How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids to Your Pet

Joanie Abrams, CVT, VTS (ECC), demonstrates how to prepare and administer subcutaneous fluids to a cat. This video is great for pet owners to learn how to do this for their pets at home.
#subcutaneousfluids #veterinary #veterinarymedicine #subqfluids
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[@miss_jess]

**Tips:** 1. The higher you hang the bag, the faster the fluid will flow - handy if your cat won't stay still long. We were able to inject 100ml in just a minute or two. We hung the bag on the curtain rod with an s-hook and placed the cat on the bed. We let him lick treats to keep him happy. He was so comfortable that he wouldn't leave after! 2. Warm the fluids beforehand, it makes a HUGE difference to how well your cat tolerates the procedure. Our vet said to fill a container with hot tap water and let the bag sit in it for 10 mins. It's very important to leave the top of the bag out of the water and dry, as getting the connections wet can lead to bacteria growth. If you are nervous about doing this, please don't be. There's a reason vets let us do this ourselves at home - it's because it's very easy and safe. My cat always feels a lot better after getting fluids at the vet, I'm glad we can do it at home now.

[@Sleipnirseight]

7 years later and this video is still helping families and their sweet kitties! We just used it today to give our first home subq fluids to our sweet man. Thank you for all you do 💜

[@bessermt]

Tip: Put on a warm jacket and put the SubQ bag inside the jacket against you. Once the bag is warmed up to your body temperature, then give it to your cat. Much easier on the cat that way.

[@StickyZetsu]

I know it's 5 years later, but this video helped me so much remembering how to give my cat her fluids. She needs them twice a week now and it was my first time. I appreciate you.

[@fovosprodromus5020]

Who dislikes this? This has helped tons of people. Yall angry for no reason out here

[@oasia321]

Thank you very much for such a careful detailed demonstration of setting up the drip set with the bag of fluids. My 18 year old cat has kidney disease and was quite dehydrated so giving him fluids has been helping him greatly. My cat isn't a calm as the one in your video and I have my adult daughter holding him as still as possible. I put in the needle and she opens up the clamp. My cat doesn't like to be held down and cries and growls. We give him 100ml twice a week. We also warmed the fluid bag in warm water for some time so the fluids weren't so cold for him.

[@dandelionc69]

I can not imagine how scared the kitty must be. Poor baby! But you guys did such a great job to comfort the cat.

[@rustybell2722]

Thank you SO much for a very good video showing the correct way to administer the fluids. You did it in such a way that it was easy to see and understand. I've saved the video so I can show my son how to do this. Again, thank you for your excellent help.

[@joaohenriquemartinez1000]

Ulllkmnbhbggp,l

[@p.hughes7911]

Thank you for showing and talking about preventing air from going under their skin.

[@tammyeubanks9511]

Thank you I know it’s many years later but it’s helped me give my cat fluids twice a week. Thank you very much

[@di-jt6jp]

Thank you so for this. My 18 year cat needs this twice a week. I will keep referring to this video.

[@echoarts03]

This video right here saved my mom and I so much stress. Thank you so much for being thorough and not going too fast.

[@spremier9626]

This is by far the best tutorial on this topic that I’ve viewed. Thanks a million!

[@anamejia348]

Thank you for the very thorough and helpful video! You made our first time administering fluids to our kitty a breeze.

[@032319581]

I have to give my 19 year old cat fluids and you were very detailed. Thank you for a great video.

[@hollyr.1139]

Thank you for this wonderful demo and explanation. You provided some tips the vet's office didn't give me. Now I feel confident enough to be a good home nurse to my cat!

[@nublock5000]

Thank you for the tip about the bevel! I've watched at least three other videos trying to prepare for this process and that's the first time I've seen that pointer.

[@shnottingham]

Thank U!!! UR the best in explaining how to do this procedure for my newly diagnosed diabetes Chihuahua.

[@theastrologersdaughter]

Thank you for being so clear and labeling everything you're doing -- very helpful. :)

[@videomejoe]

Thanks so much for a clear, concise demonstration.

[@lynnetteedmondson8025]

Thank you for posting video, fond it extremely helpful. Was able to give my boy his first dose of fluids at home.

[@voyager6331]

Thanks so much. We've had to give sub Q's to our girl and you made it so easy!

[@sabrinawilson8857]

Thank you!!! Did it for my pup after watching the video!

[@sallychamness2159]

Thank you. You explained each detail quite well. I appreciate this. God bless

[@proudtexasmomma5091]

Thank you so much for this video. My almost one year old puppy, my fur baby, caught parvo and I am having to treat at home. This explained so much and I am now comfortable administering the iv fluids. Side note, please follow through with all of your fur babies shots. I fell behind on this one. He is suffering and I feel awful. God bless y'all.

[@Schlachthof5]

Thanks. It's been years since I last had to do this. Beautiful cat.

[@vietnamanimalvetclinic9924]

Your content is very useful. We are trying to help more dogs and cats in Vietnam

[@shrimp429]

THIS HELPED ALOT THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@bonniepinkston9761]

My boy is Stage 4. I have done fluids on other peoples cats because I’m a pet sitter but not this guy. I have to try because going to the clinic is really too expensive for me to do more than once a week. I have to try. Thank you for helping.

[@ignaciolopez6377]

Thank you for the demo. I will be prepared when my doggie comes home from the hospital. It doesn’t seem to cause great discomfort and it could be done pretty quickly. Thanks again

[@uwrekme]

Thank you so much, you did a great job and I've had to refer back to this.

[@shawnaweesner3759]

It’s a good idea to date (with a black sharpie), on the side and front of the fluid bag, when you unplugged the bag. Also, there’s no reason a cat can not be standing, and after the needle is in position in the cat, walk a little bit around the table area where/while he/she is getting fluids. I have found that (tightening your hold/bearing down on the cat/wrapping the cat) on a fidgeting cat, and/or one that doesn’t want to be constrained, but is otherwise co-operating, can make giving fluids a horrible experience for the cat, and one they will not want to repeat.

[@thecatlady2710]

Great demo! My vet warms the fluid for my cranky 15 year old with IBD, it helps a little to not make him more cranky. LOL. I tried to so the sub q fluids at home but he wouldn't allow it. He can be scary when he is not happy.

[@marymonson905]

Excellent job! Thank you.

[@katyorlando4413]

Very clear- great video instruction-thanks

[@alyssa2796]

My vet is having me warm up the fluid with a heating pad. Thank you for the helpful video.

[@Xoug777]

thank you very much, hugs from Brasil

[@undeadraziel]

Thank you! This helped me!

[@csideparknj]

thank you. very helpful.

[@Hdem18]

wow so helpful thank you!

[@reginaromsey]

Thank You.

[@GeoA]

Great video! The cat from the video is soo calm, mine struggles like she is about to be murdered every time she sees the needle and i need to do this every day :(

[@moushemurchana9760]

Thank you so much...

[@sikeftw]

Thank you

[@tjm8206]

very nice way to teach. from Pakistan.

[@user-bk1ej3th3l]

thank you^^

[@RajKumar-jc2md]

Thank you

[@highlandhen]

Excellent - thank you. Might be good to mention what needle gauge(s) you commonly use. As other mention a lot, how to help kitty be even more comfortable is good advice too.

[@anoestrom9683]

Green in this video indicates an 18 gauge, 18-22 is common for SQ fluids. Hope that helps.

[@BellaBme]

helpful! I was injecting from the other side (facing towards back) and squeezing the little chamber was a good tip to get it going.

[@jamiewhite5839]

Note that squeezing the chamber is important to prevent any air from getting in the line. Just be sure to not overfill it so that you can still see how fast the fluid is moving through :) (I'm an RVT)

[@montinaladine3264]

Thank you so much for a great video and also for not putting in any music underneath the talking! The last two videos I watched by vets or nurses on this subject I aborted early due to constant annoying music playing! Very irritating and not necessary.

[@MariaRivera-jn4xs]

I wish I learned this before. It could have saved my 12 year old cat. I miss you my baby boy "swine"

[@bouutiquems3578]

Covering their face seems to help a lot, thank you for the tip.

[@linf8912]

This was an excellent demonstration. Thankyou. You explained each little detail. This is very important. Thankyou.

[@chainamarie03]

But some bags have a different design at the bottom. Mine has 2 tubes...one has a blue cap. I haven't connected it yet. I think I'm supposed to use the tube with the blue cap. Is that right??

[@tolagideon8964]

Thanks so much for the video,my puppy is getting better and alive.Love from Nigeria.🥰🥰💕💕

[@ladylyonteeth3952]

After subQ in same area for months, would you expect it to bleed, and be more uncomfortable for the animal? How do you move to other locations? 😮

[@delftblue8801]

How did you keep the needle from falling out once you let go?

[@newporter9496]

Nice video, but I'd never leave a dirty needle on after giving fluids. The fluid line could then become contaminated.

[@bcasey101]

First off great video and explanations. How many draws can you take out of the bag before you should discard and start a fresh one? Also can it be stored once started with drip line attached at room temp or should it be refrigerated? I know it has to be warmed up if cold.

[@beemo9]

My cat doesn't really mind the 20 gauge needle going in, but goes crazy when the fluid goes in UNLESS i warm the bag in bowl of hot water first. Just wrap the bag around a thermometer to make sure it doesn't get over 103F.

[@ianshelton6662]

Is Lactated Ringer's the same solution used during veterinary Anaesthesia and surgery?

[@jamiewhite5839]

yes

[@abdelhalimealdeeb3353]

Are present any problems due to camel hump.... And what time needed to absorbes the fluids?.... Thanks for u

[@thetimdogg52]

Wow that’s a chill cat. So if I tried that with our cat she’d thrash until someone was bleeding. Is there a way to safely sedate a cat at home?

[@sarahinsf]

Yes, you can ask your vet for the drug Gabapentin. It's a very safe sedative but vet needs to determine correct dosage for your cat 🙂

[@donaldpedigo296]

.. I always make sure to "warm" the Lactated-Ringers before giving them to my Dogs or Cats .. 🥰💋

[@ontoyoualways9183]

What gauge needle?

[@teashark9878]

We had to do this for my shih tzu mix when she had kidney failure :( She hated us doing it

[@Beltshazzar777]

Thank you so much, of that told me that my cat had kidney disease and that I need to come in once a week for a Sub-Q treatment and they're charging $30 a week, I can't afford that.

[@larisazhou3324]

Hi, do u warm the fluid before injection? I saw a lady warm up the fluid before giving to a underweight 1lbs kitten.

[@richardmathes4383]

Room temp is generally fine. Too cold or too hot and your animal might not be happy with you. Currently giving my dog fluids and we just use room temp

[@matiasalarconmillan1687]

Hi when is needed to do this. It can replace an IV sodium chloride infuse? Is for treating dehydration or can be applied for parvovirus

[@jamiewhite5839]

NaCl solution is usually just as acceptable to use in the same quantities -- be sure to consult with vet first to know the animals specific needs

[@tess8117]

Can you wipe down the sterile parts with alcohol wipes ?

[@pranamikasaikia9370]

👍

[@jjjjjokerface]

I was recently told not to leave a dirty needle on because the bacteria from the needle can go up the line into the bag of fluids. Is this true?

[@informjared9508]

What part about this question could you possibly be skeptical about enough to ask? Lol I’m not a vet but using common sense I can confidently say that it sounds very true

[@isisbenny404]

www.healthproductsforyou.com/p-a3m-curos-tips-disinfecting-cap-for-male-luers.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhojzBRC3ARIsAGtNtHUCZK6c6lKpXGn68Y2F8imokua2Z7BcZIY3mhoVG31lIdFuUYqiG20aAjGPEALw_wcB Use this if you are worried. Hope this helps. It's what we use with people patients when we don't want to contaminate a line.

[@sassypants6005]

what size needle to you use? my vet gave me 18g, but my little sick putty is only 6 lbs. i'm afraid to poke her as there is very little anything. i am going back for 20gs. any suggestions?

[@christinericci6473]

Yes there is a smaller gauge they can use, it just takes longer. I can't remember where I saw this so I don't know what size! It is in a subq fluid review either on another tutorial or google, Amazon review, or fb support group, sorry..and good luck...

[@PandaPaws83]

21 gauge Terumo thin wall needles!! I poked myself with both the 18 gauge harpoon from the vet and the 21 gauge and there is a huge difference! The 18 gauge is painful and the 21 I barely felt! My Chloe is also 6lbs.

[@sassypants6005]

@@PandaPaws83 yes we moved to 20g and she doesn't cry out anymore as much...it only takes no more than 5 min to get 10ml in her and with 18, it took like 3 min. so not a big deal

[@BlueRoseArt]

I just wanted to know if it is also normal for a cat to NOT have the iv water bump (at the lower neck) while the fluid is leaking in. Thank you

[@Nighthawk5210]

I wish someone could answer this because I am experiencing the same thing now.

[@gisellevillanueva1117]

@@Nighthawk5210Dod you ever find out why it didn’t form? Please let me know, would very much appreciate it! 🙏

[@Nighthawk5210]

@@gisellevillanueva1117 I still haven't found out why unfortunately, but I am guessing it has to do with the placement and angle of the needle. Hopefully we will get an answer one day!

[@ASputNikProduction]

I know this was a year ago, but I think it might have to do with the amount of fluid given and how fast absorption is. 7 years ago my cat had a hump from the fluid, but a week ago she got it again and did not get the hump. Both times done by the vet.

[@Pippin514]

My cat takes it as traumatic and looks me as if I were abusing her since we started this treatment. It has changed our trusting relationship together and our bond has suffered. IDK what to do. I am desperate. Please help, Joannie. And anyone who has an idea of how to manage this treatment and still have harmony...I seriously appreciate anything you can offer. TYSM. I have done all treatment with loving support, of course...It is not working. TY, good people.

[@JonSmith-hk1bq]

Poor thing. Sometimes even nice cats get scared. Is the cat taking the treatment, or is it not working at all? Perhaps you can ask your vet if you can try a syringe method to make the process a bit quicker.

[@Pippin514]

@@JonSmith-hk1bq Thank you, Jon. I actually tried the 50 cc syringe method with the last few treatments and it went A LOT smoother. So, where there is a will and a heart...there is a way! Blessings, Jon...and a very big thank you! Treats afterward help too...especially the ones they really like...LOL. And lots of love and petting...and some play if she will go for it. New toys for her too now. Getting better as we go. Best to you, Jon!

[@JonSmith-hk1bq]

@@Pippin514 I'm glad it worked out.

[@Pippin514]

@@JonSmith-hk1bq God Bless you, Jon. You came along at at a time of crisis and distress just in time. And I cannot thank you enough for your support. Meant the world to me. AND...on top of that... things ARE better. Just like THAT! Magic! My baby is calmer and taken it well now ...well a lot better. And that makes for a calmer and comforted me as long as she is at peace. Better for us both. A normal life! And she is getting back to herself... and me to myself. We are both in a better place! Best to you, Jon! ALWAYS!

[@cellogirl11rw55]

I didn't see you use an alcohol swab on the kitty's scruff, and it seems like that would be important because the needle can drag any bacteria down below the surface of the skin.

[@raechel381]

cellogirl11RW not really, the gauge of the needle is so small that that amount of potential bacteria being introduced is so small

[@guipuzcuanamiranda5889]

I have seen a non technician person cleaning the needle with a gauze unsure if she use alcohol. Is that a practice that is acceptable? Worries me that she said her vet tought her to do that.

[@jamiewhite5839]

just use a new needle every time.....it becomes dull over repeated use not to mention it is no longer sterile (ie you could introduce infection)

[@SmokeAlexOut]

Wouldn't bevel down be better for not pulling on the skin?

[@veganangel811]

What pH level of the lactated ringer for dogs? Same as humans?

[@veganangel811]

Never mind I see on the bag it says 6.6ph

[@julyyy93]

How do you determine size needle for this?

[@jamiewhite5839]

the bigger the better (usually 18 gauge is good)

[@SunnyOlga]

You have explained everything so well, thanks a lot! I cant believe there are 49 morons who disliked your video!

[@karlthompson693]

U didn’t mention the gauge of the needle. Also how much fluid per weight of the pet ?

[@leddyleds]

Hope your pet is ok! I’ve read. 25-27 gauge needle (5/8” length) and doing 50-100mL per day for cats

[@karlthompson693]

@@leddyleds yes, i found out that 25 to 27 gauge needles is what’s needed, but 50 to 100ml of liquid for cats is too much. I wouldn’t go past 20 to 25ml for any cat

[@punxie89]

@@karlthompson693 Our vet told us to give 100ml per day

[@sarahinsf]

@@karlthompson693 I've been told by my vet to give my 5.6 pound cat 50-75ml 2-3x a week... 🤷

[@roselyn4980]

wont it cause swelling if u administer the fluid subcutaneously?

[@bobthebusdriver3535]

I just learned to do this on my 15 yr old terrier with renal failure. I administer 100ml twice a week. The fluid enters under the skin and creates a fluid bubble that rapidly gets absorbed into the body. Hope this helps.

[@aerialzetro7196]

Is it safe/ necessary to give a cat fluids everyday with no break?

[@whydoibother3741]

Aerial Zetro Yes. It can be. Daily fluids are often prescribed for cats with conditions such as renal disease.

[@raechel381]

It is safe but ask your vet about how often it should be done

[@MoDavI-sl7iy]

What should you do if you stick yourself with the needle by a mistake?

[@kahlildingratyoutube]

Does it normally result in swollen skin?

[@viviancostello7781]

It's not swollen it's a fluid pocket.. the fluids dont go into the veins which move to the bloodstream fast. The fluids are just under the skin and are slowly absorbed over several hours.

[@linnsoltwedel]

I give this to my cat for his kidney failure, and he hates it, but I guess it helps that I am a nurse. Its not hard at all, what's hard is that he gets scared.

[@herrbrahms]

Bleed the air out of the tube after screwing on the needle. Otherwise, you are still introducing air that had been trapped in the needle into the subcutaneous space. Also, fluids feel a lot better at 100-105F than room temperature.

[@janedoe6181]

You’d be amazed at the amount of air it takes to do any damage. I used to worry about the smallest air bubble in the lines, but even a few cc’s of air won’t hurt a person.

[@Floppycats]

Suggestions on how to warm the fluids?

[@herrbrahms]

@@Floppycats With the bag already spiked, get a pot of at least 4 quarts with a lid. Immerse the bag, then add enough water to make a water bath protecting the bag from the full heat of the stove. Route the drip line out of the pot and away from the stove, and place the lid on lightly. Heat on the stove, using a quick read thermometer like a thermapen to check temperature periodically. If you heat slowly, pull the bag out of the water at 105 degrees, and be sure not to forget since heating the bag beyond about 130 degrees harms the plastic. If you heat quickly, turn the gas off a little lower and wait ten minutes after that for the temperature to fully equalize. You'll want to stop around 100 degrees because the heat will continue rising after you turn the flame off. In any event, always test the bag against your wrist like you would a baby bottle. Being a little cool is not ideal, but it's a lot better than burning your cat. Also, cooler fluids are better in summer and warmer fluids are better in winter because of your cat's differing heat needs. I used to do about 5 degrees cooler in summer. Last thing: when you lose track one day and heat the bag to 120 degrees, and you definitely will a few times, wait for it to cool in the water with lid on or off until it reaches ideal temperature. You can't take the temperature of the bag without it being inmersed. Good luck.

[@Floppycats]

@@herrbrahms THANK YOU - is there not any harm to the fluids when you continually reheat the fluids day after day?

[@herrbrahms]

@@Floppycats People have differing opinions on that, but I never found that to be the case. I used Vetivex lactated Ringer's solution. My cat's final dose as her heart worsened was down to 50 ml per day or less, so 20 days of treatment. My observation was that heat cycling the bag repeatedly did no damage, as long as I didn't pasteurize the bag at over 160 degrees. What made much more of a difference was paying close attention to my aseptic technique, along with clearing air from the needle, and not being afraid to vent a few ml of fluid into the sink if I had the slightest concern about line contamination. Clear fluid usually means good fluid. My cat never suffered any injection site issues worse than the periodic blood vessel stick, which will eventually happen to you no matter how careful you are. Keep a paper towel handy and maintain a cool head. I used to strike blood perhaps 3% of the time. Don't be afraid to work the needle in further or point to the left or right a little if flow is bad. Sometimes you need to puncture another layer through. Always keep the skin pulled up away from the wall of back muscle, so you don't stab it. I would stick the needle in head to tail direction, opposite of how most people do it. I distracted her by feeding her as she sat upright, so I was working with gravity instead of against it. The injection sites were always in a nickel sized circle between her shoulder blades. She's gone now, but I honor her memory by passing on what I learned over years of experience.

[@kimberly-ki6nn]

I cringe at that long line drip set and shorter line is heaven fluids go in faster especially with gravity no need to squeeze the bag hence too much pressure

[@Josiecat80]

I just cant seem to get over the fear of poking my kitty

[@chaussecrm]

I'm still struggling with that also, but you will both get used to it after a while. My kitty gives gives snuggles and kisses when we're done, which I think is her way of saying she knows it's making her feel better. Good luck with your fur baby!

[@goverdhanpandole6748]

8224999458whatspp

[@chrischimera]

@Berry Bertsche shut up dumbass.

[@zaimahbegum-diamond1660]

What was wrong with kitty? Dehydration?

[@BungieEmma]

aaaah she is wearing a watch and rings, no gloves. I don't know what IPC is like for animals but its bugging me.

[@johannasegura5159]

Your nails are beautiful. Just sayin

[@JC-ql3ld]

That looks like an 18 gauge needle which is painful. I use 23 on my cat. A lot easier.

[@shrimp429]

Forgot I had cap lock

[@AlMoshari]

You are nerveous... It is clear from ur voice.. But good job. You are amazing and your injected was really light. 😘

[@pigeonlove]

Or maybe you are dirty because you have brown skin?Actually everyone has a voice of their own...she didn't ask you for personal comments...

[@raechel381]

kipper ew why are you being racist

[@LoveABun]

I hate the huge needles vets use! This is probably an 18 gauge, which is really big. That is not necessary and is very uncomfortable to the cat! Did you see the cat flinch and try to move away when she inserted the needle? Sad. I use a 21 gauge Terumo brand needle and it works wonderfully well. Adds a few more minutes to the session, but the kitties greatly appreciate a needle that doesn’t hurt.

[@PandaPaws83]

I just gave my cat her first sub-q fluids last night and was very happy with my choice of 21 gauge Terumo needles! I tested both the 18 gauge harpoon from the vet and the 21 gauge needle I ordered on my own arm to see if it made a difference-the 18 gauge was so painful and I honestly barely felt the 21! My Chloe didn't even flinch!

[@zi_you_ren]

we need to warm the liquid in advance !

[@micheleortiz1237]

Ohh my gosh poor cats and dogs I feel so bad for them

[@ScottKnitter]

This actually helps them feel better. Cats tolerate needles in their scruff for vaccinations, etc., so it's not painful. Notice the cat in the video just keeps enjoying the treat.

[@amywalker2720]

Bag should be warmed!

[@Floppycats]

How do you warm the bag?

[@RF_20]

What's with this sobbing voice