How to Give Horses Liquid Medications
Giving medications and/or herbs to horses can be a real challenge! Not only are they big, but they can be strong and stubborn. But with a little ingenuity & preparation, this can easily be conquered.
[edit] Steps
- Purchase a large dosing syringe from your Vet or the Feed Store, or a turkey baster from the grocery store.
- Mix the desired quantity of medicine or herbs in a pint or quart jar; use plastic if possible to avoid broken glass. Or if they already come in liquid form, open the bottle.
- If the syringe or baster will hold the entire amount of liquid, then fill it before getting around the horse.
- If the quantity of liquid medication or herbs to be given is more than the applicator will handle, then fill the baster or syringe and keep the jar with the rest close by.
- If the horse is particularly stubborn and you have cross ties in your barn, use these. Be sure to have an able assistant close by.
- If the horse is cooperative, stand on a 55 gallon drum, or a mounting stairs. The idea is for you to be higher than the horse if at all possible.
- For the cooperative horse, put the lead rope over your shoulder.
- Gently open the horse's mouth and squirt the liquid in the side of the mouth.
- Squirt the liquid slowly and steadily so the horse has a chance to swallow. Gently massaging their throat can aid this process.
[edit] Tips
- If using cross ties, be sure to use quick-release ties. Make certain that the quick-release end of the cross tie is attached to the barn and NOT to the horse.
- If the horse wants to chew the end of the syringe or baster, then try squirting the liquid as far back in their cheek as possible. This can often lead to spitting out, but if the head is kept high, then most of the liquid should be swallowed.
[edit] Warnings
- Some horses are able to rear over backwards in cross ties, or will slip and fall. If the horse is prone to such action, be sure to have an assistant who can quick-release the horse should it fall.
- Wear old, washable clothes. You are pretty much guaranteed to get some of the medicine or herbs on your clothes, your face, and your hands.
