How Do You Medicate A Rat?
By angel_smiles
@Lolaze (5093)
St. Louis, Missouri
May 20, 2019 8:09pm CST
I’ve mentioned that i have nine rats before (stop laughing, I’m not crazy!). Four of those nine need twice daily medication. My three and a half year old girl is considered ancient for a rat and has chronic breathing issues - to the point she also gets squirted with my asthma inhaler if she’s really having problems. Two of my boys also have recurring respiratory infections. One nearly died right after I got him and spent quite a few days just laying on my chest. Thankfully, I noticed right when I got him that something wasn’t right and got him to the veterinarian. They said one more day without treatment and he wouldn’t have survived. My sick girl developed an ear infection while I was recently out of town, I can tell that due to her holding her head at a tilt.
So to medicate them I must crush up a pill and dissolve it in liquid, then then take it via oral syringe. I’ve found a great little truck though since the medicine in just water is disgusting! I use almond milk instead of water. The rats actually fight over it and occasionally the healthy ones steal a drop or two. I’ve never seen critters so happy to take their medication.
9 people like this
10 responses
@LindaOHio (155961)
• United States
21 May 19
I'm glad you found a way for them to take their medication. How do you tell them apart?
2 people like this
@Lolaze (5093)
• St. Louis, Missouri
21 May 19
@LindaOHio oh yes, they are very smart
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (155961)
• United States
21 May 19
@Lolaze I wouldn't have thought that they would respond when called. Interesting.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95042)
• Marion, Ohio
21 May 19
Glad you found something that works.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95042)
• Marion, Ohio
21 May 19
@Lolaze Your turtles sound like my roosters But I had the last laugh with them when I sold them.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73326)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 May 19
That is such a cute rat in the photo. I am glad you have gotten them to take their medicine.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
21 May 19
I am glad you are happy with your pets but for me a rat is not gonna be my pet, smelling rat pee is as bad as cat pee.
2 people like this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
21 May 19
You are so patient caring for your rats.
1 person likes this