Medicating Your Rat

The simplest way to give medicine is by hiding it in a little food. Most rat medicines can be measured out in the syringe and then squirted onto a little piece of bread, or something else absorbent.

However, occasionally rats realise the food is tainted and refuse to eat it. A little creativity can often overcome this - yogurt, baby food, ribena, chocolate pudding and mayonnaise are favourites for hiding medicines in, but virtually anything is worth a try!

Remember to ensure you only use sufficient food to cover the taste of the medicine though, otherwise your rat might not eat it all, thus won't get the complete dose.

Direct Approach

Sometimes a more direct approach is required, if you have a rat that isn't easily fooled, or if your rat isn't eating.


This hold stops you getting bitten and gives you control of the head. Use your thumb to gently push the head upwards.




If feet are dangling then even a squirming rat can't go anywhere.

My middle finger and ring finger are gently pushing Euan's lower arm down so that he can't claw the syringe out of his mouth.
A more compliant rat could stand while you hold their head like that.










Alternatively wrapping your rat up in a towel can help. Hold the towel quite tight rather than the rat, and tuck the rats body under your arm, against your body (rat will be on it's back). You can also tuck the rats arms inside the towel for more control.




To syringe medication directly into your rats mouth, you need to find the space at the side of the mouth, just behind the front teeth.

See photo - the syringe fits in nicely without you needing to hold or prise the mouth open.

Remember to 'aim' the syringe towards the back of the throat, otherwise you might squirt the medicine in one side of the mouth and it will come straight out the other side!

Hold your rat for a few moments after medicating, to ensure they have swallowed. Rubbing under the chin can help encourage the swallowing reflex.