Biting me when given medicine

[Hope4gem]

Any tips for a piggy who is biting me when I give her medicine? She has to get medicine via syringe 3 times a day. I could try putting the medicine on a piece of lettuce , but then it's hard to tell if she got it all. She was just pinching, but is now starting to break skin. I'm guessing she just wants to be put down and doesn't want medicine, but vet says she has to have it. I know it's not her fault and she doesn't understand, but it is really starting to hurt. It's not an option to have anyone help me because usually I'm the only one there to give the medicine. None of our other Piggies does this. I could try to cover my skin with a thick coat or something as padding in case she bites, but can't cover everything. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.

 

[Siikibam]

Could you wrap her like a burrito and only leave access to her mouth? You just have to be firm I’m afraid. And it’s best to syringe direct as putting on anything or watering down means you won’t be sure she gets the full dose. Hopefully someone will be along to give clearer instructions.

 

[T-Rex]

My little Ruffles bit me when I was doing her medicine too. And like your little one started to break the skin.
As above, my advice is be speedy and firm. I tried to get the ordeal over and done with as fast as I could. So was prepared with everything I needed first and then a firm grip and get it over and done with and back in the cage ASAP.

 

[Wiebke]

You may find the piggy whispering tips in this guide very helpful: Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?

I usually don't have any issues with biting in my piggies after a little application of piggy whispering; not even in those piggies that I have specifically adopted because they could not be rehomed for their biting/tweaking/handling issues.

 

[tabelmabel]

Thick pair of gardening gloves, maybe?!
I dont know what medication your piggy is on but if she needs a pro biotic, my Ebony highly rates bio lapis - she is pulling the syringe of me for that!


I'm just thinking if she can have something tasty in the syringe (ribena maybe) then you could give her 2 or 3 nice tasty syringes, the nasty med and finish with tasty?

 

[Hope4gem]

Thanks for all the tips, everyone. Will definitely try the suggestions everyone gave me!