Administering medication to pets can often feel like a Herculean task for pet owners. However, with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can turn this potentially stressful experience into a smoother process. Our Stanton Pet Hospital team shares tried-and-true tips to help you successfully medicate your pet.

Tips for medicating your dog

If your dog eagerly gulps down any treat handed to them, medicating your pet will be a cinch. But, if your canine companion is wary of suspicious snacks, use the following methods to give them medicine successfully.

Hide the medicine in your dog’s food

Dogs are generally less finicky than cats, which makes hiding pills in their food easy. Here are a few strategies:

  • Pill pockets — These are specially designed treats with a hole in the middle where you can place the pill. They come in various flavors, and your dog is sure to love one or more.
  • Peanut butter or cheese — Many dogs can’t resist peanut butter or cheese. Hide the pill in a small amount of these sticky, malleable foods, and your dog might gulp it down without noticing the pill within.
  • Meatballs — Form small meatballs with your dog’s favorite unseasoned ground meat, hiding the pill inside.

Encourage your pets to compete—in a friendly way—for treats

No pet wants to share a treat, so when medication time rolls around, dole out treats to all your pets. As your dog who needs to be medicated sees their companions receiving treats, they’ll eagerly await their turn, gulping down their special snack to prevent anyone else from eating it. Pay close attention so you medicate the correct pet, and watch for potential food aggression signs if the “competition” goes too far.

Form a treat train for your pet

Pets can wise up to the fact that medicine is hidden in special treats and eventually refuse high-value snacks. Ease your dog’s mind by forming a treat train with several empty treats and one pill-containing treat. Position the medicine in the middle of the train so your dog vacuums up the line of treats without becoming suspicious of a single, special snack.

Tips for medicating your cat

While cats’ palates are typically more discerning than those of dogs, some will still accept pill pockets or treats that hide medication within. Experiment with different flavors to find one that your cat loves. Otherwise, give the following medication administration methods a shot.

Crush and mix medication with your cat’s food

If the medication can be crushed—always check with Dr. Kavanagh first—mix it with a small amount of your cat’s favorite wet food. Keep the portion small so that your cat will eat all of it, consuming the entire medicine dosage.

Give your cat medication through a pill popper

A pill popper, or pill gun, is a handy tool for administering pills to cats or other feisty pets. This tool allows you to place the pill at the back of their throat without putting your fingers inside their mouth. 

Tips for medicating your cat or dog

Some medication administration tips play on a pet’s species-specific nature, while others can be used universally. Whether you have a cat or a dog to medicate, the following tips can be used for either species.

Manually administer the medicine to your pet

If your pet refuses to take the pill hidden in food, you may need to administer it manually. Once your furry pal has swallowed the medication, always reward them afterward to make the experience as pleasant as possible. But first, ensure your pet takes their medication by following these tips:

  • Wrap your small pet in a towel or position your large pet in a corner to keep them still.
  • Hold your pet’s muzzle gently but firmly behind the top canine teeth and tilt their head back.
  • Open their mouth by pressing on the lower jaw.
  • Place the pill as far back in the throat as possible.
  • Close your pet’s mouth and gently stroke their throat or blow in the nose to encourage swallowing.

Use a syringe to give your pet liquid medication

Cats and dogs can sometimes be easier to medicate with liquid medications. In fact, some medications are only available as a liquid. Give your pet a liquid medication by:

  • Using a syringe — Fill the syringe with the prescribed medication amount.
  • Holding your pet’s head — Gently tilt your pet’s head slightly back and insert the syringe into the side of their mouth.
  • Administering the medicine slowly — Slowly squirt the medicine into the mouth, allowing your pet to swallow gradually to prevent choking or aspiration.

Ask about alternatives for pets who refuse to take their medication

Some pets can be downright impossible to successfully medicate in the prescribed formulation. In these instances, ask about alternatives. Compounding pharmacies can formulate chewable tablets, dissolvable tablets, flavored liquids, or transdermal medications to make giving your pet medicine easier. Injectable options may also be available for certain medications.

Successfully medicating your cat or dog requires patience, understanding, and creativity. Give our Stanton Pet Hospital team a call if you need help medicating your four-legged friend.