As humans, we often struggle to take pills. So why wouldn’t your dog? Especially something foreign that smells different and may not taste good. Most dogs will need to take medication at some point. And while some dogs have no problem swallowing up that pill wrapped in a treat, others know it’s coming from a mile away.
While encouragement can help for some dogs, others will spit it right back out in front of you. Giving your dog a pill in food like peanut butter may not always work, and you may have to try other methods like hand-pilling or using a pet piller. Knowing these other methods can ease some stress when giving your dog medication.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to give a dog a pill.
If your dog loves peanut butter or cheese, you can use this to your advantage. Dogs can often smell the pill residue, so you may have to use a few techniques and see which works best for your dog.
I also like to sandwich the pill-containing treat in between 2 regular treats in dogs who may be getting suspicious. Also, some dogs will be more accepting of treats if you ask them to perform a trick or task first.
Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM
Oftentimes you’ll need to give your dog their medication regularly. Incorporate the medicine into a routine, like breakfast, dinner, or a morning walk. Your dog might actually start looking forward to taking their medicine if it’s paired with food at mealtimes or with a treat before their walk.
Also, give them the same enthusiasm and encouragement as you would with a regular treat. Another way to encourage them to take a treat is to ask them to perform a trick or task. While some dogs may not fall for this, the excitement may be enough for others to willingly take it.
Some pills should be given with food, while others are best taken on an empty stomach. Before you give your dog medicine, follow all instructions to keep it safe. For example: You might need to give your dog one pill once daily, morning and night, or even three times a day.
Double- and triple-check the dosages and times, then set up a schedule to follow the instructions. Try setting calendar reminders and alarms or using apps to stay on track. This can help ensure the medication works as intended and your pup stays safe and healthy.
If your dog is wise to all your tricks, this hand-pilling technique might be your best bet. Make sure to give them lots of praise during and afterward. Follow these steps:
For very clever or stubborn dogs that can find the pill and spit it out in just about anything you give them, you might need help from specialized pill tools.
If none of these methods work, ask your vet to show you how to get your dog to take the pills with less resistance. Your vet can help demonstrate proper techniques and offer additional expert insights into how to help make taking medicine less stressful for you and your dog.
If you can get your dog’s medication into their mouth but find they immediately spit the pill out, you can try the hand-feeding technique or use a pet piller. Do not re-medicate unless you can confirm your dog spit out their medication.
If you’re struggling to pill your dog don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. One option is to have the medication compounded into a flavored liquid, chewable treat, or even transdermal formulation.
Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM
Getting your tricky dog to take a pill is like getting a kid to put on their shoes. While it can be frustrating, there are some dos and don’ts for how to give your dog a pill.
The most important thing is to make sure your dog gets the correct dosage and that it’s a positive experience. Speak with your vet about other options if you’re having trouble medicating your dog.
We’ve been there — giving your dog a pill isn’t for the faint of heart. And your dog can sense when you’re feeling stressed.
Be sure to stay calm and happy when it’s time to give your pup a pill. That might mean lots of belly rubs, a relaxing walk in the park, snuggles, or some playtime. A gentle and reassuring approach can make all the difference when trying to give your dog a pill.
Hiding it in food is the best and easiest way to give a dog a pill. You can try to hide it in a piece of cheese, a pill pocket, xylitol-free peanut butter, or wet dog food.
Vets will try the same methods that pet owners do. If a dog doesn’t take a pill in food, they will try to use the hand pill method or a pet piller.
If your dog will take a pill in food, use that method to get them to take oral pills. If that doesn’t work, try to place the medicine as far back in their mouth as possible. Don’t put your hand so far back in their mouth that they gag or choke. Just the medication. A pet piller is another option, making it easier to get the pill far back enough into their mouth. Make sure to give them lots of praise after!
The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to hide it in food like cream cheese or meat. To make it more enticing, you can also make a game out of it.
Hiding a pill in food is the easiest way to give a stubborn dog a pill. Stubborn dogs, however, may or may not take a pill, even if it’s hidden in food. You may have to get creative with what you try, making sure your dog doesn’t hear or see you with the pill bottle. Some dogs won’t touch any sort of treat if they know the meditation was involved.
You can also try sandwiching the pill by giving a piece of the treat, then the piece with the pill, then another piece of the treat, or ask them to perform a trick (i.e., sit, stay, come). Some are more likely to take a treat with the pill this way. If they don’t take it in food, you can try the hand-pilling technique or use a pet piller.
Do not crush a pill or capsule without advice from your vet. Some medications that are long-acting medications with delayed release can cause unwanted side effects if they’re crushed. Some medications also taste worse and won’t work if they’re crushed.
The best way is to hide the pill or tablet in food. If they don’t take it as a treat, try adding it to their food. If this still doesn’t work, you can try a pet piller. If you do not feel that you can safely medicate your dog, stop and reach out to your vet.
