Introduction
Giving dogs pills can be a stressful task for both pets and owners. Many dogs are masters at evading medication, and the process can be time-consuming and frustrating. The good news is that with a little patience and the right technique, giving your dog a pill doesn’t have to be a struggle. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide and tips on how to give your dog a pill, covering different methods for administering medication.
Step-by-Step Guide
There are several steps to follow when administering medication to your dog:
- Hold your dog close to you, either sitting or standing, with your dog’s head firmly locked between your legs.
- Open your dog’s mouth by placing your thumb on one side of the mouth and your index and middle fingers on the other side, behind the carnassial teeth.
- Place the pill in the back of your dog’s tongue or throat. Avoid the front of your dog’s mouth, as it will cause your dog to spit out the pill.
- Close your dog’s mouth and hold it closed gently for a few seconds to encourage your dog to swallow.
- Offer your dog a treat or some water.
Keep in mind that some dogs can resist medication at first. If this is the case, try rubbing their throat gently to encourage swallowing.
Using Treats
Giving treats before or after giving your dog a pill can make the process more comfortable for your pet. Here are some tips:
- Hide the pill in a favorite treat or food, such as a piece of cheese or meat.
- Use commercially available pill pockets, which are moist and pliable and can be molded around the pill.
- Try a teaspoonful of peanut butter, butter, or yogurt to hide the pill.
Remember that medication needs to be given on a full stomach to avoid stomach irritation. So give your pet the medication after its mealtime.
Crush and Mix with Food
Crushing pills and mixing them with food is another option for administering medication:
- Check with your veterinarian first, as not all medication should be crushed or split.
- Grind the pill into a powder using a pill crusher or a mortar and pestle. Some types of pills are easier to crush than others, so be sure to check the instructions.
- Mix the powdered medication in with your dog’s usually preferred food. You can use a bit of a soft pâté for the medication to stick to when mixed in.
Remember to stir the mixture very well, and ensure your dog eats all of the food with the medication.
Liquid Medicine
Liquid medication can be an easy way to administer medicine:
- Ask your veterinarian to prescribe chewable, easy-to-mix liquid medications to make administration more manageable.
- Measure out the correct dosage according to the instructions and add to your dog’s favorite food or drink.
- Use a syringe or dropper to administer the medication directly to your dog’s mouth if necessary.
Practice with Placebo Pills
If you’re not confident at first, practice with placebo pills:
- Ask your vet if they have any placebo pills or if they recommend a type you can find in stores. Some pet stores also sell simulator pills for training purposes.
- Practice the proper medication technique with your pet, following the same steps you would for regular medication.
- Gradually move on to real medication when you feel more confident.
Use A Pill Dispenser
A pill dispenser can make the process of administering medication less stressful:
- Invest in a pill dispenser tool which helps you place medication directly on the back of your dog’s throat.
- Place the pill in the tip of the dispenser and open your dog’s mouth wide. Push the pill into your dog’s mouth toward the back of the throat.
- Close your dog’s mouth and hold it closed for a few seconds for it to swallow.
Conclusion
Administering medication to your dog doesn’t have to be a stressful task. By following these steps and tips, you can give your dog medication with confidence. Remember to always ask your veterinarian for guidance and use these methods as needed to make the process easier for both you and your pet.