Giving your dog medication can be a frustrating ordeal. You’re armed with a pill, your dog knows it, and a silent battle of wills ensues. As a veterinarian, I’ve encountered this challenge countless times, and prescribing the right medication is only half the battle. The other half is ensuring your furry friend actually consumes it. If your Dog Refuses To Take Pills, don’t despair. As a veterinarian and a devoted dog owner, I’ve compiled five effective strategies to help you succeed.
A veterinarian's hand gently holding a dog's muzzle to administer a pill
1. The Bribe Method: Appealing to Your Dog’s Appetite
For the dog whose world revolves around food, this is often the most straightforward approach. The key is to find a palatable vehicle that effectively masks the pill. Consider these options:
Marshmallows: My personal favorite is the humble marshmallow. They are low-calorie, inexpensive, and easy to work with. Mini-marshmallows can be suitable for smaller dogs.
Peanut Butter: A dollop of peanut butter is a classic choice. Crucially, ensure it does not contain xylitol, as this artificial sweetener is highly toxic to dogs. Chunky peanut butter can be advantageous as the nut pieces help disguise the pill’s texture.
Plain Yogurt: Plain or plain Greek yogurt can work. However, be mindful that some dogs are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive upset. Additionally, avoid giving yogurt with antibiotics, as the calcium content can reduce their efficacy.
Cooked Chicken or Turkey: Small cubes of plain, cooked boneless chicken breast or sliced turkey (avoiding deli meats due to high sodium content) are often well-received.
Liverwurst: A small amount of liverwurst, a rich and flavorful option, can effectively conceal a pill.
Hot Dog Pieces: Cut hot dog discs into halves or quarters to mitigate the risk of choking.
Pill Pockets® or Similar Products: These commercially available treats are specifically designed with a pocket to hold medication. They are a convenient option, though they can be more expensive and may not always be readily available.
Prioritizing Your Dog’s Health and Safety
When choosing a bribe, it’s essential to consider your dog’s specific health conditions. Foods high in fat, such as cheese, cream cheese, and ice cream, can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and serious inflammatory condition. Even seemingly safe options like peanut butter and meat can be high in fat and should be used cautiously in dogs prone to pancreatitis.
For dogs with kidney or heart disease, high-sodium foods like deli meats are best avoided. If your dog is on a specialized prescription diet, consider using a small amount of the canned version of their food to hide the pill, ensuring it aligns with their dietary needs. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian about the safest and most appropriate foods to use for administering medication.
2. The Bait-and-Switch Method: A Veterinarian’s Secret Weapon
For intelligent dogs who are starting to get wise to your bribery attempts, the “Bait-and-Switch” is a highly effective technique. This method relies on deception and the element of surprise to ensure success on the first try, as a failed attempt makes subsequent attempts significantly harder.
- Prepare: Hide the pill in a treat or food.
- Sanitize: Wash your hands thoroughly. The lingering scent of medication can alert your dog.
- Gather: Get two more of the same treats used to hide the pill.
- Administer the Bait: Offer the first treat without the pill.
- Deliver the Switch: Present the second treat, which contains the hidden medication.
- Reward with a Happy Ending: Follow up with the third treat, again without the pill. This positive reinforcement encourages your dog to associate the treats with pleasant experiences.
3. The Trick-and-Treat Method: Mind Games for Stubborn Pups
When “The Bribe” and “Bait-and-Switch” are no longer effective, it’s time to engage your dog’s mind. This method aims to make the dog feel that the treat is an earned reward.
- Element of Surprise: Prepare the medication out of your dog’s sight. Avoid letting them see the pill bottle or hear you handling the medication.
- Wash Hands: Always wash your hands after handling medication.
- Encourage a Trick: Ask your dog to perform a trick they know well, one for which they typically receive a treat. Then, present the medication-laced treat as their reward. This primes them to expect a treat and reduces suspicion.
- The Forbidden Appeal: Dogs can be tempted by what seems forbidden. Offering the disguised medication from a fork, spoon, or a small portion placed on the floor immediately after your own meal can sometimes be remarkably successful.
- Project Confidence: Dogs are perceptive. Approach the process with confidence and a positive attitude. Your dog will be more cooperative if they sense your assurance rather than your apprehension.
4. The “Jaws” Method: Direct Administration for Reluctant Eaters
This technique is best reserved for situations where other methods have failed, or when medication cannot be given with food. It is crucial to only attempt this if you are confident your dog will not bite.
- Grasp the Upper Jaw: Place your thumb and index fingers on either side of your dog’s upper jaw, just behind the canine teeth, with your hand resting on their nose.
- Grasp the Lower Jaw: Do the same for the lower jaw, behind the lower canine teeth.
- Gently Open: Firmly but gently pull the jaws open, creating a space of two to three inches.
- Swift Placement: With your dominant hand, use your thumb and forefinger to place the pill as far back on the base of the tongue as possible. The goal is to deposit it beyond the point where your dog can easily spit it out.
- Encourage Swallowing: As you withdraw your hand, gently close your dog’s mouth and observe for swallowing. A lip lick is a good indicator of success.
Important Considerations for the “Jaws” Method:
- Pill Placement: The most common mistake is placing the pill on top of the tongue. Success hinges on rapid placement at the back of the throat.
- Pet Pillers: If you find it difficult to reach the correct spot, a pet piller can be a helpful tool. This device allows for deeper placement of the pill.
- Follow-up: To prevent the pill from lodging in the esophagus, always follow this method with a few treats or a small amount of water administered via syringe.
5. Enlist the Pharmacist: Compounding for Palatability
If all else fails, speak to your veterinarian about having your dog’s medication compounded. Specialty pharmacies can pulverize medications and mix them with palatable flavorings, creating a liquid form that can be administered via syringe or added to food. You can even suggest flavors your dog enjoys, such as bacon.
Do Not Crush or Open Capsules Without Veterinary Guidance:
Unless explicitly instructed by your veterinarian, do not crush tablets or open capsules yourself. This can lead to inaccurate dosing, reduced medication effectiveness, and potential exposure to the medication for you. Compounding pharmacies are equipped to handle these medications safely and effectively.
When your dog receives the necessary medication, everyone wins. If you continue to struggle, do not hesitate to seek further guidance from your veterinarian. They are your best resource for ensuring your dog’s health and well-being.
