Help! My Dog Won’t Take Pills: Proven Strategies That Actually Work
Do you have a dog that simply won't take their medicine?
They spit it out every chance they get?
They refuse to take it, even if you hide it in something they usually like.
You're simply at your wit's end and have no idea what to do next.
You’re not alone!
In this (long) article, you'll find out how to get your dog to take their meds without the drama.
Giving a pill to a stubborn dog is a daily battle. Whether your dog spits the pill out, hides it in their cheek, or just flat out won’t open their mouth, you’re probably wondering how to fix this.
Luckily there are several ways to do it without chasing your dog around the house or fighting to get them to swallow their meds.
This article covers clever, tried, and true methods to make medication time less of a struggle for both you and your pet.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns regarding your pet.
Introduction
If your dog won’t take pills you’re not alone—many dog owners face the same problem. Whether it’s a one-time antibiotic or long-term medication, getting your dog to swallow their pill is crucial for their health.
But what if your dog turns their nose up at every trick in the book? Don’t panic! With a little creativity and patience, you can make the process easier and less stressful.
This article will cover clever ways to get your dog to take their meds, from training to alternative pill forms and more. Let’s get started!
Why Won’t My Dog Take a Pill?
It’s a common problem for dog owners—getting their dogs to take pills. The issue is that dogs have a much better sense of smell and taste than humans. They can smell the medication even if it’s hidden in their favorite treat.
Dogs are creatures of habit.
If they had a bad experience with a pill in the past they might associate all pills with that negative memory. So they become suspicious of anything that smells or feels unfamiliar.
Why Do Dogs Resist Pills?
There are a few reasons why your dog might resist taking pills:
- Pill Size and Texture: Big, hard pills can be uncomfortable for dogs to swallow.
- Taste and Smell: Dogs have a better sense of smell than we do so they can smell even the faintest scent of medication.
- Fear or Anxiety: Some dogs get anxious when they know they’re about to get a pill, especially if previous attempts were stressful.
Now that you know why your dog won’t take pills it’s time to find a solution.
Once you know what the issue is you can tailor your approach to make the process less stressful for your dog.
Solutions for Pill Refusal
Even with the best methods, there will be times when your dog just won’t take their pill. Instead of getting upset have a backup plan in place.
One clever option is to make a “pill smoothie” using dog-safe ingredients. Blend the pill with plain yogurt, bone broth, or canned pumpkin – ingredients most dogs can’t resist.
If your dog loves to lick more than chew, serving this mixture in a small dish can be a simple stress-free solution.
If your dog spits out the smoothie or shows no interest in trying it, try serving it at a different time when they’re more relaxed, like before bed or after a long walk.
Dogs are more willing to try new things when they’re tired or just finished a fun activity. Having multiple strategies in your back pocket allows you to be flexible and over time you’ll find what works for your dog. Just don’t give up, the right approach is just around the corner.
Understanding Your Dog’s Meds
Before you try to give your dog's mouth their meds it’s good to know what they’re for and why it’s important. This will give you more confidence in the process and help you stay calm if things get hairy.
Your dog’s meds could be for anything from antibiotics for an infection to long-term treatments like heartworm prevention. Knowing the importance of each dose will make giving pills feel more doable and less painful.
Talk to your vet to get a better understanding of why your dog needs this medicine. At least for you, this will be a nice reminder as you go through the frustration of giving your dog medicine.
Types of Pills for Dogs
Dogs need meds for various reasons and each type has its own challenges for administration.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed to treat infections these pills may need to be given for a short time but are vital for recovery.
- Pain Relievers: Whether post-surgery or for chronic conditions pain meds often come in pill form and need to be given consistently for your dog’s comfort.
- Heartworm Pills Prevention: Many dogs take heartworm preventatives in pill form once a month and missing a dose can be serious.
Each type of pill may need a different approach depending on the medication’s taste, size or frequency.
There are a number of other medications (obviously), but you'll typically run into the same problem: a stubborn furry friend, unwilling to take this important medicine.
How to Hide Pills in Food Without Them Knowing
One of the easiest ways to give your dog's mouth a pill is to hide it in food. But dogs are smart and can often sniff out hidden pills.
Here are some tips to make sure they don’t know it’s there:
- Use Strong Smelling Foods: Foods like cheese, peanut butter, or canned wet dog food can mask the smell of the pill. Wrap the pill in the food or mix it into a small portion.
- Feed a Test Treat First: Give your dog a few bites of plain food before giving the pill-laced wet food. This will lower their suspicion and make them more likely to eat the pill without noticing. Then give the medicine with the pill, and quickly follow-up with a third treat.
Hiding pills in food is a classic but make sure your dog's mouth eats the whole portion from their wet dog food so they get the full dose.
When your dog does take the pill, be sure to give EXTRA positive reinforcement so your furry senior begins to associate this pill time with positive memories!
How to Stay Calm and Patient
One of the most important things when giving your dog medication is your own attitude. Dogs are very intuitive and can sense your emotions. If you’re feeling stressed or frustrated your dog will likely mirror that and make the process harder.
Take deep breaths, stay patient, and approach the situation calmly. Remember your dog feeds off your energy so the more relaxed you are the smoother it will go.
Consistency and calmness are the keys to turning a frustrating task into a routine. Over time your dog will learn that pill time isn’t something to fear.
Finish the Whole Course of Medication
Make sure your dog takes all prescribed medication, even if they seem to be feeling better. Stopping medication early, especially antibiotics, can lead to re-occurrence of the illness or antibiotic resistance.
Create a medication schedule and stick to it. Use a calendar, set reminders on your phone or use a pill organizer to keep track of doses.
If you’re having trouble giving all the medication, don’t hesitate to call your vet. They may be able to suggest alternatives or adjust the treatment plan.
Gradual Desensitisation for Anxious Dogs
For dogs with deep-seated anxiety around ingesting pills, gradual desensitization may be necessary to make the process more manageable. This involves slowly introducing your dog to the elements of pill-giving in a non-threatening way so they can become more comfortable over time. Start by showing them the pill bottle without giving any medication.
Let them sniff it and reward them for staying calm. Gradually progress to mimicking the actions of giving a pill like opening their mouth or offering an empty hand and reward them after each step.
The key to desensitization is patience and consistency. You’ll need to take baby steps and only move forward when your dog is completely comfortable with the current step. Over time you can introduce the real pill into the process and reward them heavily when they take it.
This takes time but can be very effective for dogs with severe anxiety or a history of bad experiences with medication. It’s about building trust and showing your dog that pill time doesn’t have to be scary.
How to Train Your Dog to Take Pills
You can actually train your dog to take pills willingly!
With a little patience and positive reinforcement, many dogs can be conditioned to take pills without resistance.
Begin by offering your dog treats without pills. Praise and reward them every time they take a treat without hesitation. Then gradually introduce treats that look the same but have the pill in them.
The key is consistency and rewarding your dog every time they take the pill treat.
- Start Slow: Reward your dog for taking regular treats without hesitation.
- Introduce the Pill Gradually: Mix the pill into their treats once they’re comfortable, making it positive and stress-free.
This works best if you start early but it can also help adult dogs associate pill time with something good rather than something to be avoided.
We know we just talked about it. But we can’t overemphasize it enough. Positive reinforcement is the KEY to successfully training your dog to take a pill willingly.
Training your dog to take pills willingly might sound like a big ask but with some positive reinforcement, it’s totally doable.
Start by offering your dog their favorite treat with no pill inside and praise them heavily each time they take it.
Gradually introduce a treat that looks the same but has the pill in it. With consistency, your dog will come to expect a reward after taking the pill treat and resistance will decrease over time. This works best when you build trust and keep the training sessions short and fun.
The beauty of positive reinforcement is that it changes your dog’s perception of pill-taking from something they hate to something they look forward to. Over time they may become conditioned to associate the sight of the pill or sound of the medication bottle with positive rewards like playtime or their favorite toy.
It’s a win-win situation where you no longer have to struggle with your dog and they’re happy to get their reward. Patience is key but once your dog gets it the effort will pay off in the long run.
Using Temperature to Your Advantage
Temperature can play a surprising role in masking the taste and texture of pills. For dogs that are sensitive to the taste of their medication freezing the pill in a small amount of dog-safe peanut butter or yogurt can help disguise the bitterness.
The cold temperature numbs their taste buds slightly so the pill is less noticeable as they enjoy the frozen treat. Just make sure you give them the pill in size and form they can swallow whole to avoid them chewing.
Or you can warm something up too. If your dog likes their meals warm you can heat up a small amount of their favorite wet food, broth, or even cheese to cover the pill.
The stronger aroma from the warmed food will help mask the smell of the medication making it more appealing to your dog.
Using temperature as a variable adds another layer of cleverness to your pill-giving strategy and will outsmart even the most stubborn dogs.
Teaching Kids to Give Dogs Pills
If you have kids who help take care of the family dog, make sure to teach them how to give medication. This can be a great way for kids to learn responsibility but safety always comes first.
Start by having kids watch you give medication. Explain each step clearly. Once they’re comfortable, have them practice with a placebo (like a small piece of soft dog treat) under your supervision.
Teach them to wash their hands before and after and always emphasize gentle handling. Remember, adult supervision is key until you’re confident your child can give medication safely.
Traveling with a Medicated Dog
Keeping your dog on schedule can be tough when traveling. But with some planning, you can keep your dog healthy on the go.
Pack more medication than you think you’ll need in case of travel delays. Keep medications in their original containers with prescription labels.
If flying, carry medications in your carry-on. Research veterinary clinics at your destination in case of emergencies. Set alarms on your phone to remind you of medication times especially if crossing time zones.
Socialization and Support
Having other family members or trusted friends involved during pill time can help calm your dog. Some dogs do better when they feel supported or comforted by someone they trust.
If your dog gets anxious or suspicious when it’s just you trying to give them a pill, having someone else there to hold or reassure them can make a big difference. This is especially helpful if your dog associates you with previous stressful pill attempts.
Socialization is also good for reinforcing positive behavior. When someone your dog enjoys being around is involved in the process they might focus more on the comfort of the company than the pill itself.
This is especially helpful for shy or timid dogs as the presence of a second person can make them feel safer. You can also create a team effort, one person handles the treat or toy and the other person gives praise or a second treat after the medication is taken.
Offering Pills in a Different Environment
Sometimes changing the environment can make all the difference in getting your dog to take their medication. If your dog has associated a particular area of your home – like the kitchen or dining room – with pill giving they may get anxious in that space. Try giving the pill in a new location.
For example, take them outside or to a quiet area of the house where they feel safe. The change in environment will help reduce their anxiety and make them more receptive to taking the pill.
Also, outdoor walks can be a great opportunity to give medication especially if your dog loves being outside. You can offer the pill treat just before or after their walk when they’re most relaxed or distracted by their surroundings.
By changing the location you create a more positive and flexible routine around medication time so your dog sees it as just another part of their day, not something to fear.'
Hand Positioning Matters
How you hold your dog during pill time can make all the difference in your success rate. Using the right-hand position can prevent your dog from spitting out the pill or turning away.
For small to medium dogs, try holding them in your arm like a football, with their back against your body. Use your non-dominant hand to gently hold their muzzle, tilting their head back slightly.
For larger dogs, have them sit or stand and use your non-dominant hand to hold the upper jaw. Your dominant hand can then open the lower jaw and place the pill. Always be gentle and praise your dog afterward.
Set the Mood for Medication Time
The environment during pill time can make a big difference in your dog’s willingness to cooperate. A calm positive environment can reduce stress for both you and your dog.
Choose a quiet area of your home for giving medication. Remove distractions like toys or other pets. Speak in a calm voice and relax your posture – dogs are experts at reading our body language. Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or soft music to set the mood.
Timing is Everything
When you give your dog their medication can be just as important as how you give it. Timing can affect the effectiveness of the medication and your dog’s willingness to take it.
Some medications need to be given with food, others work best on an empty stomach. Always follow your vet’s instructions for timing.
If you have flexibility, try to time the medication when your dog is most relaxed or hungry. Early morning or just before dinner time works for many dogs. Avoid giving pills right after exercise or when your dog is over-excited.
Timing Medication with Play Sessions
Timing is everything when it comes to giving your dog medication and play sessions can be the perfect distraction.
If your dog is super playful or high energy, try giving them their pill in the middle of a fun activity like fetch or tug-of-war.
During playtime, your dog will be so focused on the fun that they might not even notice you slipped a pill into their treat. For example, as your dog is running back to you with the ball, offer them a treat with the pill. Their excitement will make them less likely to inspect the treat.
Plus, associating medication time with fun activities can reduce anxiety. Many dogs don’t like pills because they’ve learned to associate the process with something bad.
By making it part of a favorite routine like play, you can change their perspective. Over time they might even start looking forward to taking their medication if it’s always paired with playtime. Just be consistent so the fun and pill time go together.
Positive Reinforcement Training for Pill-Taking
One way to make pill time easier is to make pill time a part of your dog’s daily routine and follow it up with something they love, like playtime or a walk. That way they’ll start to associate pills with something good rather than something they hate.
For example, if you give your dog a pill right before their favorite activity they’ll learn to look forward to that activity rather than the pill itself.
- Follow up with Fun: After giving your dog a pill immediately engage them in a fun activity like a walk or playtime.
- Reward Heavily: Treats and praise should flow freely after your dog takes their pill.
Pill Aversion in Dogs
To get your dog to take pills you need to think like a dog. Dogs associate certain tastes or textures with negative experiences and medication falls into that category.
Some dogs are super sensitive to changes in their food so even a tiny pill can set them off. Others may have learned to associate taking a pill with a bad experience and become more resistant over time.
Food Allergies and Hiding Pills
If your dog has food allergies, finding treats to hide pills can be tough. But with a little imagination, you can still make medication time work.
Use hypoallergenic treats specifically made for dogs with allergies. Or make your own pill pockets using ingredients that are safe for your dog.
A small ball of cooked, mashed sweet potato or a bit of pureed pumpkin can work. Always introduce new foods slowly and watch for any reaction.
Pill Time Treat
A high-value “pill time” treat can be a lifesaver for dogs that refuse pills. Dogs are smart and if you always hide their medication in the same food they’ll figure it out eventually. To keep them guessing choose a special treat that’s only for pill time – something they love and don’t get regularly.
It could be a spoonful of cream cheese, a dollop of peanut butter (make sure there is no xylitol!), or even some chicken liver. The idea is to make the treat so good they’ll be more focused on the reward than the pill inside.
By using this high-value treat only for medication time your dog may start to associate taking pills with something they look forward to. Over time this positive reinforcement can create a new habit for your dog and reduce the pill battle.
Remember to keep the treat small and easy to swallow so the pill goes down smoothly and your dog doesn’t chew and discover it. Switch up the special treat every now and then to keep it exciting and your dog less suspicious.
Sneaky Ways to Get a Pill into Your Dog’s Daily Routine
Fun with food: Using everyday meals to hide pills
Getting your dog’s medication into their regular meals is one of the best ways to get them to take their pill without even noticing. Mixing the pill into a small amount of wet food, gravy or even baby food can disguise the taste and texture.
- Wet Food or Canned Dog Food: Wet food has a stronger smell than dry kibble so it can mask the smell of medication.
- Peanut Butter or Cheese: Spreadable foods like peanut butter can work wonders. Just make sure it’s xylitol-free!
Distract and Delight: Use playtime to your advantage
Dogs are highly motivated by excitement and rewards. You can use playtime or training sessions to distract your dog while sneaking in a pill.
- Throw Treats in Quick Succession: In a game of catch sneak a treat with the hidden pill among several treats thrown one after the other.
- Training Tricks: Teach your dog a trick and reward them with a pill hidden in a favorite treat afterward.
These playful methods take the focus off the pill and make taking medication part of a fun routine.
Best Foods to Use When Giving Pills to Dogs
The type of food you use can make all the difference when hiding medication. Not all foods are safe for dogs so you need to choose the right ones.
- Cream Cheese: Its thick consistency makes it easy to hide pills and dogs love the taste.
- Sliced Deli Meat: Wrap the pill in a piece of ham or turkey for a tasty treat that’s hard to resist.
- Bananas: A small chunk of banana can hide a pill and many dogs love the taste.
- Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin is good for dogs and also great for mixing with pills.
When choosing a food make sure to pick something your dog already loves and that’s safe for them to eat regularly.
Pill Administering Tools
There are several tools available to make pill administration easier especially for dogs that are hard to medicate by hand.
- Pill Shooter: A pill shooter allows you to place the pill directly into your dog’s mouth without having to put your hand in. It’s a good option for dogs that try to spit out the pill.
- Pill Grinder: A pill grinder can crush pills into a powder that you can mix into food. But be careful, not all medications can be crushed. Always check with your vet before using this method.
Both can be useful but each has its pros and cons depending on your dog and the medication.
Pill Administering Toys
Dogs love toys and pill-administering toys can be a clever and fun way to sneak in the medication. These toys are designed to hold treats or food so they’re a perfect distraction for your dog while they unknowingly take the pill.
Puzzle feeders, treat dispensing balls or Kong toys can all be used to hide a pill within a larger snack so your dog is entertained while they work to get the food out. This works especially well for dogs that enjoy mental stimulation and problem-solving.
By making pill giving a game your dog might not even notice the treat has their medication in it. The excitement and focus on the toy will make them forget all about the pill and the satisfaction of “winning” the game by getting the treat will reinforce positive feelings towards the whole process.
Plus using a toy can slow down fast eaters so they don’t swallow the pill while gobbling up their treat. It’s a win-win for both you and your dog.
Pill Hiding Treats
Choosing the right treat to hide your pill can make all the difference. Not all treats are created equal when it comes to hiding medication.
Soft, moldable treats work best for hiding pills. Look for treats you can shape around the pill, like small pieces of cheese, soft hot dog slices, or even a bit of canned food rolled into a ball.
Choose something your dog loves so much they’ll gobble it down without hesitation. Remember, the treat should be more exciting than the pill itself.
Pill Pockets
Pill pockets are soft treats with a hollow center designed to hide pills. They’re flavored for dogs and make giving meds feel like a treat, not a chore.
- Choose a Flavor Your Dog Loves: Pill pockets come in various flavors like chicken, beef, and peanut butter. Try different flavors to integrate your dog's wet food to find the one your dog's mouth can’t resist.
- Use Pill Pockets as a Reward: To keep it positive give your dog a treat after they take the pill, make it part of their reward system.
Pill pockets are great for treat-loving dogs but make sure you give them as directed so your dog eats the whole pill.
Pill Popper: Pros and Cons
A pill popper, also known as a pet piller, can be a useful tool for giving dogs pills. It’s a long, syringe-like device that holds the pill and allows you to place it at the back of your dog’s throat.
The advantage of a pill popper is it keeps your fingers safe from those accidental nips and allows for precise placement of the pill. However, some dogs may find the device intimidating. If you do decide to use a pill popper, introduce it gradually.
Let your dog sniff and investigate it before you try using it. Always follow up with a treat to create a positive association.
Pill Popper or Syringe
A pill popper (or pill shooter) is a tool that allows you to place a pill directly into your dog’s mouth without putting your fingers in their mouth.
- Using a Pill Popper: Load the pill into the popper, gently open your dog’s mouth, and place the pills hidden at the back of their throat. Press the plunger then close their mouth and rub their throat to encourage swallowing.
- Using a Syringe: For liquid meds a syringe can help you measure the dose and squirt it into your dog’s mouth. Aim the syringe at the side of the mouth between the cheek and teeth to avoid choking.
These tools can make giving meds quicker and more effective especially for dogs that are more resistant to pills.
Pill Splitter or Crusher: Is It Safe?
Sometimes splitting or crushing a pill can make it easier to give but always check with your vet first. Some meds are time-released or coated and splitting them could affect how they work.
- Splitting Pills: If the pill is scored it’s generally safe to split. Use a pill splitter for even cuts.
- Crushing Pills: Some pills can be crushed and mixed with food or water. But check with your vet first to make sure it won’t affect the medication’s effectiveness.
Splitting or crushing pills can make them easier to hide in food but always check with your vet.
Multiple Pills at Once
If your dog needs to take multiple pills, it’s tempting to try to give them all at once. But this can backfire if your dog becomes overwhelmed or suspicious.
Instead, space them out throughout the day if possible. If they must be given at the same time, try hiding them in separate treats. This makes each treat less bulky and reduces the chance of your dog detecting the pills.
Always check with your vet about the best timing for multiple medications, some must be given with food and others should be given on an empty stomach.
Can I Ask My Vet for a Pill Alternative?
If you’re having trouble giving your dog a pill call your veterinary medicine for alternatives. Many medications can be compounded into different forms such as liquids, chewable, or even flavored gels.
- Chewable Tablets: Some medications come in chewable form making them more tasty for dogs.
- Transdermal Patches: For some medications, transdermal patches may be available so the medication can be absorbed through the skin.
Your vet can help you find an alternative that works for your dog.
Use Liquid Medications as an Alternative
If your dog refuses to take pills consistently liquid medication might be an option. Some medications come in liquid form and others can be compounded into a liquid by your vet.
Liquid medication is often easier to administer because you can mix it into their food or squirt it into their mouth with a syringe.
- Mix into Food: Liquid medication can be mixed into your dog’s food making it harder for them to avoid.
- Direct Administration: Use a syringe to squirt the liquid into the side of your dog’s mouth.
Always check with your vet to see if liquid versions of your dog’s medication are available and if they are suitable for your pet.
Use a Syringe for Liquid Medications
If your dog refuses to take pills and you’ve switched to liquid medication using a syringe may be the easiest way to administer it. To do this, fill the syringe with the correct dosage and gently squirt it into the side of your dog’s mouth.
Here’s how to do it:
- Fill the Syringe: Measure the correct dose of liquid medication using the syringe.
- Position the Syringe: Gently insert the syringe into the side of your dog’s mouth near the back of the cheek.
- Administer the Liquid: Slowly squirt the liquid into your dog’s mouth while keeping their head slightly elevated.
This method is good for dogs that are resistant to both pills and food tricks.
Flavored Liquids to Help Pills Go Down
Even with the best treat-hiding techniques, dogs can still detect pills. In these cases, flavored liquids can be a useful addition to your pill-giving arsenal.
You can use a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth, beef broth, or even water with a little tuna juice. After placing the pill in your dog’s mouth, immediately offer a small amount of the flavored liquid.
This will help wash the pill down and mask the taste. Always check with your vet to make sure the liquid you use won’t interfere with the medication.
Wet Dog Food to Hide Pills
Wet dog food can be a great way to hide pills, especially for finicky eaters or dogs with a keen sense of smell.
Choose a strongly flavored wet food your dog loves. Make a small meatball around the pill, making sure it’s completely covered. Offer this to your dog first, then a few more meatballs without pills.
The strong smell and taste of the wet food will mask the pill so your dog is more likely to swallow it without noticing.
Compounded Medications
If your dog refuses pills consistently, ask your vet about the medication compounded. These are custom-made by veterinary pharmacies to meet your dog’s specific needs.
Compounded medications come in many forms – flavored liquids, chewable treats, or even transdermal gels that are absorbed through the skin. While often more expensive than standard medications, they can be a lifesaver for dogs who flat-out refuse pills.
Your vet can work with a compounding pharmacy to find the right one for your dog.
The Meatball Method
For dogs that are food motivated the “meatball method” is a popular and effective trick. Simply wrap the pill in a small tasty meatball made from ground beef or turkey. Most dogs can’t resist!
Make sure the meatball is small enough for your dog to swallow whole so they don’t chew and discover the pill inside.
- Use Small Portions: The goal is to make the meatball small enough your dog swallows it without chewing.
- Use Irresistible Ingredients: Choose foods your dog loves, like cooked ground meat or cheese.
Masking Pills in Capsules or Gelatin Shells
If your dog still detects the pill despite your best efforts masking it in a neutral-tasting gelatin capsule can be a saviour.
Gelatin capsules which are available at pharmacies can encapsulate the pill and provide a tasteless barrier between the medication and your dog’s sensitive mouth. These capsules dissolve quickly once in your dog’s stomach so won’t affect the medication. Simply put the pill in the capsule and hide it in your dog’s favorite treat.
This is especially good for bitter pills that dogs reject based on taste alone. You can also combine this with hiding the capsule in foods with strong flavors like deli meats or cheese to further disguise the pill.
The gelatin capsule adds another layer of trickery so you can be sure your dog will take their medication without a fuss. If unsure if this method is suitable for your dog’s medication always check with your vet first.
Canine Teeth and Pill Giving
Knowing your dog’s mouth structure, especially their canine teeth, will help you give pills better. Canine teeth are designed for gripping and tearing so pills can easily get caught on them.
When giving a pill, aim to place it behind the canine teeth, towards the back of the tongue. This reduces the chances of the pill getting stuck or your dog spitting it out. Don’t push your fingers too far back or you’ll trigger your dog’s gag reflex.
How to Trick a Picky Eater into Taking Pills
If your dog is a picky eater getting them to swallow a pill can feel impossible. But there are a few tricks that might work even for the most finicky dogs:
- Coat the pill with peanut butter: Dogs love peanut butter and the sticky texture can help the pill go down smoothly.
- Hide the pill in a frozen treat: Mix the pill into a dog-friendly popsicle or frozen yogurt. The cold temperature can help mask the pill’s taste and texture.
Sometimes all it takes is to get creative with your dog’s favorite foods to get them to take their meds without a fuss.
Pill Delivery by Dog Size
Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to size and that means their pill-giving strategies shouldn’t be either. For smaller dogs who have tiny mouths and delicate throats trying to give them a large pill can be intimidating or even uncomfortable.
In these cases, breaking the pill into smaller more manageable pieces can make it easier for them to swallow. Alternatively, using a pill crusher (with vet approval) to turn the pill into a powder that can be sprinkled on food can also help.
Just make sure to mix the powder well with something your dog loves to eat so they don’t detect the medication.
On the other hand, larger dogs may need a different approach altogether. While they have bigger mouths and won’t be bothered by a larger treat or piece of food they are also more finicky about their food.
For these dogs using a larger more substantial treat – like a chunk of steak or a large dollop of peanut butter – can work like magic. Their size allows them to gobble down larger treats without hesitation so you can slip a pill past them.
Just make sure the treat is big enough to fully mask the pill so they don’t taste or feel it.
Distraction Techniques
Distraction can be a great way to give pills especially if your dog overthinks the process. Dogs are highly driven by excitement and using this to your advantage can make pill time less stressful.
One great distraction method is to get your dog excited about something else like a new toy or learning a new trick before offering the pill.
While your dog is distracted by the excitement slip the pill into a treat and reward them straight away. The goal is to offer the treat when your dog is focused on something else so they won’t even notice the pill.
Another distraction technique is rapid fire treat giving. Offer your dog several small treats in quick succession one after another with the pill hidden in the middle. In their rush to get the next treat, they might swallow the pill without even realizing it.
Timing is key here you want to keep the treats coming quickly so your dog doesn’t stop to investigate. This works well for food-motivated dogs who want to get as many treats as possible.
Mixing Pills with Dog-Safe Broth
Sometimes mixing the pill into your dog’s food isn’t enough especially if they are sensitive to the taste or texture of the medication.
One solution is to mix the pill with a small amount of dog-safe broth like chicken or beef broth that is low in sodium and free from garlic and onions. This works well for dissolvable pills or capsules and the strong flavor of the broth will help mask the medication.
You can also drizzle the broth over your dog’s regular food to add flavor and make the pill harder to detect. Just check with your vet to make sure dissolving the pill in liquid won’t affect the medication.
The broth is a good option as most dogs love the taste and it makes the experience of taking medication more enjoyable for them. This works well for dogs who are fussy about food or resistant to eating solid treats.
What to Do If Your Dog Spits Out the Pill
Even after all your efforts your dog's mouth may still spit out the pill.
If this happens don’t panic—here are some steps to try again:
- Try a Different Method: If hiding the pill in food doesn’t work try giving it by hand or using a pill pocket.
- Use a Pill Popper: For particularly stubborn dogs a pill popper can ensure the pill goes directly into their mouth without giving them a chance to spit it out.
It’s normal for dogs to resist pills at first but with time you’ll find a method that works for your pet.
Monitoring Your Dog After Pill Administration
Make sure to monitor your dog’s health after giving a pill to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Even if your dog swallows the pill check on them for the next few hours to look for signs of discomfort, nausea, or allergic reactions.
Common side effects might be vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy especially if your dog has never had the medication before. If you notice anything unusual contact your vet for guidance.
Monitoring is especially important for dogs on long-term medication. Over time you’ll get to know your dog’s normal behaviour after taking a pill so you’ll be able to spot if something is off.
Keeping a journal or log of your dog’s medication schedule and any side effects can be helpful when talking to your vet. This level of attention means your dog will not only take their medication but will also stay healthy while doing so.
What to Do When Your Dog Needs Long-Term Medication?
If your dog is on long-term medication it’s important to establish a routine that minimizes stress for both you and your dog.
Here’s how:
- Establish a routine: Give the medication at the same time every day so your dog knows what to expect.
- Switch-up methods: If one method stops working be open to trying another, such as switching from pills to liquid or a different treatment.
By making pill giving a part of your dog’s daily routine you can reduce the resistance and anxiety that comes with medication time.
Conclusion
Giving your dog pills doesn’t have to be a hassle. Now you know why your dog resists pills and how to use creative methods to make medication time better for both of you. For every dog, there’s a solution.
Remember, patience and persistence pay. Try different methods until you find what works for your pet. With a little effort, you can get your dog the medication they need without the drama.
FAQs
1. Why does my dog spit out pills?
Dogs have a great sense of smell and taste and can detect the slightest hint of medication in their food.
2. How do I give a stubborn dog a pill?
A pill pocket or wrapping the pill in a small piece of meat or cheese is usually the easiest.
3. Can I crush my dog’s pills and mix them with food?
Always ask your vet before crushing pills as some medications lose effectiveness when crushed.
4. Can I hide my dog’s pill in peanut butter?
Yes, peanut butter is a popular choice for hiding pills as it masks the pill’s taste and texture.
5. What if my dog refuses all methods?
If all else fails, ask your vet for an alternative form of medication, such as a liquid or chewable version.
