How to Get Your Dog or Cat to Take Pills

How to Get Your Dog or Cat to Take Pills

Administering medication to your dog or cat can be a tricky task. Pets, like humans, may resist the idea of swallowing pills, making this necessary routine feel overwhelming. However, with a few smart strategies and some patience, you can make the process easier for both you and your pet. Here are detailed tips and methods that can help you give pills to your dog or cat without the hassle.

1. Understanding Your Pet’s Preferences

• Know your pet’s temperament: Some pets are naturally more cooperative, while others may be nervous or resistant. Understanding your pet’s behavior can help you choose the right method for administering pills.
• Familiarize yourself with the type of medication: Is the pill bitter or tasteless? Is it safe to crush and mix with food? Knowing the characteristics of the medication will influence how you give it.

2. Hiding Pills in Food or Treats

• Use pill pockets or treats: Pill pockets are special treats designed to hide pills. The treat’s delicious flavor can mask the pill’s taste, and pets often gobble them up without noticing.
• Homemade pill-hiding treats: If you prefer a DIY approach, you can use peanut butter (dog-safe), cheese, or soft foods like canned meat or pate to wrap around the pill.
• Important tip: Always check if the medication can be taken with food. Some pills need to be given on an empty stomach.

3. Crushing Pills and Mixing with Food

• Crush and mix (if safe): Some pills can be crushed and mixed into wet food or a favorite treat. However, always check with your vet if it’s safe to crush the pill, as some medications lose effectiveness this way or can upset your pet’s stomach.
• Use strong-smelling food: Tuna, sardines, or liver pate can help mask the smell of the medication for both cats and dogs.

4. Using Liquid Medication or Pill Compounding

• Ask for liquid alternatives: Some medications come in liquid form or can be compounded into a liquid at the pharmacy. Liquids may be easier to administer by using a syringe or dropper.
• Pharmacy compounding: Some pharmacies can turn a pill into a flavored treat or liquid, making it more appealing to pets. Flavors like chicken, beef, or tuna can make the medicine taste like a treat.

5. Positive Reinforcement

• Reward your pet: Positive reinforcement is key to successful pill-giving. Use treats, praise, and affection after each successful attempt to create a positive association with medication.
• Practice with fake pills: For very stubborn pets, practice giving them treats that look like pills but aren’t. This helps desensitize them to the process.

6. Manual Pill Administration

• For dogs:
  1. Gently hold your dog’s mouth open by placing your thumb and forefinger on either side of their upper jaw.
  2. Place the pill as far back on their tongue as possible, then close their mouth quickly.
  3. Gently stroke their throat or blow on their nose to encourage swallowing.
• For cats:
  1. Hold your cat’s head from behind, tilting it slightly upward.
  2. Use your thumb and forefinger to open their mouth, placing the pill far back on their tongue.
  3. Close their mouth and gently rub their throat to encourage swallowing.

7. Using a Pill Popper or Pill Gun

• Pill poppers are tools that help push pills into your pet’s throat without putting your fingers inside their mouth. This method is useful if your pet resists or if you are uncomfortable manually administering pills.
• How to use:
  1. Load the pill into the pill popper.
  2. Open your pet’s mouth and insert the pill popper, placing the pill as far back as possible.
  3. Press the plunger to release the pill, then follow with praise or a treat.

8. Disguising Medication in Fun Activities

• Interactive toys: Hide the pill inside a treat-dispensing toy. The fun and challenge of getting the treat can distract your pet from noticing the pill.
• Training sessions: Turn the process into a fun training session. Reward your pet with treats after each successful attempt, with the pill hidden in one of the treats.

9. Timing and Environment

• Choose a calm time: Administering medication when your pet is calm or tired (like after exercise) may reduce resistance.
• Use a quiet, distraction-free space: Reducing external stimuli can help your pet focus on the task at hand and stay more relaxed.

10. Ask for Help When Necessary

• Veterinarian assistance: If you are struggling to give your pet their medication, ask your vet or vet technician for help. They can show you how to safely administer pills and suggest alternative methods.
• Pet sitters or professionals: Some pets respond better to someone else, such as a professional pet sitter or vet technician.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

1. Pet Spits Out the Pill:
   • Reinsert the pill further back in their mouth or try hiding it in a more enticing treat.
   • Try using a pill popper or alternative methods like liquid medication.
2. Pill Dissolves in Mouth:
   • Be quick when administering pills. Some pills have a bitter taste and will dissolve quickly, making the process more difficult.
3. Pet Becomes Anxious:
   • Practice handling their mouth and head in non-medication situations to build trust.
   • Use calming pheromone sprays or treats to create a soothing environment.

Final Thoughts

Administering medication doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By using a combination of the techniques above and staying patient, you can help ensure that your dog or cat gets their medication while minimizing anxiety for both of you. Whether it’s hiding the pill in a tasty treat or using a pill popper, there are plenty of options to fit your pet’s needs and temperament.