Paw Prints

Question: My cat, Pickles, just got prescribed antibiotics for an infection. I’ve tried to get the pill into his mouth and even in his food, but there is no way I can get it in! Is there a good way to pill a cat? 

Answer: Pilling a cat can be quite a challenge. They are very smart creatures and I usually find that if I don’t get the pill in on the first try, its game over! Some medications can be bitter so putting them in food may not be the best idea since you don’t want Pickles to turn her nose up at her dinner too! 

I usually start with a product called Pill Pockets. They are soft treats that can mask a pill and hopefully trick your kitty into taking her medication. If this doesn’t work try getting a pet piller, which is a plastic barrel and plunger that can be used to administer the pill into the back of Pickles’ mouth. I always start by lubricating the cats throat by giving some food. Using the pet piller, you can deposit the pill on the back of her tongue and then stroke her throat with her mouth closed to encourage her to swallow. Once swallowed, have Pickles eat more food or a treat in order to help wash the pill down. 

NEVER dry pill a kitty because it can lead to many painful problems with the esophagus. If none of these techniques work, ask your vet to prescribe you a liquid medication or even an inject-able antibiotic that can be administered at the clinic. 

Question: Is it true that dogs can have grapes, only if they are frozen? I have also heard that raisins are bad. What is the truth? 

Answer: Both grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and should never be given as treats, at any temperature! Even though consuming grapes/raisins doesn’t consistently cause kidney damage, there is no reason to take the chance. No one can predict which dogs can safely ingest grapes and at what amount, therefore taking the risk isn’t smart. 

So let your pooch skip this fruit and stick with healthy and delicious vegetables like green beans, carrots and cucumbers. If your dog does get into grapes, take him to your vet for decontamination and monitoring because the kidney damage that can happen will be permanent and even life threatening. With so many other treats to use, grapes and raisins should never be an option! 

Please send your questions to Dr. Marina Shepelev at OwegoPawPrints@gmail.com.

Dr. Marina Shepelev is an associate veterinarian practicing medicine at Owego Veterinary Hospital. She welcomes weekly questions concerning your furry friends.