Take a Pill

For many, the thought of needing to administer a pill or tablet to their dog is daunting. Some “food-obsessed” canines may devour anything that might remotely resemble a treat. However, many are a little more conscious about what they decide to consume. They are quick to realize that funny-colored pill offers nothing savory to their palate, especially if it is being offered on a regular (prescribed) basis. Also, if the pill contains powder or liquid inside of a capsule, you would want to avoid any chance of your dog chewing it and possibly having a portion of the medication fall or leak out of their mouth.

Have no fear, getting that little pill to its final destination does not need to be difficult. All you need are a few tips to make the task successful.

• First, grasp the top of your dog’s muzzle, placing the tip of your thumb & index finger directly behind the top canine teeth. A firm grip here is critical.
• Point the dogs muzzle up in the air.


How to give a dog a pill.

• With your other hand, grab the pill with your thumb and index finger of your other hand, and use the remaining fingers to gently open your dog’s jaw. Open the jaw wide so you have a clear view of the back of your dog’s mouth.
• Holding the pill, get it as far back into the mouth as you can reach. Using gravity, drop the pill onto the very back of the tongue where it meets the roof of the mouth. If you don’t get the pill to the back of the tongue, he will quickly push the pill forward with his tongue and away from his throat.
• As soon as the pill gets to the back of the tongue, use your index finger to quickly “push” the pill an inch or two down into the throat and out of view.
• Close the mouth and keep the muzzle shut with a firm hold. This will minimize tongue movement and prevent chewing.
• Massage his throat until you feel him swallow. Success!
• Finally, release his muzzle and praise him for his cooperation.

One helpful tip is to administer a pill immediately after your dog has taken a drink of water. The water will help create a “slippery slope,” essentially lubricating the throat for the pill. Most pills will slide down the throat even more easily.

If you have a dog that simply will not allow you to administer a pill, there are two other solutions. Greenies make a great product called Pill Pockets. They are meat-flavored treats designed for you to “hide” your dog’s pills inside of, allowing the dog to consume them without being any the wiser. There are different Pill Pocket shapes made for both capsules and tablets.

Prescription Compounding

Another option is to work with an online Pet Pharmacy to compound your dog’s medication into a more palatable form, such as a tasty chewable or liquid. This can also allow you to combine medications or customize formulation.

Hopefully this information will help you feel more at ease the next time you are faced with administering your dog a pill. Remember, it doesn’t need to be a battle of wills. Instead, with a little bit of planning, you can turn it into a minor and maybe even enjoyable experience for You and your dog.

Tagged as: Dog Pills, Dogs, Pets, Pill Pockets

About the author: Matt Stelter owns and operates Wyndlair Collies, breeding AKC Rough & Smooth champion Collies in Northern Wisconsin. Matt and his wife, Anita, have both been active in the sport of purebred dogs for over 20 years. Matt was a multiple Best in Show and National Specialty-winning handler before becoming an AKC-licensed dog judge in 2008. He's also an internet specialist at Drs. Foster and Smith, where he's worked in various positions since 1993. Matt earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. See more articles by Matt Stelter.