How to Give a Pet Rodent a Shot

Mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and chinchillas can have trouble taking medicines by mouth. The medication winds up on the cage floor or down the drain. By following a few simple steps, an owner can administer medicine to a pet rodent by injection under the skin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Enlist the help of a veterinarian. Many antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators can be administered to a pet rodent by injection under the skin. The veterinarian will write a prescription for the medicine and disposable syringes.
2. Pull the metal cap off the medicine vial. Insert the tip of the needle into the rubber top. Pull the plunger of the syringe back to draw up the correct dose. Keep the needle pointed downward.
3. Place the pet rodent on a carpet, table top or some area where it normally plays outside of its cage. This provides a positive environment and adequate room for the injection.
4. Calm the pet rodent by gently rubbing the back of its neck. Use your thumb and index finger to pull the pet's skin upward to form a fold shaped like a tent.
5. Insert the needle point into the fold. Make sure the needle enters into the skin. It should not exit the other side of the fold.
6. Push in the end of the syringe to release the medicine and complete the injection.
7. Rub the site of injection. This will aid distribution of the medicine and reduce pain at the site of injection.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all medicines can be administered by injection under the skin.
• A 28- or 29-gauge needle delivers the medication with minimal discomfort.
• The technical term for injection under the skin is subcutaneous.
• Never allow children to administer an injection to a pet rodent.