How to Get Your Dog to Eat a Pill – Tips and Tricks for Success

Introduction

Many pet owners dread the thought of giving their dog a pill. Whether it’s for a short-term illness or a long-term medication, getting a dog to take a pill can be a struggle. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can make the process easier. This article will explore some of the most effective ways to get your dog to take a pill.

Hiding the Pill in Food

Hiding a pill in food is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get your dog to take a pill. Here are some tips for making it work:

Choosing an Appetizing Meal

The first step is to choose an appetizing meal for your dog. According to research conducted by the American Kennel Club, “foods high in fat and protein are more likely to entice a picky eater.” Choose something that your dog loves and that has enough bulk to hide the pill.

Preparing the Meal

Once you’ve chosen the meal, prepare it as you usually would. Make sure that the pill is completely hidden in the food so your dog won’t be able to detect it.

Serving the Meal

When serving the meal, be careful not to draw attention to the fact that there’s a pill in it. Serve it in a bowl as you normally would and avoid making any comments about the pill.

Using a Pill Pocket Treat

Pill pocket treats are a great way to get your dog to take a pill. They come in a variety of flavors, making them an appealing option for picky eaters. Here’s how to use them:

What is a Pill Pocket Treat?

A pill pocket treat is a soft treat with a pocket in the center designed specifically for hiding pills. The treats come in a variety of flavors, such as chicken, peanut butter, and salmon.

Preparing a Pill Pocket Treat

To prepare a pill pocket treat, simply insert the pill into the pocket of the treat. Be careful not to overfill the pocket, as this could make the treat difficult to swallow.

Serving a Pill Pocket Treat

Once the pill pocket treat is prepared, serve it to your dog as a special treat. Your dog will be more likely to take the pill if they think it’s a reward.

Wrapping the Pill in Cheese or Lunch Meat

Wrapping the pill in cheese or lunch meat is another effective way to get your dog to take a pill. Here’s how to do it:

Choosing the Cheese or Lunch Meat

Choose a cheese or lunch meat that your dog loves. Soft cheeses such as cream cheese and ricotta are best, as they are easy to shape around the pill.

Preparing the Wrap

To prepare the wrap, shape the cheese or lunch meat around the pill until it is completely covered. Make sure that the pill is securely wrapped in the cheese or lunch meat.

Serving the Wrap

Once the wrap is prepared, serve it to your dog as a special snack. Be careful not to draw attention to the fact that there’s a pill inside.

Crushing the Pill and Mixing it into Wet Food

Crushing the pill and mixing it into wet food is another way to get your dog to take a pill. Here’s how to do it:

Choosing the Wet Food

Choose a wet food that your dog loves. According to research conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, “the smellier the food, the more likely your dog is to eat it.”

Crushing the Pill

Once you’ve chosen the wet food, carefully crush the pill into a fine powder. Make sure that the pill is completely crushed before mixing it into the food.

Mixing the Pill with the Wet Food

Mix the crushed pill into the wet food until it is evenly distributed. Make sure that the pill is completely mixed in, as chunks of pill may be noticeable to your dog.

Serving the Wet Food

Once the pill is mixed into the wet food, serve it to your dog as a special meal. Be careful not to draw attention to the fact that there’s a pill inside.

Placing the Pill at the Back of the Tongue and Closing the Dog’s Mouth

This method works best with smaller pills that can be easily placed at the back of the tongue. Here’s how to do it:

Preparing the Pill

Carefully prepare the pill by breaking it into small pieces or crushing it into a fine powder. Make sure that the pill is completely broken down before proceeding.

Placing the Pill at the Back of the Tongue

Once the pill is prepared, place it at the back of your dog’s tongue. Be careful not to touch the pill with your fingers, as this may cause your dog to reject it.

Closing the Dog’s Mouth

Once the pill is in place, close your dog’s mouth and gently rub their throat to encourage them to swallow. It may take a few attempts before your dog swallows the pill.

Giving the Pill with a Treat-Dispensing Toy

Treat-dispensing toys are a great way to get your dog to take a pill. Here’s how to use them:

Choosing the Treat-Dispensing Toy

Choose a treat-dispensing toy that your dog loves. These toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so choose one that your dog can easily manipulate.

Preparing the Toy

To prepare the toy, fill the chamber with the pill and a few treats. Make sure that the pill is completely hidden among the treats.

Serving the Pill with the Toy

Once the toy is prepared, serve it to your dog as a special treat. Your dog will be more likely to take the pill if they think it’s a reward.

Conclusion

Getting a dog to take a pill can be tricky, but with the right tips and tricks, it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we explored some of the most effective ways to get your dog to take a pill, from hiding it in food to using a treat-dispensing toy.

Summary of the Article

This article provided a comprehensive guide on how to get your dog to take a pill, including hiding it in food, using a pill pocket treat, wrapping it in cheese or lunch meat, crushing it and mixing it into wet food, placing it at the back of the tongue and closing the dog’s mouth, and giving it with a treat-dispensing toy.

Tips for Success

When attempting to get your dog to take a pill, it’s important to remain calm and patient. Offer plenty of rewards and praise throughout the process to encourage your dog to take the pill. If all else fails, consult your veterinarian for advice.