Author: Santa Cruz Pet

What Causes Kidney Failure in Cats?

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on March 30, 2023. Posted in Cat Health Issues.

Your cat’s kidneys play a vital role in its health. The kidneys create red blood cells, produce hormones, regulate blood pressure, and filter waste. When these organs fail, your cat may have few treatment options.

So what causes kidney failure in cats? As Tucson’s trusted veterinarian, our team at Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic explains the types of kidney disease in cats, their causes, and the common symptoms of renal failure. Call us at (520) 889-9643 for an examination and to learn how to care for your feline companion if its kidneys fail.

Types of Kidney Failure

Cats can suffer from two types of kidney failure, also called renal failure: acute and chronic:

Acute kidney failure stems from sudden damage to the organs. Veterinarians can treat acute kidney failure with some success, but this illness ends up being terminal in half of all cases.
Chronic kidney disease causes cats to lose their kidney tissue gradually. Over time, this leads to end-stage renal failure with limited treatment options. Chronic kidney failure can occur depending on your cat’s age, genetics, and underlying medical conditions.

What Causes Kidney Failure in Cats?

There are different causes of kidney disease in cats. Sudden trauma to the system can damage kidney functions and lead to acute kidney failure. Common causes of acute kidney failure in cats include ingesting poison or contracting bacterial infections that spread throughout a cat’s system.

Chronic kidney disease can stem from cancer, urinary tract blockages, congestive heart failure, tick-borne illnesses, and parasitic infections, among other medical conditions. Your cat’s kidneys deteriorate with age, so senior cats are at a higher risk for chronic kidney disease. Acute renal failure can progress into chronic kidney failure.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure can present several symptoms in cats. These include:

Dehydration
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Lethargy
Seizures
Diarrhea
Uncontrollable urination
Ammonia-like odor in the breath

If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, bring them to a veterinarian for testing. Doctors will perform bloodwork, urine tests, and imaging to diagnose your cat.

How to Treat Kidney Disease in Cats

The treatment options available to cats with renal failure depend on the type of kidney disease and its severity. Acute kidney failure can be reversible if you identify it and treat it early enough. Alterations to your cat’s diet, medications, IV fluids, and surgery are common treatment options.

If your cat suffers from chronic kidney disease, your veterinarian will come up with a kidney disease treatment plan depending on its medical history. Your vet will target the underlying cause of kidney disease, treat symptoms, and try to slow the loss of kidney function. Treatment cannot stop the progression towards end-stage renal failure but instead slow it down so your cat can enjoy more time with you.

Seek Treatment for Cats With Kidney Failure

Now that you understand what causes kidney failure in cats and the symptoms, monitor your pet for any sudden health changes. Whether your feline companion suffers from kidney failure or other common cat illnesses, bring them to Tucson’s most trusted veterinarian. Contact Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic at (520) 889-9643 to schedule an appointment.

Why Does My Dog Have a Lump on His Neck?

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on February 28, 2023. Posted in Dog Health Issues.

Few things cause more anxiety than petting your dog only to discover a bump beneath his fur. Scratching him beneath the collar, you find a strange bulge. Your mind begins racing as you wonder, “Why does my dog have a lump on his neck?”

As Tucson’s trusted veterinarian, we have a few theories that might answer your question. Call us at (520) 889-9023 to book an appointment and find solid answers.

Fatty Tumor

Like many concerned pet owners, your mind might immediately jump to cancer as the reason for a lump. While you need a veterinarian to verify, many lumps aren’t cancerous. Sometimes dogs can develop fatty tumors called lipomas.

Lipomas consist of fat cells that accumulate in one place. While they don’t threaten your dog’s health, we can surgically remove them to reduce irritation.

Sebaceous Cyst

A sebaceous cyst is another type of fatty tumor that poses no threat to your dog. Despite their name, sebaceous cysts don’t contain sebum. A sebaceous cyst may cause irritation and inflammation if located beneath your dog’s collar.

These cysts typically contain a combination of fat and protein like keratin and connective tissue. They develop in varying sizes with different consistencies. Often, they’ll disappear without any treatment.

Abscess

Sometimes, bacteria and other microbes become trapped beneath the surface of your dog’s skin. The microbes develop into an infected abscess filled with pus, which triggers your dog’s immune response. Abscesses often cause dog owners to ask, “Why does my dog have a lump on his neck?”

Most abscesses will resolve on their own. However, you might need to bring your dog in to have the abscess drained if it doesn’t clear up. Since tick bites, splinters, and other debris can cause an abscess, you should have your dog checked for any related problems.

Mast Cell Tumor

A mast cell tumor is another, more concerning type of lump that may develop on your dog’s neck. These lumps typically appear on the torsos of aging dogs. However, they may still develop on your dog’s neck.

Mast cell tumors can be both benign and malignant. During a checkup, the veterinarian can test a tumor sample to confirm its impact on your dog’s health.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A squamous cell carcinoma develops because of exposure to sunlight. Unfortunately, it often comes with a cancer diagnosis. This type of tumor often causes other concerning symptoms, including:

Sores that won’t heal
Oral swelling
Coughing
Drooling
Inhibited ability to walk

If you observe these symptoms alongside a suspicious lump, contact our team for a diagnosis. You can then determine an appropriate course of action, depending on the diagnosis.

Find Peace of Mind with Your Furry Friend at Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my dog have a lump on his neck?” you can find answers at Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic. We handle each furry patient and their people with compassion and care. Book an appointment at (520) 889-9023 to learn more about that strange lump and common dog health issues by breed.

Why Does My Dog Follow Me to the Bathroom?

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on December 30, 2022. Posted in General.

When you go to the bathroom, you assume you’ll have privacy while you do your business, but your dog usually has other ideas. Your four-legged friend might accompany you more often than not.

When your dog watches your every move, you might wonder, “Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?” Tucson’s trusted veterinarian provides answers that might surprise you. If you have any serious concerns about your dog’s health, call us at (520) 889-9643. Continue reading to learn more about your furry friend’s quirky habits.

Safety in Numbers

Early humans bred dogs from wolves. Your furry friend shares many traits with the wolves you see in nature documentaries.

Wolves have intricate social structures and travel in packs. Each pack usually contains between four and nine members.

This trait carries over into domesticated dogs. As pack animals, dogs seek safety in numbers. With more individuals involved, the world seems safer and more fun for your pup.

For Protection

Most dog breeds naturally have protective traits when it comes to their favorite human. Even if you have a small breed, your dog wants to keep you safe. From a dog’s perspective, a pack member’s vulnerability increases when they use the bathroom.

Obviously, you feel safe in your own home. But think about showering or going to the toilet outdoors; you’d feel exposed while staying alert for danger. Your dog views the world this way, so it offers an extra pair of eyes to watch your back.

For Companionship

As social animals, dogs want companionship during most activities. A happy dog has a rich, stimulating social life. It doesn’t understand concepts of privacy like you.

So your dog provides companionship during all activities. However, this need for regular companionship can also translate into separation anxiety. The signs of anxiety extend beyond the bathroom.

If you notice that your dog gets nervous when you leave home, you may need to address an anxiety issue. Other signs include destructive behavior when you leave and resource guarding against other people or animals. You can usually mitigate these issues with positive reinforcement.

Out of Curiosity

When asking, “Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?” you might discover that your dog does it out of curiosity. Dogs have a high level of intelligence. Some dogs can solve simple problems or understand a diverse vocabulary.

Your dog might wonder what you’re doing there. Bathrooms provide a plethora of scents connected to you.

They learn why you smell a certain way, detect what you eat, and learn where you’ve been. They’ll use scents from clothes and your body to learn about your day.

Keep Your Furry Friend’s Health in Check

Want to learn more about your furry friends? Our experienced veterinarians at the Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic can provide a wealth of knowledge. Now that you have the answer to “Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?”, learn about other subjects like separation anxiety of greyhounds.

Schedule a checkup or address a health issue for your pet by calling us at (520) 889-9643.

What You Need to Know About Treatment for Heartworm in Dogs

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on October 30, 2022. Posted in Dog Health Issues.

Heartworm is a blood-borne parasite disease in dogs. Known as Dirofilaria immitis, adult worms live in the heart, pulmonary artery, and surrounding large blood vessels of infected dogs. One dog can have as many as 300 heartworms at once. Prevention is the best way to keep your dog safe, but treatment for heartworm is often very successful.

Are you looking for the right vet for your dog? Dr. Neal is an experienced veterinarian in Tucson, AZ. Our team at Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic brings experience and compassion into the examination room. Call 520.889.9643 to schedule an appointment, and keep reading to learn everything you need to know about heartworm treatment for dogs.

How Is Heartworm Disease Spread?

Many dogs with heartworms live with them for a long time before a vet diagnoses the disease. Heartworm transfers through bites from infected mosquitos, meaning it does not spread through other dogs. Infections happen during mosquito season when the mosquito population is the highest.

Prolonged heartworm disease causes damage to the heart, liver, lungs, blood vessels, and kidneys. In the case of severe infection, the best route is to treat organ damage instead of heartworms.

What Is the Treatment for Heartworm?

Treatment for heartworm has a 95% success rate. The veterinarian begins treatment by injecting a drug called melarsomine. This drug kills adult heartworms in the heart and surrounding blood vessels. Most dogs receive one injection followed by 30 days of rest. Next, the vet will administer two more injections 24 hours apart.

Infected dogs will need a second form of treatment that kills heartworm larvae. This can happen either before or after the adult heartworm treatment. On the day they receive this treatment, your dog needs to stay at the vet to ensure that they have no adverse reactions to the medication.

Dogs who receive treatment experience increased energy, improved appetite, and healthy weight gain. After recovery from treatment, your dog will start a heartworm-preventative program. This program focuses on stopping an infection from happening in the future.

What Should I Do After Treatment?

Watch your dog and help them rest while they recover from the treatments. As adult heartworms die, they go to the lungs and lodge themselves in the small blood vessels. Reactions like mild coughing are common while the body absorbs the dead heartworms.

Possible severe side effects include:

Excessive panting
Difficulty breathing
Lack of appetite
Vomiting

If this occurs, contact your vet immediately. Even with treatment, some dogs may need lifelong treatment for heart failure.

After successful treatment, your vet may recommend you start a program for heartworm preventives to protect your dog against future infections. Ask your vet about which heartworm-preventative program is best for your pet.

Learn More About Heartworm Treatment for Dogs

Treatment for heartworm is vital to save your dog’s life. At Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic, experienced staff brings compassion into every part of treatment. Visit us online to learn more about the services we provide and find the answers to questions like why your cat keeps scratching furniture. Call 520.889.9643 to schedule an appointment with Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic.

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Tick Infestation on Dogs: Signs, Cure, and Prevention

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on August 30, 2022. Posted in Dog Health Issues.

Ticks are the banes of the existence of all animals. Every mammal on Earth is susceptible to tick bites and tick infestations, yet dogs always seem to get the brunt of the trauma. It could be the fearless nature of our dogs that causes them to trudge through tick-infested woods.

A tick infestation on dogs is not a laughing matter and can severely threaten a dog’s health. Our veterinarian office in Tucson, AZ, has plenty of experience with ticks, and we want to spread awareness. Here are some signs, cures, and prevention methods to help when your dog has ticks.

Signs of Ticks & Tick Infestations

If you’re worried about a tick infestation in dogs you own, don’t worry. Here are some easily-identifiable signs that you can check on your dog. Some symptoms are more severe than others.

Small Bumps on the Skin

If your dog has small, black or brown bumps on its skin, these are most likely ticks. Often, you won’t be able to see them until they mature, but once they grow, they’re relatively easy to spot. Simply run your hands through your dog’s fur routinely to find them.

More Serious Symptoms

Here are some more severe symptoms that the incidence of ticks can cause:

Rashes
Shivering
Fever
Weakness, fatigue, and partial or total paralysis
Chronic pain
Appetite loss
Kidney failure
Nose bleeds
Anemia and blood-clotting issues

Removing (Curing) Ticks

Removing a tick is as simple as firmly grasping it by the head with a pair of tweezers or a tick-removal tool. However, don’t, under any circumstances, squeeze a tick’s body. Its fluids are very toxic and can rapidly lower a dog’s health.

Preventing Ticks

If you want to prevent a tick infestation on dogs, here are some easy things you can do.

Sprays

Tick sprays are very effective but laborious methods of tick prevention. Pet owners should spray these products on their pets, taking care of their eyes and ears. Each spray lasts for a certain amount of time before requiring reapplication.

Collars

Tick collars are a reasonably modern alternative to other treatment methods. These collars contain a chemical that ticks loathe, keeping them away. However, owners of active dogs should avoid these, as getting them wet reduces their effectiveness.

Shampoos

Shampoos are the most effective method for tick prevention, but they are also useful for dogs with a tick infestation. Lather it onto your dog during bath time and leave it on for ten minutes for best results!

Don’t be Afraid to Bring Your Animals to Us

Bring your dog to us if you’re ever afraid to remove adult ticks yourself. We can help reduce the chance of tick-borne diseases and protect your dog’s health. We have years of experience treating tick infestation on dogs and other animals.

At Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic, we believe in providing quality service and knowledge for pets in our area. Visit our blog to learn more about what to do when you encounter abandoned kittens.

Call Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic at (520) 889-9643 to schedule an appointment for your best friend today!

5 Common Cat Illnesses and How To Spot Them

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on June 29, 2022. Posted in Cat Health Issues.

Cats are excellent at self-maintenance. Therefore, it’s not always easy to spot when they require health checks and treatment.

We’ll cover some cat illnesses (with signs and symptoms), so you’ll know when to take advantage of the veterinarian services by Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic.

Diarrhea

Common causes of cat diarrhea include intestinal parasites, allergies, ingested spoiled cat food, infections, and life-threatening conditions like cancer and liver disease.

A cat dealing with diarrhea will eject loose or watery stool. The condition may last a few days or weeks, depending on the cause. Provide fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration. You should also ensure the cat doesn’t go more than 12 hours without food.

If diarrhea lasts longer than a day, bring your cat to our office immediately.

Feline Leukemia

This infectious disease causes death in 85% of persistently infected felines within three years of diagnosis. The feline leukemia virus (FLV) causes lymphoma and anemia. It can also predispose your cat to other infections.

Symptoms of FLV infection include:

Fever
Breathing difficulty
Stomatitis
Yellowing in the white part of the eyes
Pale gums
Poor coat condition
Wet loss
Loss of appetite

More than 70% of infected cats resist the infection and make a full recovery. However, it’s best to bring the cat for a professional diagnosis if you notice these symptoms.

Diabetes Mellitus

Lack of insulin or an inadequate response to insulin causes diabetes in cats. The inability to produce or utilize insulin causes elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Untreated hyperglycemia can cause a myriad of health problems for your cat.

Some signs of diabetes in a cat include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and increased appetite. Diabetes isn’t one of the most common cat illnesses, but you should watch out for it nonetheless.

Respiratory Infections

Your cat’s upper respiratory tract is susceptible to infections caused by different viruses and bacteria.

Some signs of upper respiratory tract infections in cats include discharge from the eyes, sneezing, conjunctivitis, lethargy, mouth ulcers, and breathing difficulties.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites can plague your cat. For example, tapeworms in the small intestine can grow up to two feet in length. They break off in segments when expelled.

Common signs of feline intestinal parasite problems include weight loss and vomiting.

You can also do a visual check by looking at the cat’s feces, the bedding, and the anus. Tapeworms will come out of the cat’s anus during rest or naps. If you notice small white worms or seed-like droplets, it’s a sign of an intestinal parasite problem.

Be sure to tackle all flea problems while treating your cat for tapeworm infestation. Cats often get tapeworm infections by swallowing fleas.

Find Out More About Cat Illnesses

Do you need more information on cat illnesses? Get in touch with us to discuss all other possible ailments that may plague your furry companion. Call Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic today at 520-889-9643 for an appointment in Tucson, AZ.

You can also check out our blog for more pet education and learn how you can keep your pets safe this summer.

Summer Pet Safety: 5 Best Practices

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on May 30, 2022. Posted in General.

Keeping your pet safe and happy in the summer requires a few extra steps. You can review the best tips for summer pet safety with our Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic team. We offer veterinary services in Tucson, AZ. Find out more by calling us at 520-889-9643.

1. Keep Your Pets Out of Hot Cars

The temperatures outside can quickly shoot past 100 degrees in Tucson during the summer months. Cars, even if you have the windows cracked, intensify this heat. Temperatures can climb by more than 20 degrees in only a few minutes, representing a health risk for your furry friend.

Cats and dogs do not sweat, so they overheat more quickly. Ten minutes in a hot car can have deadly results for pets. If you do leave your pet in a hot car, keep an eye out for these symptoms associated with heatstroke:

Shallow panting
Tacky gums
Sunken eyes
Lethargy

Get your pet to a vet as quickly as possible if you notice any of the above.

2. Monitor Pets Around Pools

Part of summer safety involves ensuring safe pool usage. Cool water can feel very tempting on a warm day, even to our animal companions. They often jump into or enter pools in an attempt to cool down and stay comfortable.

However, many pets have a difficult or impossible time getting out of a pool once they get in. Therefore, monitor your pets around above or below ground pools to ensure they do not drown.

3. Watch Out for Parasites

Many pets spend more time outside in the summer months, enjoying the sun and pleasant weather. Unfortunately, fleas, ticks, and other parasites also become more active during this time of the year. Apply flea and tick medications to your pets as recommended and check them regularly for signs of parasites.

4. Give Your Pet Shade and Water

If your pet spends time outside, make sure they have access to both water and shade. Because pets don’t sweat, they have a more challenging time regulating their temperature through the hottest parts of the day.

If you believe your pet may have gotten too hot but not yet experienced heatstroke, you may wipe them down with a moist cloth. This strategy helps simulate the cooling effects of sweat, allowing your pet to cool down more quickly.

5. Bring a Travel Bag if You Go on a Trip

Summertime represents a chance for you to get out and enjoy the world. If you bring your pet with you, it’s good to pack a specialized pet travel bag. Include things like:

Fresh water
Food
Travel bowls
Toys
Treats

You may also consider including first-aid items to keep your pet safe.

Learn More About Summer Pet Safety

Do you want more summer pet safety tips? Reach out to us to learn more and discuss your other pet care needs. We handle general appointments, problems with your dog’s teeth, and more.

Call Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic at 520-889-9643 for an appointment in Tucson, AZ.

5 Misconceptions of Spaying and Neutering That Need to Be Cleared Up

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on April 28, 2022. Posted in Spay & Neuter.

If you own a pet, there’s a good chance you’ve either considered or heard about neutering as an option. While these procedures have many benefits, some pet owners have concerns about potential complications or downsides. These misconceptions of spaying and neutering require discussion, so this article will cover some of the most common negative beliefs and explain the truth of the matter.

Misconception: Animals Must Be Older to be Spayed or Neutered

Many pet owners believe that their animals must be fully grown before considering spaying or neutering. However, both cats and dogs mature much faster than people and become capable of bearing children within the first six months of life. Therefore, spaying or neutering pets while young is a wise decision for new pet owners. Our website is a great place to learn the appropriate age to spay dogs.

Misconception: It’s Too Expensive

While many pet owners are reluctant to pursue spaying or neutering their pets due to budget concerns, the process is far more affordable than you may think. Additionally, because these procedures benefit the entire community, lower-cost or even free clinics provide these services in many communities. Finally, it’s essential to consider the cost of caring for a litter of kittens or puppies, which can be expensive even if it’s for a short time.

Misconception: The Surgery Is Dangerous

We know you care about your animals and would never want to risk your pet’s health. Unfortunately, many pet owners struggle with whether or not to neuter their pets due to the inherent risk of any surgical procedure. However, modern vets conduct these procedures daily, and the medical evidence proves that the operations for neutering male animals as well as to spay females are both extremely safe.

Misconception: My Pet’s Personality Will Change

Every pet has a distinct personality, and the fear of them changing may be what’s causing you to choose not to neuter your pets. Fortunately, these procedures will not impact the personality of your pet whatsoever. While reducing sex hormones may minimize aggression or territorialism, your pet will be the same sweet animal you have always known after the procedure.

Misconception: Spaying or Neutering Can Cause Weight Gain

Another common misconception of spaying or neutering your pets is that the procedures can cause weight gain. However, this belief is unfounded, as spaying or neutering should have no impact on your animal’s weight. While your pet may gain some weight during the recovery due to a lack of exercise, a well-regulated diet and regular exercise will have them back to normal in no time.

Get Started

Now that you’ve heard some of the misconceptions of spaying and neutering and how they can mislead pet owners, it’s time to turn your knowledge into action. At Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic, we are proud to provide expert spaying and neutering to the pets of Tucson, AZ. Our expert staff can help you understand the process and learn more about dog neutering, so never hesitate to call Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic at 520-889-9643.

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Destructive Chewing in Dogs: Reasons and Solutions

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on March 30, 2022. Posted in Dog Health Issues.

It is common for dogs, particularly puppies, to use their mouths for exploration, entertainment, and play. While a little playful chewing is common and rarely harmful, your dog’s behavior can quickly damage items in your home if you don’t address the problem.

If you are dealing with destructive chewing, you should address the situation quickly to correct the behavior. Seeking the advice of a veterinarian may help the problem. Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic provides veterinary services in Tucson, AZ, and can help determine whether the behavior is normal or linked to a more significant problem.

Here are some of the main reasons behind destructive chewing and how you can address the behavior.

Cause #1: Separation Anxiety

Adult dogs quickly attach to owners and can experience separation anxiety. A change in the family’s schedule, a new home, or being left alone for long periods can spark fear in your dog, resulting in destructive chewing.

Other signs of separation anxiety include frantic greetings, following you around the house, and barking when you leave.

Solution

Punishing your pets when they display anxious behaviors is not the solution. Reacting harshly will only make the problem worse. Desensitization techniques can address dogs’ destructive chewing caused by anxiety, which exposes your dog to a stimulus starting at a low intensity.

It is important to remember that your dog is not acting out on purpose and that punishments often create more serious issues.

Cause #2: Seeking Attention

Dogs may act out to seek the attention of their owners. Owners give more attention when dogs and puppies display inappropriate actions, inadvertently reinforcing the behavior. A dog’s destructive chewing behavior results in more attention, even if it is negative.

Solution

You can stop attention-seeking behavior by giving your dog plenty of positive attention each day. Identify your dog’s favorite chew items and put these objects where they cannot reach them. Ignore negative actions and praise good ones.

Cause #3: Boredom

Dogs explore the world with their mouths and may chew clothes, furniture, and shoes if they are left without chew toys. Dogs may display destructive chewing behaviors if left alone for long periods without appropriate entertainment. Puppies need regular mental stimulation and outlets to curb negative actions.

Solution

Dogs, particularly large breeds, need to lead active lifestyles to remain happy and exhibit healthy behaviors. Play with your dog regularly in safe areas and encourage your children to take them on daily walks.

Increase your dog’s opportunities for mental stimulation, particularly when they are left alone. Purchase chew toys and use a clicker to encourage your dog to play with the toys instead of munching on other items.

Taking your pet to a behavior class is another excellent way to reinforce the positive behaviors you are teaching at home. Are you experiencing destructive chewing or dealing with separation anxiety in greyhounds? Find out whether the behavior is normal or part of a more significant problem by making an appointment with Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic.

How to Trick Your Dog into Taking Liquid Medicine

Written by Santa Cruz Pet on March 4, 2022. Posted in Dog Health Issues.

Regardless of breed, dogs have one thing in common: they don’t enjoy taking liquid medication. Dogs are intelligent about sniffing out pills, tasting medicine that’s mixed in, or wriggling away as you try to dispense liquid medicine. (Pill guns are a different story for another blog.)

Wondering how to trick your dog into taking liquid medicine? Here are five tried and true tricks from Tucson’s top-rated veterinarian, Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic, to get your dog to take medicine. Give them a try – we think you’ll find one that works for you.

Ask Your Vet for Compounded Medicine

Ask your vet if you can get the prescription compounded into ready-made dog treats. This makes your job easier and ensures that your dog receives the correct dosage. (Yes, we are happy to do this for our dog owners!)

Use a Syringe or Dropper

Draw the medication into the syringe or dropper (remember, 1ml = 1cc, 5cc = 1 teaspoon, and 15cc = 1 tablespoon). If it’s refrigerated, warm it in your hand first.

Get your dog into a comfortable spot or have someone hold the dog if needed. Grab the dog’s head with your non-dominant hand and place your dominant hand on top of its muzzle, circling with your thumb and fingers.

Then raise the dog’s nose toward the ceiling and squeeze your fingers behind its canine teeth. Place the dropper or syringe behind the canine teeth and squeeze the contents into the dog’s mouth. Praise your dog!

Peanut Paws

Another answer to the question “how to trick your dog into taking liquid medicine?” works wonders for most fur babies, as it doesn’t seem like medicine to your dog. Mix the medicine into your dog’s favorite brand of peanut butter (some dogs like all peanut butter, but you’ll find that some can be choosy!) Spread it onto a silicone mat and watch your dog enjoy the treat.

Canned Food

This method of hiding liquid medicine from dogs works wonders for some, but it doesn’t work with everyone. Food flavor choices that work best include duck and salmon combo, tuna, chicken casserole, and salmon.

Start with a small amount of food to make sure your dog eats it all. If the dog doesn’t eat it at that concentration, continue mixing in more food until you reach the “magic ratio.” If your dog doesn’t finish all of the food, it’s not getting a correct dose, so find a different method for next time.

Bread

If your dog likes bread, that’s an acceptable alternative to canned food. But be careful not to use breads that are toxic to dogs, such as raisin bread, garlic bread, any bread with xylitol (sugar alcohol), or bread with nuts and seeds.

Stay Calm

Your dog can sense your mood and emotions from speaking tone and body language. If you are uneasy, your dog will be too and less likely to respond as you want.

Now that you know how to trick your dog into taking liquid medicine, you’re prepared for any prescriptions your vet might give you. Click here to learn about the signs to take your pet to the vet.

For complete veterinary care, call Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic at (520) 889-9643 to schedule an appointment.