Administering medication to a reluctant dog can be a common challenge for pet owners. As a veterinarian with extensive experience, I’ve found that prescribing the right medication is only part of the solution. The real battle often lies in successfully getting the pill into your canine companion. With your dog looking at you and you looking back, both wondering who will win, remember: you are the one in charge! This guide offers five effective methods to help you navigate this common hurdle.
If your dog is motivated by food, several palatable options can effectively mask a pill. Marshmallows, in their regular or mini size, are a personal favorite due to their low cost and low calorie count, posing minimal risk of pancreatitis. A dab of peanut butter can also work, but ensure it’s xylitol-free, as this artificial sweetener is highly toxic to dogs. Chunky peanut butter is often better for concealing pill texture. Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt are other choices, though be mindful of lactose intolerance in some dogs and avoid giving them with antibiotics, as calcium can reduce efficacy.
Small pieces of cooked chicken breast or turkey (avoiding processed deli meats due to high sodium) can be effective. Liverwurst, used sparingly due to its richness, is another option. Hot dog pieces, cut into smaller segments to prevent choking hazards, are also popular. For a more convenient solution, consider Greenies Pill Pockets®, a specially designed treat with a pocket for medication. While effective and generally well-loved by dogs, they can be more expensive than everyday food items and are not typically kept on hand.
It’s crucial to consider your dog’s specific health conditions when choosing a hiding method. Avoid rich foods like cheese, cream cheese, and ice cream, which can trigger pancreatitis, a serious inflammatory condition. For dogs prone to pancreatitis, be cautious with peanut butter and meats, which can also be high in fat. Dogs with kidney or heart disease may need to avoid high-sodium foods like processed meats. If your dog is on a special prescription diet, using a small amount of the canned version of that diet is often the safest approach. Always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about a food’s suitability for your dog.
The “Bait and Switch” Method for Smart Dogs
For dogs who are food-motivated but too clever for simple hiding tactics, the “Bait and Switch” method is highly effective. This technique is a staple for veterinarians who have learned that success on the first attempt is critical, as a dog that has already rejected a pill will be far more suspicious the second time around.
The process involves using two additional treats identical to the one hiding the pill. When ready to administer, approach your dog with three treats. Offer the first treat without the pill (the bait). Then, present the second treat, which contains the pill (the switch). Finally, offer the third treat without the pill as a positive conclusion. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the medication, as a dog’s sense of smell is significantly more acute than ours, and residual medication scent can betray your efforts.
The “Trick and Treat” Method for Canny Canines
When the “Bait and Switch” is no longer effective, or if your dog was never fooled, it’s time to employ mind games with the “Trick and Treat” method. For this approach, it’s best to prepare the medication discreetly while your dog is occupied elsewhere, ensuring they don’t see or hear you handling the pills.
The goal is to make the dog perceive the medicated treat as an earned reward or a special, unsuspicious item. You can achieve this by having your dog perform a trick or two they usually receive a treat for. Administer the disguised pill as their reward, ideally using the “Bait and Switch” sequence. Alternatively, offering the disguised medication from a fork, spoon, or strategically placed on your plate after a meal can sometimes pique a dog’s curiosity and willingness to consume it. Projecting confidence and a playful attitude during this process is key, as dogs are adept at sensing hesitation or guilt.
The “Jaws” Method for Direct Administration
For situations where medication cannot be given with food, or when previous methods have failed, the “Jaws” method offers a direct approach. This technique requires confidence and a good understanding of your dog’s anatomy.
Grasp the upper jaw firmly but gently behind the canine teeth with your thumb and two fingers, resting your hand on the bridge of the dog’s nose. Mirror this grip on the lower jaw. Gently pull the jaws open, aiming for a gap of two to three inches. With your dominant hand, swiftly place the pill at the very back of the tongue, ensuring it goes over the base to encourage swallowing. As you withdraw your hand, you should observe your dog swallowing, often indicated by a lip lick.
A common error with this method is placing the pill on the tongue, allowing the dog to spit it out. Success hinges on depositing the pill deep in the throat. If manual placement is difficult, a pet piller—a device resembling a straw with a plunger—can help deliver the pill further back. Because some pills can irritate the esophagus if they lodge, it’s advisable to follow this method with a few treats or a small amount of water syringed into the dog’s mouth to ensure the pill moves down completely.
Enlisting Your Pharmacist for Compounded Medications
If all conventional methods fail, and your dog remains resistant to taking pills, collaborating with a compounding pharmacy can be a viable solution. Discuss this option with your veterinarian. These specialized pharmacies can pulverize your dog’s medication, mix it with a palatable flavoring, and provide it in a liquid form that can be administered via syringe or added to food. You can often choose a flavor your dog particularly enjoys, such as bacon, significantly increasing the chances of successful administration.
Crucially, do not attempt to crush tablets or open capsules yourself unless explicitly instructed by your veterinarian. Compounding pharmacists are trained to ensure the medication remains safe and effective in its altered form. Crushing or opening pills at home can lead to incorrect dosing, reduced efficacy, or potential exposure of the medication to you. Always adhere to your vet’s instructions regarding the integrity of the medication.
Ultimately, successfully administering medication to your dog is about finding the right strategy for your individual pet. By employing these varied techniques and consulting with your veterinarian, you can ensure your dog receives the necessary treatment for a healthy and happy life.
Do you have a tip on how to get your dog to take a pill?
Please share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Learning from each other benefits the entire pet-loving community!
Looking for more practical ways to help your dog live the happiest, healthiest life possible?
With over 25 years of experience helping veterinary clients navigate various aspects of dog care, from administering pills to maintaining cognitive function in senior dogs, I am passionate about empowering you to provide your dog with the best possible life. Explore these additional resources for more valuable information:
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- Dr. Buzby’s Nail Trimming Without Fear: An online, step-by-step video course with reference guides for confident at-home nail trims.
- Why Non-Slip Grips Instead of Traction Socks or Booties
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First published March 7, 2016
©Julie Buzby, DVM. All rights reserved.
