Post by huronna on Oct 25, 2008 7:59:07 GMT -5
Administering Medication and Force Feeding
by Lily
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Giving your ferret medication, or force feeding them when necessary, is not always an easy task. Unfortunately, most of us will eventually have a time when it becomes necessary to do one or the other or both.
It is extremely important to note that medication and/or feeding soft food (duck soup) can be key to saving your ferret's life in certain circumstances. Please do not give up trying even if it becomes frustrating or difficult to accomplish these tasks. There is a way, it really can be done, and you can do it!
Sometimes, especially with long term meds, or with a ferret that likes the taste of your duck soup recipe, they will eventually become accustomed to the routine and if not enjoy it, maybe at least tolerate it better.
Please Note: Your Vet will be able to demonstrate how to administer meds and force feeding while you are in their office. Please ask your Vet to show you in addition to the tips and suggestions we are offering here on this page.
Helpful Suggestions for giving Meds and Feedings
Administer when your ferret is a bit sleepy and calmer
Use a towel under, or wrapped around, your ferret
Don't be afraid to scruff them when necessary to administer
Give a treat before and after meds, like Nutrical or just their favorite
Talk to them gently during the process, let them know it's OK
Don't get angry at them, or upset with yourself, if it becomes difficult - just take a deep breath, and try again. I have always believed they do know when we are trying to help them
IMPORTANT:!!! When using a syringe, NEVER, aim or shoot down the ferret's throat. This could cause the ferret to aspirate. Go slowly and let them swallow slowly.
Let's start with liquid meds
If you are very, very lucky, you might have a ferret that actually likes the taste of the medication. In these cases, you can simply let them lick the meds off a spoon. In some cases, I have had ferrets that will not lick it off a spoon but WILL lick it off my finger.
Most likely though, your ferret will not like the taste. In this event, you may mix the medication with something yummy, i.e., Ferret Tone, Baby Food, Flavored Pedialyte, apple juice, etc. Check with your Vet as to what treats are okay to mix and will not interfere with the specific medication's effectiveness and absorption, or specific illness (such as insulinoma).
Once you mix with a yummy, try giving it to your ferret off a spoon or your fingers. If this fails too, it's time to go to a syringe. To be honest, I have given the majority of my meds from the syringe. The only thing my ferrets seem to take off a spoon is liquid melatonin. I suggest a small tipped syringe, I like the 1 cc for meds.
If your med mix is too thick to bo-bo up, dilute it a bit. Either hold your ferret's head and shoulders firmly with one hand or scruff them...whatever it takes to hold them still - two people work easier - one to hold the ferret and one to administer - but if you don't have someone to help you, it can still be done! Insert the syringe tip behind the ferret's back teeth, on the side of the mouth. SLOWLY squirt the meds in, a little bit at a time....hold the head up (scruffing helps with this too) so the meds go to the back of the throat...give your ferret time to swallow. You can do a couple drops at a time and hold the mouth closed while rubbing gently on the throat to help them swallow. If your ferret gets really distressed, let them down and let them run off for a few minutes. Then go get your fuzzy and keep going until the meds are gone.
IMPORTANT NOTE!!! - Never aim the syringe down the ferret's throat or shoot the mixture down their throat. Doing this may cause your ferret to inhale it, and cause your ferret to aspirate.
Now let's talk about Pills
Try crushing the pill and mixing with appropriate determined treat or water or pedialyte. Then follow the same procedure as liquid meds.
If that doesn't work you can try crushing the pill and then covering the crushed pill with a gooey type treat, i.e., peanut butter or Vite (remember to check with your Vet first on mixing what with what). Put the gooey mix on your finger tip and gently pry your ferret's mouth open with your finger in the side of their mouth, behind the back teeth. Scrape the mix on their tongue as far back as possible, without making them gag. Close their mouth and gently rub their throat to help them swallow.
Now let's discuss force feeding and duck soup feeding
At some point in your ferret's life you may find it necessary to feed them soft food. If you are lucky, your ferret will love soft food and you will have no problem getting them to eat. Soft food can be as simple as a ground up kibble mixed with water and/or pedialyte, Gerber's Chicken Baby Food, Hills A/D mixed with Dyne, or a more involved Duck Soup recipe and everything in between. We have many good recipes on our Duck Soup pages at the main site.
Sometimes all you need to do to get your ferret to develop a taste for soft food is put some on their nose or on your fingers for them to lick off. Doing this by hand for a few days sometimes pays off in having them develop a taste for the food and then they will willingly eat it on their own out of a bowl. Some ferrets, although, decide they like the attention of being hand fed, and won't eat it any other way.
If that is the case, it actually becomes a very nice experience, feeding your ferret from a dish or spoon. Sometimes I have a ferret that won't eat duck soup unless I hold the bowl. If I hold the bowl, they'll eat it .
If your ferret is ill and not eating, and they will not eat the food in the ways talked about above at all, you will have to force feed them. It can be a frustrating and difficult procedure, but, it is often the key thing to saving your ferret's life. If your Vet tells you to force feed your ferret, you must do it. Keep trying! Don't give up! I have had to do this and I KNOW how frustrating it can be, but I watched my Billy recover from an ulcer we thought would take his life into a fat Billy Boy again by force feeding him.
I suggest a 20 CC syringe for feeding. The procedure is basically the same as for liquid meds. Remember to go very slowly, even if it is one drop at a time and allow your ferret to swallow. Wash their face and fur with a damp cloth if some spills, which does happen. To be honest, I have had duck soup in my hair, all over my hands and clothes, on many occasions.
IMPORTANT NOTE!!! - NEVER shoot the food down the ferret's throat or shoot the mixture down their throat. Doing this may cause your ferret to inhale it, and cause your ferret to aspirate (food in lungs).
Your Vet will be able to give you a suggested amount of food per day. When Billy had a bad ulcer we basically fed him every few hours throughout the day and the night. We gave him 20 ccs at a time, which is a lot, and took a long while to give him. I have heard a 5 CC feeding at one time is good - and I have had Vets tell me to do 20 CCs twice a day. Listen to your Vet for the amount to give, your own self and...your ferret.
Remember, dehydration is also a serious concern when your ferret is ill. Pedialyte works well and can be added to duck soup as well. When serious dehyrdation occurs your ferret may need to have sub-q fluids administered by your Vet.
If your ferret has stopped eating/drinking...PLEASE....do not wait, take your ferret to the Vet.
by Lily
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Giving your ferret medication, or force feeding them when necessary, is not always an easy task. Unfortunately, most of us will eventually have a time when it becomes necessary to do one or the other or both.
It is extremely important to note that medication and/or feeding soft food (duck soup) can be key to saving your ferret's life in certain circumstances. Please do not give up trying even if it becomes frustrating or difficult to accomplish these tasks. There is a way, it really can be done, and you can do it!
Sometimes, especially with long term meds, or with a ferret that likes the taste of your duck soup recipe, they will eventually become accustomed to the routine and if not enjoy it, maybe at least tolerate it better.
Please Note: Your Vet will be able to demonstrate how to administer meds and force feeding while you are in their office. Please ask your Vet to show you in addition to the tips and suggestions we are offering here on this page.
Helpful Suggestions for giving Meds and Feedings
Administer when your ferret is a bit sleepy and calmer
Use a towel under, or wrapped around, your ferret
Don't be afraid to scruff them when necessary to administer
Give a treat before and after meds, like Nutrical or just their favorite
Talk to them gently during the process, let them know it's OK
Don't get angry at them, or upset with yourself, if it becomes difficult - just take a deep breath, and try again. I have always believed they do know when we are trying to help them
IMPORTANT:!!! When using a syringe, NEVER, aim or shoot down the ferret's throat. This could cause the ferret to aspirate. Go slowly and let them swallow slowly.
Let's start with liquid meds
If you are very, very lucky, you might have a ferret that actually likes the taste of the medication. In these cases, you can simply let them lick the meds off a spoon. In some cases, I have had ferrets that will not lick it off a spoon but WILL lick it off my finger.
Most likely though, your ferret will not like the taste. In this event, you may mix the medication with something yummy, i.e., Ferret Tone, Baby Food, Flavored Pedialyte, apple juice, etc. Check with your Vet as to what treats are okay to mix and will not interfere with the specific medication's effectiveness and absorption, or specific illness (such as insulinoma).
Once you mix with a yummy, try giving it to your ferret off a spoon or your fingers. If this fails too, it's time to go to a syringe. To be honest, I have given the majority of my meds from the syringe. The only thing my ferrets seem to take off a spoon is liquid melatonin. I suggest a small tipped syringe, I like the 1 cc for meds.
If your med mix is too thick to bo-bo up, dilute it a bit. Either hold your ferret's head and shoulders firmly with one hand or scruff them...whatever it takes to hold them still - two people work easier - one to hold the ferret and one to administer - but if you don't have someone to help you, it can still be done! Insert the syringe tip behind the ferret's back teeth, on the side of the mouth. SLOWLY squirt the meds in, a little bit at a time....hold the head up (scruffing helps with this too) so the meds go to the back of the throat...give your ferret time to swallow. You can do a couple drops at a time and hold the mouth closed while rubbing gently on the throat to help them swallow. If your ferret gets really distressed, let them down and let them run off for a few minutes. Then go get your fuzzy and keep going until the meds are gone.
IMPORTANT NOTE!!! - Never aim the syringe down the ferret's throat or shoot the mixture down their throat. Doing this may cause your ferret to inhale it, and cause your ferret to aspirate.
Now let's talk about Pills
Try crushing the pill and mixing with appropriate determined treat or water or pedialyte. Then follow the same procedure as liquid meds.
If that doesn't work you can try crushing the pill and then covering the crushed pill with a gooey type treat, i.e., peanut butter or Vite (remember to check with your Vet first on mixing what with what). Put the gooey mix on your finger tip and gently pry your ferret's mouth open with your finger in the side of their mouth, behind the back teeth. Scrape the mix on their tongue as far back as possible, without making them gag. Close their mouth and gently rub their throat to help them swallow.
Now let's discuss force feeding and duck soup feeding
At some point in your ferret's life you may find it necessary to feed them soft food. If you are lucky, your ferret will love soft food and you will have no problem getting them to eat. Soft food can be as simple as a ground up kibble mixed with water and/or pedialyte, Gerber's Chicken Baby Food, Hills A/D mixed with Dyne, or a more involved Duck Soup recipe and everything in between. We have many good recipes on our Duck Soup pages at the main site.
Sometimes all you need to do to get your ferret to develop a taste for soft food is put some on their nose or on your fingers for them to lick off. Doing this by hand for a few days sometimes pays off in having them develop a taste for the food and then they will willingly eat it on their own out of a bowl. Some ferrets, although, decide they like the attention of being hand fed, and won't eat it any other way.
If that is the case, it actually becomes a very nice experience, feeding your ferret from a dish or spoon. Sometimes I have a ferret that won't eat duck soup unless I hold the bowl. If I hold the bowl, they'll eat it .If your ferret is ill and not eating, and they will not eat the food in the ways talked about above at all, you will have to force feed them. It can be a frustrating and difficult procedure, but, it is often the key thing to saving your ferret's life. If your Vet tells you to force feed your ferret, you must do it. Keep trying! Don't give up! I have had to do this and I KNOW how frustrating it can be, but I watched my Billy recover from an ulcer we thought would take his life into a fat Billy Boy again by force feeding him.
I suggest a 20 CC syringe for feeding. The procedure is basically the same as for liquid meds. Remember to go very slowly, even if it is one drop at a time and allow your ferret to swallow. Wash their face and fur with a damp cloth if some spills, which does happen. To be honest, I have had duck soup in my hair, all over my hands and clothes, on many occasions.
IMPORTANT NOTE!!! - NEVER shoot the food down the ferret's throat or shoot the mixture down their throat. Doing this may cause your ferret to inhale it, and cause your ferret to aspirate (food in lungs).
Your Vet will be able to give you a suggested amount of food per day. When Billy had a bad ulcer we basically fed him every few hours throughout the day and the night. We gave him 20 ccs at a time, which is a lot, and took a long while to give him. I have heard a 5 CC feeding at one time is good - and I have had Vets tell me to do 20 CCs twice a day. Listen to your Vet for the amount to give, your own self and...your ferret.
Remember, dehydration is also a serious concern when your ferret is ill. Pedialyte works well and can be added to duck soup as well. When serious dehyrdation occurs your ferret may need to have sub-q fluids administered by your Vet.
If your ferret has stopped eating/drinking...PLEASE....do not wait, take your ferret to the Vet.
