Few things are more heartbreaking to a dog parent than seeing their dog sick. If your dog is currently recovering from a serious illness or injury, you likely can’t wait for them to bounce back to their healthy and energetic self.
Table of Contents
- Conceal the Medicine with Food
- Crush or Dissolve the Medicine
- Change Your Chosen Delivery Method
- Practice Positive Reinforcement
- Condition Your Dog
- Administer Your Dog’s Meds Manually
Part of their recovery plan may include medication prescribed by your veterinarian. But as many dog owners know, getting a pup to take medicine in pill or liquid form is easier said than done. Your dog may refuse their meds because of the taste or smell, which only adds to your concern and mutual frustration.
To make meds time more pleasant for your dog and more manageable for you, here are six proven techniques for administering their medication.
Conceal the Medicine with Food
This is one of the quickest and most effective ways to get your dog to take their medicine, especially if it’s in pill form. It relies on a dog’s natural inclination to enjoy meals or treats, making it less likely for them to notice the medicine in their food.
When it’s time to feed your dog, grab their usual dog stainless steel bowls and dog food. You can also hide the pill inside a food morsel (like a berry, an apple wedge, or a glob of peanut butter) and cover it up so they won’t immediately recognize the foreign object in their meal. For a purpose-built option, Greenies Pill Pockets are soft, hollow treats designed specifically to conceal pills and capsules.
Choose a food item that is highly palatable and can easily conceal the pill, such as mashed dog food, so your dog will focus more on eating than on avoiding their meds.
Crush or Dissolve the Medicine
For dog owners with pets that are particularly skilled at finding and avoiding pills hidden in their food, don’t lose hope. Some medications can be crushed or dissolved in water, then mixed with a small amount of the dog’s food.
You can crush the medicine using a pet pill crusher and mix it with a small portion of wet food to make sure your pooch consumes the entire dose. Just remember to use only a small amount of food so the meds are fully ingested. Give your dog the rest of the meal once they successfully swallow their medication.
Take note that this method should only be used after you consult your veterinarian, since some medications lose their effectiveness when their form is altered. Others may have an unpleasant taste when crushed, making the food unappealing to your pet and defeating the purpose entirely.
Change Your Chosen Delivery Method
For liquid medications, or in case your dog refuses pills even when crushed or mixed with food, try a different delivery method. A pet pill dispenser or dropper can be used to administer medication directly into your dog’s mouth. Place the syringe at the back of their mouth, near the cheek, to minimize discomfort and make it easier for your dog to swallow.
Remember to speak softly and maintain a calm demeanor throughout the process so your dog stays relaxed while ingesting the medicine.
Practice Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can be applied to your dog’s medication routine just as effectively as in their training regimen. Rewarding your pup with a treat or praising them after they take their medicine reinforces the behavior and encourages them to accept medication with little to no resistance in the future.
The trick is to choose a reward your dog finds highly motivating, whether it’s a favorite treat, extra playtime, or cuddles. Be consistent with your rewards to help your pet understand that taking their medication leads to a positive outcome.
Condition Your Dog
If your dog still feels uncomfortable or uneasy when taking their medication, try acclimatizing them to the actions and routines involved. Give them non-medicated treats for practice, or fill a syringe with water and let them drink out of it. These steps can help your dog become accustomed, and even receptive, to the process of taking their meds.
Administer Your Dog’s Meds Manually
Lastly, if all else fails, direct manual administration will be your last resort. You’ll need to open your dog’s mouth and place the medicine as far back on their tongue as possible.
Then encourage your dog to swallow by holding their mouth closed and gently stroking their throat. While this method is effective for its straightforwardness, it can sometimes cause stress or discomfort. Only resort to manual administration if nothing else works, and make sure to offer your dog a favorite treat or some affection to end the experience on a positive note.
Some of these techniques may work better for your dog than others. Make it a point to explore all the options listed above so your dog can take their meds on schedule and recover in no time.
