How to inject a cat or dog?

Do you want to learn how to inject your own medications? After reading this article, you will know the important nuances of injections.

Preparation for injection

Calm your pet, and do not be nervous. Ask a family member or friend to help you capture the animal. Take a 2 ml syringe to inject a kitten, puppy or small pet. For a large animal, choose a 2–5 ml syringe. Create sterile and safe conditions for the procedure:

1. Wash hands and / or wear disposable medical gloves.
2. Prepare a disposable syringe and do not touch the needle with your hands.
3. Check the expiration date of the drug.
4. Follow the instructions and appointments of the veterinarian.
5. Secure the pet on a solid, level surface.
6. Wipe the injection site with chlorhexidine.

Remember that without the right skills, you cannot inject intravenously, only subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Choose one of these methods recommended by your veterinarian.

Having typed the necessary dose of drug from an ampoule, expel air from the syringe, light taps of a nail on the cylinder. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up and expel the air with the plunger. Insert the needle confidently, carefully and quickly.

Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections

For subcutaneous injection, the animal can be locked in a sitting or lying position. Make a skin fold on the neck with two fingers, and, holding the syringe parallel to the pet's spine (along the folds), pierce the skin and inject the drug.

Intramuscular injection is best performed when the pet is lying on its side. If you have a large dog, you can inject while standing. The drug must be injected into the muscle tissue. The thigh area of the hind limb is suitable for this. The needle should be inserted from the side, perpendicular to the muscle. Be sure to hold the foot into which you are injecting. It is important not to get caught.

Do you doubt that you will be able to make the injection yourself? Is there a need for an intravenous injection into an animal? Our experienced veterinarian will be happy to help you. You can call a doctor at home, or contact the nearest branch of Animal Clinic. Our addresses:

• Kyiv, street Prince Zaton, 9.
• Kyiv region, Borova, street Ivan Franko, 5/2.
• Kyiv region, Sofiivska Borshchahivka, street Bogolyubova, 44

Make an appointment in advance at: (044) 333 95 63 or (067) 333 95 63.