How to Give Medicine (pills) to a Dog or Cat

Get your dog or cat to take pills without using treats or other food!!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog or Cat
• Pet owner
• Someone to assist (not necessary but may help if the pet suspects something is up!)

1. 1. Get the pill ready in one hand, without allowing your dog or cat to see or hear the pill container. (If they think something is up, delay the next steps for a few minutes so they forget about the medicine)

2. 2. Approach your dog or cat in a friendly manner and get them into a small room without much furniture so they cannot run far if they get away.

3. 3. Either sit on a chair or sit on the floor, and pet your dog or cat and get them into a position on the floor in front of you or on your lap. The pet should be sitting with it's side to your chest and wrap your arms around your pet in a non-threatening manner.

4. 4. In a very quick manner and with the pill in one hand, open your dog or cat's mouth with both hands by placing one hand over the top of the jaw and the other hand on the underneath side of the jaw, and lightly press your middle fingers and thumbs into the gums toward the back of the pet's mouth.

5. 5. Place the pill as far back in the pet's mouth and quickly (and gently) close the pet's mouth. Keep your hands around the pet's mouth to keep it shut. (you may need to use your body to keep the pet still as they may squirm a bit)

6. 6. Gently blow into the pet's face while lightly tickling the pet's throat. The air in the pet's face will make them swallow. You may need to repeat blowing the air gently into the pet's face a couple times.

7. 7. Praise your pet and reinforce with a favorite task immediately after such as a walk, playing with a toy, praise and excitement, or whatever your dog thinks is great fun!

Tips & Warnings

• If you did not close the pet's mouth or were able to keep it closed in step 5, then the pet may have moved the pill inside it's mouth and it may need to be taken out and start over again to ensure the pill is on the tongue in the back of the throat.
• This may seem awkward at first, however it works well once you are comfortable with the process without giving your dog or cat extra food that can add weight or may not be healthy for your pet.
• If the dog or cat does not trust you, then please note that the pet may bite or scratch you. The pet's most trusted person should administer medicine.