Giving your dog a pill can be a difficult task, but with the right approach, you can make it easier for you and your dog. But how do you give a dog a pill without them spitting it out?
From finding creative ways to disguise pills in food to learning tricks for getting them down quickly and easily, here are several ways to give pills to your dog more easily.
How Do You Give an Unwilling Dog a Pill?
If your dog doesn’t want to take their medicine, you are likely asking, “how do you give a dog a pill without them spitting it out?” There are several methods that may make the process easier:
- Use a pill pocket or other soft dog treat that holds the pill inside of it.
- Mix the pill into your dog’s regular meal.
- Hide the pill with your dog’s favorite human food, like a chunk of cream cheese.
- Hold your dog’s muzzle open and place the pill on the back of its tongue.
- Use a pill shooter device that sends a pill down the back of your dog’s throat.
How Do I Trick My Dog Into Taking Medicine?
Some pet parents pretend to drop food or a treat on the floor and actually drop their dog’s medication. This can trick your dog into quickly grabbing it and eating it before you take the “treat” away.
Can I Give My Dog a Pill in Peanut Butter?
Yes, peanut butter is an effective food to hide a pill, and most dogs love it! Make sure to use xylitol-free peanut butter, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
What Is the Vet Technique to Give a Dog a Pill?
Most veterinarians administer pills by placing the pill on the top of your dog’s tongue and rubbing their lower jaw firmly in a downward motion.
Do your best to stay calm while giving your dog a pill because they can pick up on your anxiety. For help with this technique, ask your veterinarian for a demonstration.
If your dog’s unwillingness to take a pill is severe or aggressive, it might be best to leave it up to your veterinarian to administer oral medications in a safe and humane manner.
Contact Midway Animal Hospital For Comprehensive Veterinary Care
It can be difficult to understand how to give a dog a pill without them spitting it out. However, with a few tricks up your sleeve, such as distracting your pup with treats or hiding the pill inside food, you should be able to get it done.
If you ever have any questions like, “how do you give a dog a pill without them spitting it out?” call Midway Animal Hospital at (770) 475-2003. Our caring vets are happy to provide guidance to keep your dog healthy and happy!
