How to Give a Dog Pills

There are many reasons the veterinarian might give you a pill to for your dog. However, while it is easy for the vet to prescribe pills and tell you how often your pet needs to take a pill, getting your dog to swallow the pill can be a big struggle. Many dogs are adept at holding the pill against the roof of the mouth without swallowing it and depositing it on the floor when you get tired of holding their mouth shut. If you are stubborn, you could sit and hold your dog’s mouth shut until the pill is completely dissolved. However, neither you nor your dog would be very happy at the end of the procedure. Try these tricks instead.

Instructions

1. Disguise the pill in food. One way to get your dog to consume a pill without knowing it is by burying the pill in small amount of table scraps. Most dogs love scraps and will bolt down the offering without a second thought. A pill wrapped in a piece of bacon or a bit of pancake makes a tasty treat.

2. Use peanut butter. Because some dogs are adept at rejecting a pill, even if it's wrapped in a treat, try peanut butter. Most dogs love peanut butter, even thought it gums up their tongue and causes them to lick and lick and lick. The stickiness of peanut butter and the resulting need to lick is exactly the trick for some stubborn dogs. The easiest way to administer the pill is to put a medium-sized dollop of peanut butter on the edge of a teaspoon and set the pill on the very tip. With a small amount of maneuvering on your part while your pet goes for his treat, you will succeed in getting the pill in his mouth along with the peanut butter. The dog will find it very hard to spit out, as the pill is stuck to his mouth with peanut butter. As a result, he will most likely swallow the pill without a problem.

3. If your dog cannot consume peanut butter or if your dog is on a restricted diet, talk to your vet about a soft treat that will fit the needs of your pet’s health and will accommodate the pill you need to give him. There are even dog treats on the market that are made with a little hollowed out opening to insert the pill. Hand a loaded treat and a few others to your dog. It's likely he'll eat the treats and never notice the pill.

Tips & Warnings

• If your pet won’t take the pill voluntarily and you’ve tried hiding the pill with no success, talk to your vet and see if there is another formula for giving your pet his medicine.

• Avoid forcing your dog to swallow the pill. Even mild mannered dogs might become aggressive if forced.