How to Give a Dog Pills

So your pup needs meds but you don't know how to give a dog a pill. Did the vet say your dog can take its medication with food? If so, you're in luck! It's very easy to trick a dog into downing a pill by hiding it in a bit of food, be it a gob of peanut butter, a smear of cream cheese or a mushed-up ball of liverwurst. Simply placing the pill in the dog's bowl along with his usual food at mealtime also works, just make sure your dog has eaten the entire contents of the bowl.

If you've been told to administer your pet's meds without food, that takes a bit more work.

In a happy voice, call your dog to a familiar and comfortable spot in the house. A corner will work best because it gives the dog less room to run away, but it also might make the dog suspicious. (They always seem to know when bad news is coming!) If you have a small dog, getting him onto a table or counter might give you the best hands-on manageability. If it's a large dog, you might need a second set of hands.

Your dog needs to be seated. Again, this cuts down the dog's chances of getting away. If your dog won't sit on her own accord, push her hind legs down until she's seated. (The second set of hands can make sure your dog stays seated.)

Hold the pill in your dominant hand, between your thumb and index finger. Using your other hand, gently grab your dog on top of his snout using the space between your thumb and index finger. In other words, your thumb should be on one side of his snout, with your other fingers on the other side.

Gently tilt your dog's head back towards his body until he's looking at the ceiling. This should cause his lower jaw to open a little bit. To further open the jaw, gently push down on the dog's lower front teeth using the heel of your dominant hand. Your thumb and index finger will still be able to hold onto the pill.

In one quick motion, place the pill as far back in the dog's mouth as possible, making sure to at least get it over the "hump" of the dog's tongue.

Now use both hands to quickly and firmly close the dog's snout. Bring her head back to a normal position. Help the dog's swallowing reflex to kick in by massaging her throat or by blowing on her nose.

Phew!

Tags: how to get pills into sick dog, how to give dog pills, HowToGetPillsIntoSickDog