At certain times, such as after surgery or in case of sickness, dogs need to take a complete course of medication. The medication could be in the form of pills, liquid, drops or ointment. However, like children, dogs are often uncooperative and unwilling participants. They have been known to hide their pills under their tongues, spitting them out at a later time. Therefore, it’s important to acquire some tricks to help you successfully administer medicine to your dog.
If yours doesn’t cooperate when you’re trying to give him a pill, you might need another person’s assistance to hold your dog while you compel him to take his medicine. However with practice, you can administer medicine to your dog on your own.
There are two methods of administering medicine solo. First grasp your dog firmly between your knees so he cannot move. A small puppy can be wrapped up in a blanket and placed on a countertop. Then, hold the pill in one hand and open your dog’s jaws gently with the other. Place the pill as far back on your dog’s tongue as possible and close his mouth. Stroke his throat to cause the pill to be swallowed. Another method is to start with your dog’s head straight up. When you open your dog’s mouth and place the pill inside, it immediately goes to the back of his throat. To get your dog to swallow the pill, blow into his nose.
If your dog still refuses to cooperate, you can disguise the pill by placing it inside a favorite food, such as a hot dog or cottage cheese. This way he will unknowingly swallow the pill along with his food. However, you should be aware that some medications should be taken only on an empty stomach or not accidentally chewed, so you should ask your veterinarian’s permission before administering your dog’s pill with this method.
