I put this here because if it weren't for MS, I wouldn't be in this pickle. My dear wittle pupper has the eye infection back, with a vengence (Vet says it's bad) and I have to give him (2) 1/2 pills every 12 hrs and eye drops 4 times a day for the next 30 days.

DDg will not come to me and I have to chase him around on my scooter, trap the poor thing and pick him up, so I can (cough, spit, mutter,cry) administer the drugs.

I am physically unable to do this job, but am pushing myself to the limit to do it.....and I will, but it's soooo hard on me and I'm so depressed, crying, hurting and feeling very sorry for myself.

He's so upset he is peeing everywhere (which I have to clean up quickly), and hasn't eaten all day. I feel so bad for the poor little thing. He depends on me and he really can't trust me to take care of him anymore. That is the biggest part of why I am so sad.

I guess I just need some moral support from you, since my cheer leader is gone (DH). I will do this, Please help me.

oh Sally. I can relate. for a solution to the pills: DH went to Walgreens and got a gizmo that grinds pills. Cats are happy for wet food, just a little in a bowl so that all the med gets eaten.

as for the eyes. honestly, my cat is too strong and this week, we left him at the vets. it costs a bit but he has lost the eye. i just want the redness to stop any of his pain.

the walgreens gizmo was about ten dollars.

I know your stress.

When we had a dog he would eat anything we put in a hot dog. I never had to give him eye drops. Good luck!

Sally

Can DD come over and give Pal at least one of the medicine doses? I know she works and has a family, too, so I know how difficult this might be. Just trying to think of anything that might help take some of the stress off you.

Pets can sense when we are stressed and then they get stressed, too. It's a vicious cycle 'cos I know how stressed I get when one of my pets is sick.

Praying for you (and Pal, too).

Medicating any animal is a challenge because the act is totally foreign to them. They just know they are hurting and want to be left alone. Thus the defensive posturing and actions.

The pill grinder idea is awesome and will take care of one major problem. Eye drop administration is a whole other story. Most of the time it takes me and my wife to hold the dog to do this effectively. Is there anyone close in the neighborhood who may be able to stop by and assist you? How about from your church or even a local church?

Sally, don't be too upset with the effect trying to med your dog has because it is NOT YOU that the dog is reacting to. It's the darned scooter. It's scaring him to death to be chased down, cornered, followed by all of the activity of trying to administer the meds. Of course your condition is not making the effort any easier for both of you and the dog can sense your apprehension and anxiety.

The only solution I see is finding someone to assist you with this effort. It is the safest avenue for both you and the dog.

I don't have any better advice than has already been given. I just wanted to tell you that you and Pal are in my prayers,Sally.

You've gotten some good advice, and I'm sure you will get more. I'm only good for moral support, I'm afraid. I like Craig's idea about calling a church. That's what churches DO. If you call one and the minister says, "Oh dear, I don't know who could do that right now..." just say "thank you" and move on to the next. My guess is that WON'T happen, but if it does, just keep on. We have only 4 churches in our town, but I know any one of them would know a few people who could help.

Praying that a solution will come to you soon, even this morning!!

Aww, Sally, I'm so sorry

I can't think of an easy way to give the eye drops...will give it some thought.

The pills -- there are "treats" you can put them in, they are called Pill Pockets. I have even wrapped pills in cheese.

Im sorry you are in the thick of this sal. I know exactly how you feel. Here are some suggestions from me.

1. dog walkers are everywhere, and you could hire someone to come to your house to not only take him for a walk twice a day, but pill him too. This would reduce his in house pee as well. perhaps when things are quiet at the house, and you are snuggled on the couch, you can gently give his drops.

2. make pill time more fun. Make it yummy. http://www.amazon.com/Greenies-Pill-...7492346&sr=8-1 are a yummy treat that wraps around the doggie pill and most love the taste.

3. try other foods to wrap the pill in. Cream cheese, peanut butter, steak, chicken or other yummy foods.

4. someone mentioned the humane society, great idea!

5. Call your local churches and ask if they have any volunteers who would be willing to come to your home and help you with your baby. Call your vet and ask if one of their staff would be willing to come. Call the local high school and ask if they have any responsible kids that would come. Call your handi hunks and ask if they know anyone. Call the groomer and ask if they know anyone.

6. if all else fails and you are forced to be the one to pill this poor pup, perhaps wrapping him in a towel would help, this will help him feel more secure on your lap, and snuggled in, plus he will be easier to control. You can also put a towel on a stick and use it to reach over and mop up the mess. A wringer mop, or use those dry duster cloth sticks to improvise a solution.

7. many vets have a long acting antibiotic shot that can be used in leiu of pills. Perhaps they have one that matches his infection, and this will provide relief from having to chase him. Jack got a shot that was the same as 10 days of pills. Call the vet and ask if they have a shot.

Last but not least, take a deep breath. cry if you need to. hug yourself from us. Know that if anyone here was closer, we would be right over. Let us know what you try, and what works. With some trial and error perhaps we can give you some ideas that work.

Sal,
I can no longer treat my animals (4 cats, 1 dog) for fleas and ticks monthly and getting the family to help is a pain also. We live next to woods full of deer, DH and the dog both got Lyme's at the same time following a walk in the woods, Bean and dog ticks fall off animals in house all the time, so these pet meds are necessary. This is hard stuff, I feel your pain. I absolutely can't do it, and nagging the others shouldn't be so hard! But it is! I set everything up but still have to badger with all my nagging skills to get it done. I feel your pain.