Tips for Giving Pills to Dogs
Medications - we have a love/hate relationship with them. They can be bulky, chalky and sometimes downright smelly. But, they are a necessary part of life that helps keep our pets healthy and happy. If you and your pup both dread the antics associated with pill time, I hope you find the following tips useful next time they need a dose!
Greenies Pill Pockets - Available in chicken, cheese, hickory, and peanut butter flavors, these are a great way to disguise any pill as a treat! Simply pop the pill in the pocket, pinch closed with your finger and give to your dog. Pinching the pill inside helps trap the smell if a strong scent is a turn-off for your dog.
Peanut butter and cheese sandwich - This is similar in theory to pill pockets but more of a DIY approach. Lather the pill in a natural, Xylitol-free peanut butter, sandwich it between two small slices of cheese, and feed it to your dog. It might be a little messy but ultimately worth it if your dog enjoys the yummy treat and successfully ingests the meds.
Pet piller device - Often used by veterinarians, a piller device is a good way to administer pills safely and quickly. It’s essentially a syringe with a soft tip that is inserted in to the back of the dog’s mouth. Your dog will probably not like it, but it gets the job done if other methods prove unsuccessful.
Whichever route you choose, always be sure that your dog has actually swallowed the medication and not spit it out. After successful administration of meds, follow up with plenty of positive reinforcement in the form of treats or playtime! Best of luck, paw-rents!
