How to Give a Dog a Pill?

25.Dec.2023 11 months ago By: Jerremy Jean

To give a pill to your dog, the easiest way is to hide it in food like canned dog food, sweet potato, or a soft treat that can be molded around the pill. Hand-feed the medicated piece of food to ensure your dog swallows the pill. If your dog spits out the pill, you can administer it directly into their mouth by following these steps:

  1. Prepare the Pill: Place the pill in a clean, dry spot where you can easily access it during the process.
  2. Get Your Dog Ready: Choose a calm, quiet area for administering the pill. Have treats on hand to reward your dog afterward.
  3. Position Your Dog: Sit or stand your dog in front of you, or have them sit or lie down if that's more comfortable for them.
  4. Open Your Dog's Mouth: Gently hold your dog's muzzle with one hand, using your thumb and forefinger to open their mouth.
  5. Administer the Pill: Using your other hand, place the pill as far back on your dog's tongue as possible. Be careful not to place it too far back, as you don't want your dog to choke.
  6. Close Your Dog's Mouth: Hold your dog's mouth closed and gently rub their throat to encourage swallowing.
  7. Offer a Treat: Immediately offer your dog a treat or some water to help them swallow and to make the experience more positive.
  8. Praise and Reward: Praise your dog and give them additional treats or affection to reinforce good behaviour.

If your dog refuses to take the pill, you can try hiding it in a treat or using a pill pocket. Some dogs may also be more willing to take medication if it's mixed with a small amount of wet food or peanut butter. If these methods don't work, consult your veterinarian for alternative options, such as a liquid or chewable form of the medication. It's important to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully and never force a pill down your dog's throat, as this can cause discomfort and may lead to injury. With patience and practice, you can find a method that works best for you and your dog.

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Hide Pill in Dog food:

Hiding a pill in your dog's food can be an effective way to administer medication, especially if your dog is not picky about their food. Here's how you can do it:

  • Choose the Right Food: Select a small amount of your dog's favorite wet food, such as canned food or a soft treat.
  • Create a Pocket: Use your fingers to create a small pocket or well in the food where you can hide the pill. Make sure the pill is completely hidden and surrounded by food to mask its presence.
  • Offer the Food: Present the food to your dog and encourage them to eat it. You can use a cheerful tone of voice and offer positive reinforcement to make the experience more pleasant for your dog.
  • Monitor Your Dog: Keep an eye on your dog while they eat to ensure they consume the pill. Some dogs may eat around the pill, so it's important to watch closely to make sure they ingest it.
  • Offer More Food: If your dog doesn't finish the food or you're unsure if they ate the pill, you can offer more food with another hidden pill.
  • Avoid Using Important Meals: It's generally best to avoid hiding pills in your dog's regular meals, as they may start to associate mealtime with medication and become more reluctant to eat.

If your dog constantly detects and avoids the pill in their food, you may need to try a different method of administration or consult with your veterinarian for alternative options.

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