My weak hamster won't take medicine. How can I give it to him?

Thanks for reaching out about Dexter. No, on the inhaler as she probably doesn't have asthma and overdosing can be serious. Animals usually suffer from dehydration prior to starvation. Offer water via a syringe, then can moisten pellets and offer also. Taking out the wheel is a good idea. If not improved after 48 hours for medication, a re-visit to the veterinarian is recommended. Good luck.

Yes, there is. I would recommend Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores: http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/vets/products/critical_care There are good instructions on the label on how much to feed and how to mix it up. Hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Geri.

Hello. Yes, if you think you can get him to take it in ketchup, this is one I have not thought to try. Mostly, if I can not get them to take their medication in fruit juices, fig newtons have worked well. But whatever you can think of that Dimounds might take the medicine please feel free to try. You wont hurt the medicine at all by mixing it with various things. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is very concerning that Camilla is too weak to eat or drink - I would recommend consulting with your local veterinarian who prescribed her medications, as she needs to be evaluated again. She should have improved, or had her signs resolve, by now and she may need to have her medications switched. Hamsters can lose weight very fast, and can also dehydrated quickly, without food and water. You can use a small syringe to try to provide her with water, however please go slowly as it is very easy for hamsters to aspirate water or other materials into their airways and lungs. The discharge around the eyes can be cleaned with a warm, wet cloth. This may be occurring because she doesn't feel well, or it may be that she has an infection going on as well. For food, your veterinarian can provide you with a powdered food that can be mixed with water and given to Camilla. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope that she feels better soon.

If he ingested it yesterday and seems fine today then he was very lucky but he is probably now out of the danger zone as the drug is not likely to still be in his system (unless he is hiding it in his cheek pouch).

Thanks for reaching out about Galya. You can clean the abscess are with a warm, moistened cloth or cotton tipped applicator. Topical medications are often ingested and can cause gastrointestinal upset, so not recommended. Try clipping the fur around the open lesion to lessen contamination. Continue with the oral antibiotics if hamster appropriate. Providing heat support in the 75 F range could give some aid, not letting it get too cold. If this veterinarian can't help you, find one who can. Good luck.

It is very nice of you to care for homeless dogs. Under the pet info, it indicates "cat" but I am going to assume it meant dog based on what you wrote. Usually the best way to administer medications to dogs is by sneaking them into some food or a treat. This can be done with both liquid meds as well as capsules and tablets. Do not try to stick pills into Pillu's mouth, as he may have an unknown vaccination history and you would be at risk for a contracting a disease.