Giving medication

[ShelbyL92]

So I have two male rats that keep sneezing. Took them to the vet and she thinks its allergies. But the next day there was porphyrin and sneezing fits. So I got anti biotics to be safe... They are less than 2 months old. Is there a way to give them medication? One brother took it fine the other refuses... Halp!

New mother to Nico&Floki

 

[Kye]

Try mixing it with baby food or something else he likes.. For one of mine that didn't work and I had to scruff her and force her to take it.. (would not recommend use only as a absolute last resort)

 

[Kye]

Also if you just got them it may be excitement. All rats produce porphyrin you just don't always see it. When rats are excited they tend to sneeze more so they may be settling in if they are new.

 

[ShelbyL92]

Also if you just got them it may be excitement. All rats produce porphyrin you just don't always see it. When rats are excited they tend to sneeze more so they may be settling in if they are new.

Ive had them for about 2 weeks... And their mother and uncle "sneezed" as a type of communication. But its sneezing fits like 6 in a row. But they are very active and they are eating and drinking just fine. I'm just worried because I know that if they do get sick they tend to go downhill fast. But the vet said their weight and lungs sounded just fine. I just worry and I love animals more than humans sometimes. Ya know?

 

[Kye]

Ive had them for about 2 weeks... And their mother and uncle "sneezed" as a type of communication. But its sneezing fits like 6 in a row. But they are very active and they are eating and drinking just fine. I'm just worried because I know that if they do get sick they tend to go downhill fast. But the vet said their weight and lungs sounded just fine. I just worry and I love animals more than humans sometimes. Ya know?

I understand completely. I'd try mixing the meds with some baby food on a spoon and if that doesn't work try from the syringe .. Some rats are syringe fed from very young so they may take it willingly .. I had a rat who was so sick she hardly moved.. We couldn't get her to take the medication so I decided to try and put it on her after removing her cage mates while she cleaned the meds off..

 

[ShelbyL92]

I understand completely. I'd try mixing the meds with some baby food on a spoon and if that doesn't work try from the syringe .. Some rats are syringe fed from very young so they may take it willingly .. I had a rat who was so sick she hardly moved.. We couldn't get her to take the medication so I decided to try and put it on her after removing her cage mates while she cleaned the meds off..

I'll try mixing it with a wet food that they like and try that. It just stresses me out, which then stresses them out more... I wasted a dose trying... And failing... But I can always get a refill so I'm not too worried. Just want my babies to be better. If they were bigger in size it would be easier to hold onto them. But since They're under 2 months They're just squirmy

 

[Kye]

I'll try mixing it with a wet food that they like and try that. It just stresses me out, which then stresses them out more... I wasted a dose trying... And failing... But I can always get a refill so I'm not too worried. Just want my babies to be better. If they were bigger in size it would be easier to hold onto them. But since They're under 2 months They're just squirmy

Trust me.. I know the feeling . I wasn't expecting my lil girl to make it but now she's the most hyper and energetic of them all.. I hope the soft food works.. Medicine tastes nasty after all.. Just try to stay relaxed around them and if you start getting stressed just laugh I've found that helps in the moment.

 

[ShelbyL92]

Trust me.. I know the feeling . I wasn't expecting my lil girl to make it but now she's the most hyper and energetic of them all.. I hope the soft food works.. Medicine tastes nasty after all.. Just try to stay relaxed around them and if you start getting stressed just laugh I've found that helps in the moment.

Thank you for the advice... I'm a first time rat owner and I hate this but I know its needed. I'll keep ya updated. I cried in front of them once and they both stopped what they were doing to look at me and snuggle. Made me feel better. Times like these I wish we could talk to them

 

[FemineaDea]

I mix my meds for the boys with Gerber rice formula (just add water kind). Only I make it thinner than the directions, otherwise it's too thick and can cause some ratties to choke. For the real fussy ones I will add a little bit of chocolate soy milk or ensure. It works great for me.

 

[ShelbyL92]

I mix my meds for the boys with Gerber rice formula (just add water kind). Only I make it thinner than the directions, otherwise it's too thick and can cause some ratties to choke. For the real fussy ones I will add a little bit of chocolate soy milk or ensure. It works great for me.

Ive been trying shredded chicken cat food and chicken Gerber baby food and they seem to scarf it down. One has a bigger appetite than his brother... But if they stop eating what I got I will try the rice formula! Thank you!

 

[Fidget]

Kids differ in what they like, but my most all-round effective & easy thing has been a drop of chocolate Nesquick syrup mixed in it.

 

[ShelbyL92]

Well they liked the chicken baby food... But today they didnt want to eat it... The sneezing has stopped(other than when they dig in their food or are playing). But they are active(for male rats) and are eating and drinking. So hopefully they are feeling better.

 

[Kye]

That's great news. Keep up the good work..! My boys needed meds as well. One took it no problem the other however .. I've found my rats are a fan of the Blueberry, Banana, Flax, and Oat baby food. It's a favorite for all 6 of mine.!

 

[ShelbyL92]

The hooded is Nico and the Berkshire is Floki. Floki doesn't sit still long enough to take a photo. And he has a thing about biting my toes... Thank you everyone for all the advice and help!

 

[Vincenzos_Mum]

Try mixing it with baby food or something else he likes.. For one of mine that didn't work and I had to scruff her and force her to take it.. (would not recommend use only as a absolute last resort)

I envy you lmfao vincenzo wouldn't let me scruff him he would wiggle out of it and keep his m ourh closed I now know how my mother felt

 

[ShelbyL92]

Well one year later and I had to put my hooded guy(Nico) to sleep.... Pretty sure poor dude had a stroke... I miss him so much.