If your dog has a medical condition that causes dehydration, your vet may suggest giving them Q fluids.The fluids under the skin can help a dehydrated dog.Don't worry if the thought of sticking a needle under your dog's skin makes you nervous.Most pets are happy with the procedure.You will need to learn how to assemble the fluid therapy equipment in order to administer the fluids.
Step 1: All equipment should be organized in one area.
You will need a fluid bag, fluid line, needle, and metal coat hanger to administer SQ fluids to your dog.To make the process more efficient, organize all the equipment in the area where you will be administering the fluid.Once you have all the equipment assembled, you can use the coat hanger to hang the fluid bag.In your vet's clinic, the staff would have your dog lay on a table for fluid administration; however, at home, it will probably be more convenient for the dog to sit on the floor or on another piece of furniture.
Step 2: All packaging should be removed.
The fluid therapy equipment may have been assembled by your vet.You will need to do this on your own.The plastic packaging needs to be removed from the fluid bag and fluid line.The fluid line has a plastic roller that you can open and close to stop the flow of fluid.The fluid line needs to be closed when you take it out of the packaging.The apparatus is similar to a wheel.Roll the wheel with your thumb.When you close the valve, the fluid line will squeeze in.
Step 3: Check the temperature and color of the fluid.
The fluid should be clear.If the fluid is cloudy or discolored, you should administer it.The fluid should be at room temperature.The fluid bag should not be kept refrigerated.If you warm up the fluid, it could make it feel warm as it enters your dog's body.
Step 4: The line needs to be connected to the bag.
There is a small opening on the bottom of the fluid bag.The fluid bag should be turned upside down to remove the rubber seal from the bag.Make sure it stays in place by twisting the end into the opening.Don't allow the pointed end of the drip line to touch anything before you put it in the bag.If you want to prevent fluid from flowing into the fluid line and making a mess on your floor, turn the bag upside down.Once you have inserted the line, turn the bag right side up.You can prevent fluid from spilling onto the floor when you close the clamps.
Step 5: Allow fluid to pass through the line.
Allowing some of the fluid to flow through the line first will help prevent your dog from getting a lot of air under their skin.The fluid line needs to be opened to do this.To prevent your floor from getting wet, position a small bowl or cup to catch the fluid as it runs through the line.You could line the sink with the bag.
Step 6: The chamber needs to be filled halfway.
There is a clear plastic chamber at the top of the fluid line.The fluid goes into this chamber before going through the rest of the line.Before you start giving the fluids, make sure to squeeze the fluid bag to fill the chamber.
Step 7: Attach a needle to the fluid line.
You probably received several needles from your vet.There is a plastic or metal hub at the end of each needle.The hub should be put into the bottom of the line.When you are ready to administer fluid to your dog, keep the needle cap on.There are different sizes of needles.The size of the needle will be decided by your vet.The bigger the needle, the slower the flow of fluid and the more uncomfortable it is to enter the skin.
Step 8: The bag should be hung.
A good flow of fluid can be ensured by hanging the fluid bag above your dog.There can still be a curve in the hook if you take your metal coat hanger.The opening in the fluid bag can be slid through the coat hook.You will be administering the SQ fluids if you hang the coat hanger on the door.
Step 9: Put your dog in a comfortable position.
Most pets don't mind getting fluids.The entire process can take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, so you want to make your dog comfortable before you start giving him fluids.Talk to your dog to make them more comfortable.Don't rub the skin with alcohol.Alcohol does not harm the skin.The coldness of alcohol will make your dog uncomfortable when you inject it.
Step 10: A skin tent is needed.
It will be easier to place the needle under the skin if you make a skin tent.Pull up your dog's scruff with your thumb and index finger if you have a nondominant hand.The tent should be in line with the dog's spine.You should have someone remove the needle cap while you are making the skin tent.If you want to make a skin tent, make sure the needle does not touch anything before you put it in the skin.Don't try to remove the cap with your mouth.
Step 11: The tent should have a needle in it.
With your dominant hand, hold the needle hub.If you position it behind the skin tent, it will be parallel to your dog's spine, with the hole of the needle facing up.The skin tent needs to be moved backwards to meet the needle.The scruff can be released once the needle is under the skin.As the needle enters the skin, you will feel a punch.Do not hesitate to use the needle.This will cause pain for your dog.Because the needle is so sharp, your dog probably won't feel anything when you insert it.
Step 12: The fluid line is open.
The fluid should be administered with the needle under the skin.Roll the wheel on the clamp to open the fluid line.The fluid should flow.If the needle is not well positioned under the skin, it could be that it isn't flowing smoothly.If you want to see the fluid flow smoothly, move the needle without taking it out.
Step 13: Give the prescribed amount of fluid.
Your vet will tell you how much fluid to give your dog.A dog or cat can receive up to 200 liters of fluid at a time.The amount of fluid your dog gets depends on how dehydrated they are.One liter of fluid can be found in fluid bags.There is a space between the numbers on the bag.To make it easier to see how much fluid is in the bag, mark it with a marker.One of the vet's staff members could mark the bag for you.
Step 14: There is a fluid lump under your dog's skin.
A lump will form when the fluid flows under the skin.Don't be alarmed!This is normal.It will take about four to 12 hours for your dog's body to absorb the fluids and for the lump to disappear after you finish administering them.If you see the fluid on your dog's fur instead of the lump under the skin, that means the needle has passed through it.Pull the needle back and it will go under the skin.If the fluid lump isn't gone by the time you administer fluids again, contact your vet.Spread the fluid over several different sites when it's large.
Step 15: Talk to your dog.
Petting and talking to your dog can make them feel better while they are receiving fluids.Your dog can be distracted by those activities.You can say to your dog, "You're being such a good dog!"This will be over soon.Stay still for a while.You can let your dog know about your day.
Step 16: End the administration.
Carefully recap and remove the needle when your dog has received the prescribed amount of fluids.Don't throw the needle in the trash.Talk to your vet about how to properly dispose of the needles.The used needles should be returned to the veterinary clinic by your vet.The fluid might leak out when you remove the needle.Some blood may be in the fluid.This is normal.Put pressure on the area until it stops leaking.Prepare for the next fluid administration by placing a new needle on the fluid line.
Step 17: The fluids should be administered in a different location.
You can administer the fluids on your dog's body.It will prevent one area from getting too sore.You need to pull up a lot of skin to make the tent.The larger the tent, the more fluid it can hold.