do this during home visits if you leave written instructions. Hide a tablet in a treat only if allowed, or place it over the tongue, and give liquid slowly into the side of the mouth. Never give human medicines, or change the dose, without veterinary advice.
Follow the vet’s label exactly
Ask your vet to demonstrate first, including whether the tablet can be crushed or given with food. Use the dose, timing and method on the label. If anything on the label is unclear, ask the clinic before the first dose at home.
How to give a cat a tablet
Hide a tablet in a treat only if your vet allows it for that medicine. Otherwise, gently open the mouth, place the tablet over the tongue, and hold the mouth closed for a moment until you see a swallow. Stay calm, work quickly, and stop if the pet becomes distressed. A towel can help you hold a wriggly cat or small dog safely.
How to give liquid medicine
Give liquid slowly into the side of the mouth, not straight down the throat, so the pet can swallow without choking. Pause between small amounts. Do not let the pet gulp a large syringe in one go.
What never to do
Never give human medicines, or change the dose, without veterinary advice. If a dose is spat out, or you are not sure it was swallowed, contact your vet rather than guessing a second dose. PetCloud is not an emergency service.
Help with the routine while you are away
If you need someone to keep the routine going, a trained PetCloud special needs sitter can give tablets or liquid medicine during home visits when you leave written instructions and demonstrate the technique at the meet and greet. Our guide to senior dog care and special needs pets covers booking this kind of care.
Frequently asked questions
How do I give a pet tablets or liquid medication?
Follow the vet’s label exactly, hide a tablet in a treat only if allowed, or place it over the tongue, and give liquid slowly into the side of the mouth, and a trained PetCloud special needs sitter can do this during home visits if you leave written instructions. Never give human medicines, or change the dose, without veterinary advice.
- Ask your vet to demonstrate first, including whether the tablet can be crushed or given with food.
- Stay calm, work quickly, and stop if the pet becomes distressed. A towel can help you hold a wriggly cat or small dog safely.
- If a dose is spat out, or you are not sure it was swallowed, contact your vet rather than guessing a second dose. PetCloud is not an emergency service.
What should I never do when giving a pet medicine?
Never give human medicines, or change the dose, without veterinary advice, and PetCloud is not a source of emergency care if something goes wrong. Follow the vet’s label exactly, and contact your vet if a dose is spat out or you are not sure it was swallowed.
- Do not crush a tablet or hide it in food unless your vet says it is safe for that medicine.
- Do not force a second dose if you are unsure the first one went down.
Can a sitter give my pet tablets or liquid medicine while I am away?
Yes, a trained PetCloud special needs sitter can give tablets or liquid medicine during home visits if they agree and you leave the vet’s written instructions. Not every sitter accepts this work, so confirm it at the meet and greet before you book.
- Leave the medication, exact dose, timing, method, and your vet’s contact details in writing, and demonstrate the technique.
- If a dose is missed or the pet seems unwell, the sitter should contact your vet. PetCloud is not an emergency service.
- See also our guide to senior dog care and special needs pets.
