Administering Medication

Beau-injured leg (required oral antibiotics/antiseptic on wound)

As all guardians know, when their dog or cat is ill or recovering from an illness, or has a chronic medical condition, the dilemma is how to continue giving supportive care when the animal is home.  Vets and vet techs are trained and experienced in administering medication, and yet dogs and cats cannot go to their vet each time medication needs to be administered.  Guardians can learn how to administer medication to their own dogs and cats, especially when medication needs to be given on a daily basis for a short period of time, or on a long term basis.  Some guardians need assistance in administering medication, or subcutaneous fluids, and I have been hired in this capacity.  Other guardians are unable to administer subcutaneous fluids themselves.  One client of mine had to give her cat subcutaneous fluids three times a week and even though her vet had showed her at the clinic, she felt nervous about starting to do this at home with her cat.  So she hired me to first give her cat the subcutaneous fluids, and over time, as she watched me and then started assisting me, she was able to do it on her own.  Other ways of administering medications include giving pills orally, liquid medication via a syringe, and injections.

Daisy is 16 years old. She struggles with Hyperthroidism & a hernia; she needs liquid & transdermal medication.

Transdermal medications and pills given via a treat or in food are the easiest to administer, both for a guardian and a pet sitter.

Hannah had parasites and needed liquid medication

Animals who are sick or who have a chronic medical condition struggle with physical fragility and pain.  Any type of medication and treatment needs to be given in a gentle and sensitive way.  Being attuned to the animal is really the most important part of how successful one is in getting the animal to accept the medication.  I have years of experience in administering medication to both cats and dogs, and some exotics as well.  Many of my clients would be able to attest to my gentleness, sensitive manner, and my ability to remain calm when treating a dog or cat who is in pain or having difficulty taking the medication.

Often my pet sitting jobs involve taking care of a cat or a dog who has a medical condition, whether that is a temporary medical issue or a chronic illness or issue.

Spice, a senior dog

Having a pet sitter who is comfortable and experienced in administering medication is important not just for the animal’s well being, but for the guardian’s peace of mind when away from home on a business trip or vacation.

Cooper had arthritis, chronic gastroenteritis and hypothyroidism and took many pills and supplements each day

Fees for administering medication (does not include cost of visit)

• Pills administered via treat or food: $2.
• Pills administered orally:  $5 for cats/$3 for dogs
• Liquid medication:  $4.
• Eye Drops/Ear Drops:  $3
• Transdermal medication:  $3
• Injection:  $7.
• Subcutaneous Fluids:  $10
• Asthma inhaler:  $6.
  

  Pedro needs oral medication twice daily for his heart condition