No one likes taking medicine, and our pups feel no different. But it’s something we all have to do! Sometimes, in order to get your dog to take their pills, it’ll take some creative ways to get it done. We’ve put together the best tips that you’ll need for this challenging task.
Hide the Pill in Their Food/Treats
The most common way to trick your canine into taking their pills is by sneaking them in their food! Pups are more likely to swallow down medication if it’s alongside something stereotypically yummy. But before you add it to their food, make sure your dog is hungry. Especially if the medication requires them to be on an empty stomach. If they’ve been snacking on other things earlier in the day, they will be more likely to sniff it out and say no. It also helps if you choose a food or treat they love, as this will ensure that they’ll be too excited to turn it down. Here are some ideas of what you can hide it in:
- A meatball
- A piece of cheese
- A piece of hot dog
- Cream Cheese
- Xylitol-free peanut butter
- Deli Meats
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- DIY Dog Treats
Make it a Game
We all know our pups love playing games. This is a fun way to switch up on them a little in order to keep them healthy! Toss a few treats rapidly to your dog to see if they can keep up. Go for different lengths and types of treats, too! After a few throws, sneak in the pill, and they’ll be likely to fall for it as they are caught up in the chaos of the game.
Use a Pet Piller
A pet piller, also known as a pill gun, is a syringe-type tool that helps you push the pill far back into your dog’s mouth, where it will be difficult for them to spit out. It avoids your dog’s teeth and is easy to maneuver.
Here are the steps on how to use it:
- Choose an area and position that your dog is comfortable in
- Load the pill into the soft end of the device
- Gently hold onto your canine’s muzzle from above with your non-dominant hand and place your fingers right behind their back teeth on either side of the upper jaw.
- Tilt your dog’s head up to the ceiling.
- Insert the pill popper into your pet’s mouth far enough so you can deposit the pill where they have to swallow
- Press the plunger, then remove it from their mouth
- Massage their throat and encourage swallowing.
Pill Pocket
Did you know there are treats designed to hide medication? With a modable exterior and a small pocket to fit the pill in, these pill pockets hide the medication’s smell and taste, making it easy for everyone involved. Here are some of our favorite pill pockets:
Try out these different methods to see which one suits your fido best! Giving medication to your pup doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With some creativity and a dash of trickery, it can be an event you all look forward to. And if none of these methods end up working for you, your veterinarian is a great person to talk to.