Treating Your Pet for Parasites

There are multiple different kinds of medication, that comes in different forms, for parasite prevention and treatment. It all depends on what your veterinarian recommends for your pet’s lifestyle and needs.

Topical

Liquid medication is applied to the skin. Once the cap is removed, part the hair until the skin is visible on
the back of the animal at the base of the neck, in front of the shoulder blades or anywhere that the
animal can’t reach to lick it off. Apply the tip to the skin and squeeze the tube until empty.

Oral

  1. Pill – Begin by trying to hide the pill in a treat. It can be either their favourite canned food, peanut butter, chicken, cheese or moldable treats specially made to hide your pets’ medication (Pill Pockets).
  2. Liquid – If your pet knows all the little tricks, we might need to give the pill directly in the mouth. Having the pill in one hand, gently hold the mouth open with the other hand and drop the pill as far back over the tongue as possible. This technique might be easier with another person to help or try placing the animal on a high table. Most likely given with a syringe, the easiest way is to gently hold your pets head while lifting the side lip and squirt the medication in between the side teeth.If your pet is a squirmy wormy and doesn’t like to be held, you can always try to hide the liquid medication in canned food or other foods, such as softened kibbles or a piece of bread. Medication, especially liquid, can be tricky if your pet doesn’t like the taste. Do your best and provide fresh water and/or a tasty treat to cleanse those taste buds.

For more information and/or guide about the different types of parasite medication available for your pet, please contact your veterinarian team.

Written by Monica Blanchard, RVT