Giving Oral Fluids to a Dog

This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.

In the photographs below, the dog's nose is pointed to your right. Variations on these instructions exist. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.
If your dog is not drinking but is not vomiting you may be instructed to force oral fluids to prevent dehydration. The fluid may be tap water, an oral electrolyte solution such as that given to young children, a liquid diet such as Ensure or a thin slurry of blended dog food.

These syringes both hold 60 ml of fluid. Notice the difference in the tips of the syringes. The one on the top is a standard 60 ml syringe. The one on the bottom is a catheter-tip syringe.  The tip is wider and longer.  A catheter-tip syringe is easier to use to force oral fluid.

 

A pouch is created between the teeth and check.

 

The tip of the syringe is inserted into this pouch and the plunger of the syringe is pushed to force the fluid into the pouch. The fluid will drain through the spaces between the teeth and the dog will swallow it.

Liquids are more likely to accidentally enter the windpipe compared to pills or capsules. To avoid the dog inhaling liquid into the windpipe, DO NOT tilt the dog's head backward but rather keep the head level as in the previous picture.