Welcome to Sirius Veterinary Care’s Tech Tips page, where “Tech Tips” means expert advice from our veterinary technicians! Forget about digital gadgets—our tips are all about helping pet parents with practical, hands-on care. Here, you’ll find invaluable guidance on everyday topics such as teeth brushing, ear cleaning, nail trims, administering medications, and much more. Our skilled vet techs share their knowledge to make pet care easier and more effective, ensuring your furry friends stay healthy and happy. Dive in and discover the tips that make Sirius Veterinary Care a trusted partner in your pet’s well-being!
Tech Tips for Ear Cleaning
How to Clean Dog Ears
How to Clean Cat Ears
- Instead of filling the ear with the cleaner, soak the cotton ball in ear cleaner, then place it in the ear and massage.
- For small dogs and cats wrap them in a large blanket or towel if they are squirmy, AKA “kitty ”
- Use the bottom of a cat carrier, a cardboard box, or a bin lined with a cozy blanket for cats to sit in while you clean, this may make them feel more secure.
- Offer a special treat when done, or while you clean, allow them to use a lick mat smeared with their favorite treat (frozen if they are super motivated) on the fridge, bathtub or shower wall.
- Q-tips can be used to clean the folds on the upper ear – they are not recommended for any further down in the canal.
Tech Tips for Medication
How to Give Cat Medications
- Many medications are best given with a meal. Try giving your pet something special or different with or directly after the medication, so that they do not correlate the medication with their normal diet (which could cause a food aversion).
- For small dogs and cats wrap them in a large blanket or towel if they are squirmy, AKA “kitty ”
- When “pilling” your cat or dog, try to get the pill back in the throat as far as possible, gently hold their mouth closed, massage the throat area and blow on their nose.
- For liquid medications follow the medication with a small syringe of water – many of these taste
- For pets that will eat the medication in something yummy, here are some suggestions:
- Peanut butter – containing no xylitol!!
- Squeeze cheese
- Deli meat
- A small chunk of hot dog
- Canned food (the kind with gravy for the super picky eaters)
- Pill pockets, pet roll-ups or another version of these
Tech Tips for Nail Trims
How to Trim Dog Nails
How to Trim Cat Nails
- Keep Quick Stop (styptic powder) on hand; flour or cornstarch can also be used in a pinch.
- Use a yoga mat or rug with rubber backing for a slip free surface for your pet to stand on.
- Put smaller dogs on the counter or a table (with a yoga mat or similar) for a better view (make the position easier for you).
- Offer a special treat when done, or while you clean, allow them to use a lick mat smeared with their favorite treat (frozen if they are super motivated) on the fridge, bathtub or shower wall.
- Wrap cats in a towel or blanket (AKA kitty burrito), carefully pulling out one leg at a time to trim, then wrapping the leg back into the burrito before moving on to the next leg.
- Cat grooming bags and dog nail trimming slings or hammocks are becoming more popular and work well for some pets.
Tech Tips for Teeth Brushing
How to Brush Teeth
- Start young
- Rub your finger along the teeth and gum line often as they are growing. You can even use a finger brush or a thin washcloth without toothpaste to get them acclimated to that before their adult teeth even come in.
- Once they are comfortable with this add in toothbrush and pet toothpaste of your choice
- Use only pet approved toothpastes
- Make it fun and positive. Lots of praise and a special treat
- Daily brushing is ideal, but some brushing is better than none!
- Starting the process on an older pet? Start slow just like with a puppy or kitten. They may take a little longer to adjust, but the idea is the same, slow acclimation
- You can use peanut butter (xylitol free) or squeeze cheese in place of toothpaste to start the process and create a positive association with brushing
- Simply rubbing the toothpaste along their teeth and gum line with your finger is beneficial
- Check your pet’s teeth often for any tartar build up on the teeth and for red gums; these may be signs that your pet needs a professional cleaning
- Small dogs and brachycephalic breeds (smoosh faced) tend to require more dental care as their teeth can be crowded in their mouths, creating more pockets and spaces for bacteria and tartar to build-up.
- Suggestions for other oral care:
- Oravet chews – they need to chew these to be effective
- Chew toys
- Hills T/D food as treats
- DOGS: ALWAYS WATCH THEM WHEN TRYING NEW CHEWS OF ANY KIND TO ENSURE THEY DO NOT TRY TO SWALLOW HOLE OR IN LARGE CHUNKS!