How to Give a Reluctant Dog Pills

He won't be taking his medicine.

Some dogs cannot be fooled into taking their oral medication by wrapping the pill in a piece of cheese or strategically hiding it in their food. The process of trying to trick your dog into taking a pill can be extremely frustrating and time-consuming. When your dog will not take the medication with a treat, then it is time to resort to alternative methods.

Things You'll Need

• Dog treat

Instructions

1. Put the pill or pills in the palm of your hand. Cup your hand so that you can still utilize it without dropping the medication.

2. Get your dog to sit. This makes it easier to accomplish Step 3.

3. Straddle your dog so that your knees are about even with its shoulders. Getting into this position will allow you to keep control of your dog.

4. Gently grab your dog's muzzle with both hands. The hand that does not contain the medication should be on the top.

5. Pry the dog's muzzle apart.

6. Drop the medication into the dog's mouth as far as you can. Quickly close the dog's mouth, but don't let go.

7. Rub the dog's throat. This will cause the dog to swallow. Wait for the dog to swallow a few times to ensure that the medication was swallowed.

8. Release the dog and give it lots of praise and a dog treat.

References

• Pet Education: How to Give Your Dog a Pill