How to give your dog a pill

If your dog is not on dietary restrictions, and your veterinarian says that the medication can be given with food, the easiest way to give a pill is to hide it in a piece of food.{{more}} A small amount of butter, peanut butter, cheese or cream cheese, canned food or sausage.

If you are going to put the pill in the dog’s food, it is best to give a small amount of the food without the pill first. This makes your dog become less suspicious. It is best not to mix the medication with the entire meal, since if the dog does not eat the whole meal, he will not get the appropriate dose of the medication.

If your dog will not take the pill in food or cannot have food with the medication, then it has to go down the hatch.

1. Get the pill out of the envelope or bottle and place it where it will be handy.

2. Call your dog to you in a happy voice. If you do not sound worried or concerned, your dog will be less likely to feel that way as well.

3. Take your dog to a convenient spot and place your dog’s hind end against something so he cannot back away from you. Some people have found they have better control if they place the dog on a surface up above the floor. If you do so, make sure you have assistance, so the dog will not jump or fall off the table and hurt himself.

4. Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger. (If you are right-handed, use your right hand.)

5. Using the other hand, gently grasp your dog’s muzzle from above with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other.

6. Squeeze behind the upper canine teeth and tilt your pet’s head back over his shoulders so that he is looking at the ceiling. His lower jaw will automatically drop a bit.

7. Use one of the other fingers of your right hand to lower the bottom jaw further by placing the finger between the lower canine teeth (the long front teeth) and pushing down.

8. Quickly place the pill as far back in your dog’s mouth as possible, getting it over the “hump” of the tongue.

9. Close your dog’s mouth, hold it closed, and lower his head to a normal position, which will make swallowing easier. Gently rubbing his throat or blowing on your dog’s nose may stimulate him to swallow.

10. Give your dog plenty of praise. This will make next time easier. And remember, the quicker you can give the medication, the easier it will be for both of you.

For further information, contact: Dr Collin Boyle
Unique Animal Care Co. Ltd.
Tel: 456 4981
Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com