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Can I Put Antibiotics On Food?

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Mezzle2121

Mezzle2121

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Hi just a quick question i was given some antibiotics for a skin condition for one of my piggies can i put it on or in her food as she just down right refuses to take it from the syringe thanks. I was thinking maybe on or in some water melon.
 
You would need to make sure she eats the whole piece of food to make sure she's getting the full dose. They're surprisingly good at seeing stuff on food, so she might not eat it.

I'd go for the quick syringe in the mouth, and a piece of watermelon for dessert.
 
Every time I try and get anywhere near her with the syringe she just struggles and moves her face. I am wrapping her in a towel but i dont want to hold her too hard.
 
You are best doing it in the syringe (you can hold the pig firmly, you won't hurt them!) They may not eat food that is doused with antibiotics, and it is easier to get a syringe of meds in quickly than to get them to eat a piece of food they don't want.

My technique for giving meds is to put the pig in my lap facing away from me, stand them up on their back feet with their stomach supported by my hand and their back pressed up against my stomach, and then to use my other hand to stick the syringe in the side of the mouth (the area between the front teeth and molars where there are no teeth blocking the way) and then to just get it over with as fast as possible. Sundae was on chronic medication for years, so I got really good at this and it does work, but it takes some practice!
 
The difficulty with putting antibiotics on food is ensuring that the piggy gets the whole dose and also that no other piggy gets it instead. You are better off with a tough love approach that ensures the targeted piggy gets the whole dose on time. Some piggies are less cooperative than others but I have never found a piggy that I couldn't give oral ABs to. Is there anyone to help hold the piggy while you do the AB?
 
Mezzle2121 said:
Hi just a quick question i was given some antibiotics for a skin condition for one of my piggies can i put it on or in her food as she just down right refuses to take it from the syringe thanks. I was thinking maybe on or in some water melon.
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Please don't - baytril is the most horrible stuff, and she'll just refuse to eat melon (or whatever veg you use) in the future. Guinea pigs have double the number of taste buds to us humans. The best way is by syringe, as you have full control of making sure that the whole dose is really getting in.

It is large a matter of practice when you medicate/syringe feed uncooperative piggies. They feel your hesitation and will try their best to wiggle out of it!

Make a fuss of her first (stroking around eyes and ears), then establishing your authority (ear fondling is the friendliest way; forcing up the chin is a strong assertion of dominance). That will ensure that she'll behave better with a higher ranked member and will put up a bit less resistance. Get a good grip on her (our medicating guide will show you how) to do the evil deed.

Afterwards you give her a mouthful for two (0.3-0.5 ml is a mouthful for an adult piggy) of water to cleanse the mouth and THEN give her melon (or her favourite veg) to wash away any lingering taste and as a treat for her cooperation.
You can sympathise with your voice while you are giving it, but you need to be firm - any medication needs to go in, whether a piggy likes it or not. At some point it is likely to be a matter of life and death; and you really have to. The more pactice you get, the easier it is going to be whenever you really need to. You can make another big fuss and tell her how proud you are that she's done this afterwards. ;)

Piggy whispering tips: How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language

There are tips and pictures how to medicate unwilling piggies in this guide here:
Administering Medications
 
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