Animals & Feeding Syringes

Animal syringes work in a plunger-like fashion, activated by a push of the thumb.

The responsibility that comes with being a pet owner can include having to dispense medication to, or force feed, an ill animal. Syringes are available in various sizes to make the task a little easier when dealing with both large and small animals.

Types

Feeding syringes used on animals are made from a clear plastic and operate in a plunger-like fashion. They come in various sizes, widths and measurements.

Function

Feeding syringes help to ensure that proper nutrition is being delivered to animals in critical situations, like an orphaned baby bird or a guinea pig recovering from dental surgery.

Considerations

When using a syringe to dispense food, it's important to make sure it is size-appropriate for the animal or it may cause gagging and general discomfort.

Expert Insight

According to the "Journal of Zoo Animal Medicine," proper restraint and accurate weight monitoring are critical to the success of force-feeding programs.

Warning

The syringe should be placed in the animal's mouth behind the incisor teeth and aimed at the opposite side of the mouth. Plunging food directly down the throat is dangerous.

References

• The Journal of Zoo Animal Medicine: Force-Feeding Techniques in Wild Animals

Resources

• Galen's Garden: Syringe Feeding