Credit: Snizhana Galytska | Getty Images
Sometimes, giving your dog a pill is unavoidable. Maybe the medication isn’t available in another form (although it often is) or the cost difference between the pill and other forms of the medication is prohibitive. Ask your veterinarian whether the medication can be compounded into a suspension (liquid) or flavored chewable tablet, but if a pill is the only option, know that sticking your hand in the dog’s mouth is truly not a wise choice.
Pill Disguises
The most common method is to bury the pill in an irresistable treat. The more high-value and tastier the treat, the better. High-value treats include:
- Canned dog or cat food
- Baby food
- Baked chicken that is moist enough to engulf the pill
- Soft cheese, like string cheese
- Hot dogs
- Pill pockets (homemade or commercial)
If the pill is large, cut it into multiple pieces and place them in several treats. You can also pulverize the pill and mix it into canned food.
Try a Pet Piller
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Sometimes a pet piller can help, especially if your dog will not take it in food. Manually pilling your dog may become necessary if he is not willing to swallow the pill on his own, and a pet piller like the VetOne Pet Piller can help if your dog still refuses the pill in a treat. After using the piller to get the pill in the back of your dog’s throat, you can massage his throat after he begins the swallowing process to stimulate swallowing
When learning how to give your dog a pill, aim to complete the experience as positively as possible, and this video from a veterinary clinic does an excellent job showing you exactly how to do both give pills and keep things positive. Remember to follow the pilled treat with a regular treat and lots of praise.