Many pet owners have trouble getting their dogs to swallow pills and tablets.
As medication is important for your dog’s health, it’s best to trick him into swallowing the pill instead of forcing him to take it, which can be stressful on both of you.
The Meatball Method
Disguise the medication in a meatball and feed it to your dog. This method is better suited for dogs that will swallow the meatball whole, rather than chew it up, which increases the risk of the pill falling out.
Put It in a Pocket
Most pet stores now carry dog treats called ‘pill pockets’ that are designed to hide canine pills. Simply shove the pill into the pocket of the treat and feed to your pooch.
Crush It Up
Ask your vet if you can crush the pills instead of leaving them whole. After crushing the pill into a dust, simply mix it with a liquid treat, like the gravy in wet dog food.
Hide It in Layers
Place the pill between two layers of your dog’s favorite food. For example, fold over a slice of cheese with the pill inside, which hides the pill from your dog’s view.
Make It a Game
If your dog likes to catch treats in the air, begin by throwing a few regular treats for him to catch. After a few treats, throw a pill-stuffed treat into the mix and he probably won’t notice the difference.
Roll Wet Food Balls
Roll several balls of your dog’s favorite wet food, keeping the balls small enough to be swallowed without chewing. Press the pill into the center of one.
Butter Him Up
Most dogs love the taste of peanut butter and will do anything to get a lick of the stuff. Pick up a glob of peanut butter with a clean spoon and stick the pill inside. The sticky peanut butter will grasp the pill, making it unlikely that your dog drops it.
Shoot the Pill
Pill guns can be found at pet stores and they carefully “shoot” the pill directly into the back of the throat. This helps to prevent the dog from spitting the pill back out.
Go with the Liquid
Some medications can be found in the liquid form instead of pill form. Try your dog on liquefied medicine if he can’t tolerate tablets.
Ask Your Vet
If all else fails, ask your vet to turn that icky pill into a tasty treat. Compound pharmacies can infuse your pet’s medication into a treat flavored with chicken, beef, tuna, or other tasty options