Returning home from the vet with medication in hand, you might quickly realize your dog has a knack for spitting out pills, almost like a tiny escape artist. This scenario is all too familiar for many pet owners.
Fortunately, there are several effective methods to make administering pills to your dog a smoother process. From utilizing pill pockets to trying the classic cheese trick, here are 7 practical tips to help your dog take their medicine without fuss.
1. Start with Clean Hands
First and foremost, if your dog is already suspicious of your pill-giving attempts, washing your hands is a good initial step. A dog’s sense of smell is far more敏锐 than ours, so removing as much of the pill’s scent from your hands as possible can help reduce their wariness.
2. Utilize Pill Pockets
Pill pockets are among the most dependable tools for giving dogs pills. These are treats designed to be molded around pills, completely masking the medication inside. They come in a range of sizes and flavors and are readily available at most pet supply stores. I’ve found success with varieties that can hold multiple capsules at once.
3. Try Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is an excellent choice because its stickiness makes it harder for dogs to separate and spit out the pill. However, it’s crucial to ensure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic and potentially fatal to pets.
4. Use Cheese
Cheese is another popular option. It’s easy to shape into a small piece that can fully conceal the pill. Since many dogs are highly fond of cheese, their excitement for the treat might lead them to swallow it without even noticing the pill hidden inside.
5. Opt for Sausage or Hot Dogs
Hot dogs or sausage are go-to choices for me when giving my dog pills. She loves hot dogs so much that the smell and the anticipation of getting a bite make her swallow immediately, never detecting the pill I’ve hidden within.
6. Mix with Canned Food
If your dog typically eats dry food, they may have a strong preference for canned food. In such cases, hiding the pills in a portion of their regular canned meal can work. Of course, if your dog is naturally suspicious, this method might not be effective, but for those who get overly excited about canned food, they’ll likely gobble up the entire meal, pill and all.
7. Consider a Pill Pusher
If all other methods fail, a pill pusher can be an option. This tool is essentially a syringe-like device used to place the pill deep in your pet’s throat. If you’re uncomfortable using it, don’t hesitate to contact your vet for guidance. They can often walk you through the process over the phone or demonstrate it in person.
Don’t Forget to Rotate Methods
If your dog requires long-term medication, the key is to switch up your pill-giving methods regularly. Using the same approach, such as cheese, for three days in a row might make them wise to the trick, causing them to spit it out on the fourth day. Varying techniques helps prevent them from catching on.
What’s Your Preferred Method?
Did I miss any of your favorite strategies for getting dogs to take their medicine?
Please share with your friends 🙂
