As much as everyone loves their furry friends, getting them to take medication can be a real challenge. Especially with dogs! Some dogs can be pretty fussy about taking pills, which can make it a stressful experience for both them and you when you need to give them a worming tablet or medication that has been prescribed by a vet.
And, as the easiest way to get your dog to take medication is with trust, there are several ways to make this tricky process more straightforward, thus ensuring that your dog gets the medicine they need. So, read on to learn more about how to get your fussy pup to take their meds successfully!
Hide the Pill(s) in Food
One of the simplest ways to make sure your dog takes their pill is to hide it in their food. You can use a treat or something that your dog enjoys eating, such as a piece of cheese, a spoonful of peanut butter, or some meat, preferably meat that is pliable. However, be sure to check with your vet first to ensure that the medication can be taken with food. If your dog is still refusing to take the pill, head to ortinganimalhospital.com to see if there is a meat-flavored version of their medication that will disguise the smell.
Use a Pill Pocket
Pill pockets are soft, chewy treats that have a hollow center where you can place the pill, and luckily, you can find pill pockets in most pet stores or online. They come in different flavors and sizes, so you can find one that your dog likes. Just place the pill in the pocket, and your dog will take care of the rest!
Crush the Pill and Mix it With Water
If your dog refuses to take the pill even when it’s hidden in food, you can try crushing it and mixing it with a small amount of water. Use a mortar and pestle or a pill crusher to grind the pill into a fine powder, then mix it with a small amount of water. Use a syringe or dropper to administer the mixture directly into your dog’s mouth. However, as before, be sure to check with your vet first to ensure that the medication can be crushed.
Use a Pill Syringe
If you don’t want to crush the pill or can’t, you can use a pill syringe to give the medication to your dog. Pill syringes are designed to help pet owners administer medicines to their pets quickly and easily. You can find them in most pet stores or online. To use a pill syringe, place the pill in the syringe, then use the plunger to push the tablet into your dog’s mouth.
Train Your Dog to Take Pills
Finally, if you have a particularly stubborn dog, you may need to train them to take pills. Start by giving your dog a treat without a tablet, then follow it up with a treat with a pill inside. Repeat this several times until your dog becomes comfortable with the process. You can also try rewarding your dog with extra treats or praise when they take their medication. This is easier with some breeds of dogs, like border collies, German shepherds, and labradors, but with a bit of patience, it can be taught to dogs of all ages and breeds.