How to Give Pills to Your Dog
11 June 2024 — Dogs
Having to give pills to your dog can be a challenging task for many pet owners. Whether it’s due to a picky eater or a reluctance to take pills, finding effective methods for giving medication is crucial to ensuring dogs receive the treatment they need. Luckily, we’ve got some tail-waggin’ tips to make pill time a breeze!
Tips on How to Get a Dog to Take Their Pills:
- Hide it in Food:
One method is to hide the pill inside food. Choose food that your dog loves and can easily swallow. Peanut butter or cheese usually does the trick. Just tuck the pill inside and watch it disappear!
- Crush or Dissolve the Pill:
If your pup is onto your sneaky tricks and refuses to swallow the pill whole, no worries! Crush it into a powder or dissolve it in water. Then mix it into their food or water bowl. They won’t even know it’s there! Ensure that your dog consumes the entire portion to guarantee they get the full dose.
- Use Zoë Pill Pops:
Zoë Pill Pops are specially designed treats with a built-in pouch to hide pills. They come in three flavours: Peanut Butter & Honey, Roasted Chicken & Rosemary and Grilled Beef & Ginger, to suit your dog’s taste preferences. Insert the pill into the pocket, mould it closed, and offer it to your dog as a tasty treat.
- Practice Positive Reinforcement:
Associate pill-taking with positive experiences by showering them with praise, treats, or extra playtime immediately after your dog swallows the pill. This helps create a positive association, making it easier for your dog to cooperate in the future.
- Be Calm and Patient:
Dogs can sense your emotions, so stay calm and patient during the pill-giving process. If you’re stressed or anxious, your dog may become anxious too, making it harder to administer the pill.
Dos and Don’ts for Giving Pills to Your Dog
Do:
- Stick to the dosage and instructions provided by your vet. They’re the experts!
- Wash your hands before handling pills to keep things sanitary.
- Watch your pup after giving them their meds for any unexpected reactions.
- Store medications safely out of reach of pets and kids.
- If anything seems off with your pup, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for advice.
Don’t:
- Force pills down your dog’s throat, as this can cause stress and resistance.
- Certain meds don’t play well with food, so always double-check with your vet before mixing.
- Never scold your dog for refusing their meds. It’ll only make things harder next time.
- Even if your dog seems better, always finish the prescribed meds. Trust your vet’s plan!
With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, giving pills to your dog will be a walk in the park. Just remember to keep it fun, stay relaxed, and prioritize your pup’s health. With patience and persistence, you’ll become a pro at pill-giving in no time!
