How to Get a Dog to Swallow Pills

He is calculating the odds of getting a treat without getting a pill

Just as no two humans behave alike, dogs show different preferences and behaviors when it comes to accepting medication. A special few will take anything they are offered. Some can be fooled into swallowing their medicine. A wily third group will not take this effort lying down. They will do all they can to swallow the treat portion and spit out the pill.

Things You'll Need

• Dog's medicine
• Treats
• Solid food item such as a cube of cheese, slice of bread or piece of meat
• Can of wet dog food

Instructions

Find the Process That Matches Your Dog's Behavioral Personality

1. Offer the pill directly. Some dogs will willingly swallow even a bitter tasting bit of medicine if the owner offers it to them. Hold and present the item as if it is a reward or treat; you may also add a command to reinforce the event and offer praise afterward.

2. If the dog spits out the pill, wrap the medicine in a more palatable treat. Animals are smart, so be sure the pill is as fully covered by the treat as possible. Good choices are cheese, bread or a chunk of meat, where the aroma will help cover the smell of the medicine.

3. If the dog will not willingly accept the medicated treat, try mixing the medicine into wet food. This works best with powders or capsules that can be opened and thoroughly blended. Check with the vet to make sure the medicine is not meant for slow release and is safe for administering in this manner.

4. For more stubborn dogs, you may have to physically open their jaw and insert the pill. Try to drop it as far back in the throat as possible, then hold the jaws closed, the chin tilted back.

5. Encourage the dog to swallow by gently rubbing the throat until you feel the movement of the throat which indicates swallowing. Offer praise and a treat.

Tips & Warnings

• Make pill time into a pleasant event with praise and positive attention.

• Check with your vet to learn any specific requirements about your pet's medication before administering. Some forms are meant to be time released. Some should not be opened or broken. Some medications may need to be taken with special food.

References

• Pills for Dogs
• How to Give Your Dog a Pill
• Administration of Pills, Tablets and Capsules

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Giving Oral Medications to a Dog