In this article on our site we are going to explain how to put a pipette on a dog. Although we can find different brands on the market, some general indications will help us to know how to use them all.
Pipettes are used to keep our dog protected against infestations of external parasites such as fleas, ticks or lice and some also repel mosquitoesDue to the discomfort and illnesses that these parasites can cause, deworming with pipettes and other products with a similar action is essential to keep our dog protected
What are pipettes?
A pipette is a small plastic container that contains inside a liquid with action against different external parasites of the dog. Although the size does not usually vary too much, we will find on the market pipettes divided according to the weight of our dog, which will contain more or less amount of liquid.
The pipettes are placed on the dog and its active ingredients spread throughout its body through the fatty layer of the skin so that if a parasite bites it, it will become intoxicated. Some pipettes prevent stings. To find out how often to put them on, we will have to read the leaflet that comes with them or ask our veterinarian, because we can find differences between the different brands.
Generally they are applied monthly, and their frequency of use can be increased if we find ourselves in environments with a high presence of parasites or in times of special incidence. In the next section we explain how to put the pipette on our dog.
How to put a pipette on a dog?
First of all, before putting any pipette on our dog, we must be sure that it is suitable for him. The best way to achieve this safety is to use those prescribed by our veterinarian An inappropriate pipette can poison and even kill a dog.
Once we have the pipette, the steps to follow are as follows:
- It is recommended to handle these products with disposable gloves.
- Never put the pipettes near a fire because if it comes into contact with the liquid it will cause a fire.
- If our dog is nervous, it is better to have help to immobilize him, bearing in mind that the pipette is applied to his back, so we cannot let him lie on his back at that time.
- The pipette is placed directly on the skin, for which we must part the hair well at various points along the spine from the area of the withers, between the front legs, to the beginning of the tail. Two or three dots may be enough
- After application, care must be taken that the dog does not rub it, as this could remove part of the product. Also be careful not to touch it while the liquid is not dry. Putting on the pipette at night may be a good idea.
- We should not bathe a dog after putting the pipette on it, neither two days before nor two days after to achieve maximum effectiveness. Errors of this type can make us think that the pipette has not worked when in fact it is an administration error. Although today there are brands that do allow bathing without losing effectiveness, it is always advisable to maintain this period.
- Sometimes at the application points we can see the hair stained white when the pipette dries.
Precautions in the use of pipettes
By learning how to put the pipette on our dog we minimize the risks but, in addition, we must take into account the following aspects:
- Pipettes generally cannot be used on dogs weighing less than 2 kg or on puppies under two months of age. For its use in dogs with these characteristics, we must consult the veterinarian or use another product such as sprays.
- Although some pipettes have the same composition for dogs and cats, those used on dogs may contain substances toxic to cats. Therefore, be very careful with sharing them and even with contact between both species while the pipette does not dry out. If the cat licks it, it could become intoxicated.
- The composition of some pipettes is not suitable for certain breeds of dogs that have a genetic mutation that makes them hypersensitive to these active ingredients. They are breeds such as the long-haired collie, the border collie, the bobtail or old English shepherd, etc. and their crosses. That is why it is so important to consult our veterinarian, because these dogs could die if we put an inappropriate pipette on them.
- If an overdose occurs, our dog will be intoxicated, showing symptoms such as hypersalivation, incoordination or tremors. In these cases, immediately contact the veterinary and give him the name of the pipette so that he can give us instructions.
- Finally, let's remember that you shouldn't bathe your dog neither a couple of days before nor a couple of days after putting the pipette on it so as not to interfere with its distribution in the body and, consequently, with its effectiveness.
For more details, in the following video we show how to apply the pipette for dogs and how often.
