Rat Roadhouse

Prevention

They say an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Even so there are still times when a rat may need to be medicated. If you have properly prepared for such an event medication does not have to be a battle.

First go to your local drug store, vet or feed store and get a syringe without a needle. They are very inexpensive and can even be ordered online if need be. Using a treat (such as baby soy formula) teach your rat early on that the syringe is another form of treat. They will become accustomed to taking liquids in this method and will quickly learn to grab the syringe with both hands and fight to steal it! You will also become accustomed to dispensing in this method. Then if you ever need to medicate your rat you are ready too!

Medicating

So now your rat knows that the syringe equals a treat. If you are dealing with a pill ask the vet the best quantity to mix it with. I like to crush the pills using a piece of foil folded like an envelope and then use a spoon to push down. I then add it to water to the proper dilution and make sure to mix it well. If you are already fortunate enough to have the medicine in liquid form you are ready for the next step.

Mix honey or maple syrup with water to make it nice and runny. I use the microwave to heat it a bit and help. I dilute it about 50% syrup to 50% water. Then draw up the medication in the syringe to the right amount. Using a seperate container (bottle cap works good) draw up a little bit of the syrup water. Add air to the syringe to be able to mix it. Once the medicine and syrup water have mixed in the syringe slowly push the plunger to remove the excess air.

Now tell your rat it is treat time. Watch them quickly swallow down the treat (medicine) and never hate you for trying to force horrible tasting liquids into them. Some rats learn to love the syringe so much that you can even skip the syrup step.

Now if your rat has any health issues like diabetes be sure to ask the vet before you use syrup or honey!