How to Successfully Give Your Dog Medicine: A Guide for Pet Parents

There may come a time in your dog’s life when you need to give them a pill, capsule, or liquid oral medication, whether it’s due to surgery or a diagnosed condition. Learning how to administer medication is an essential part of pet parenting. While it might seem challenging, there are several methods that can help make the process easier for both you and your furry friend.

This guide will provide step-by-step instructions for giving your dog a pill or liquid medication, and tips for overcoming common obstacles.

Why Vets Prescribe Medications or Recommend Supplements

Your vet’s primary goal is your dog’s health and well-being. They may prescribe medications to treat specific conditions or recommend supplements to support overall health. Whether it’s an antibiotic or a nutritional supplement, it’s essential to follow through with the recommended treatments to ensure your dog recovers or stays healthy.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications for dogs often come with challenges, as they can taste bitter and be unappealing. Unlike humans, who can swallow pills with water, dogs need a bit more creativity when it comes to taking their medicine.

Types of Medications and Supplements for Dogs

Medications and supplements come in various forms, including:

Pills or tablets
Capsules
Dissolvable tablets
Liquid formulations
Injections
Transdermal medications (absorbed through the skin)

If your dog finds one form easier to take than another, ask your vet if the medication is available in a more convenient form, such as a liquid or flavored tablet. Transdermal medications are another option, often applied to areas with less fur, like your dog’s ear flaps. Be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands after applying transdermal meds to avoid absorbing them through your own skin.

Tips for Getting Your Dog to Take a Pill

Administering a pill can be tricky, especially if your dog is fussy. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Hide the Pill in Food

The easiest way to get your dog to take a pill is by hiding it in their favorite food. Some ideal choices include cheese, peanut butter, deli meats, or mini marshmallows. Just be sure to avoid foods that are harmful to dogs, like garlic or onions, and check with your vet to ensure the medication can be taken with food.

You can also use commercially available pill pockets or wraps designed specifically for dogs. If your dog catches on to this trick, consider rotating different foods to keep them from associating the treat with the pill.

2. Use a Pill Device

Pet pillers or pill devices are tools that help you place the pill directly into your dog’s mouth without risking a bite. Once you place the tube in their mouth, depress the plunger to drop the pill onto their tongue. This method can make it easier and safer to administer pills, especially if your dog is resistant to taking them by hand.

3. Give a Pill Orally Without Food

If your dog isn’t eating or consistently spits out pills hidden in treats, you may need to give them the pill directly. Here’s a step-by-step guide for doing it orally:

Stay calm and relaxed; dogs can pick up on your emotions.
Have the medication ready before you approach your dog.
Place your dog in a corner of the room to prevent them from backing away.
Grasp their muzzle gently with one hand and tilt their head back slightly.
Open their mouth by squeezing behind the upper teeth and pressing down on the lower front teeth.
Place the pill as far back in their mouth as possible, then close their mouth and stroke their throat to encourage swallowing. You can blow on their nose or give them a small amount of water to help them swallow.

How to Give Your Dog Liquid Medicine

Liquid medication may be easier for some dogs than pills or capsules. Here’s how to administer liquid medicine:

Draw the medication into an oral syringe ahead of time.
Avoid tilting your dog’s head back as you would with a pill.
Insert the syringe into the side of your dog’s mouth, just behind the lower teeth.
Slowly squirt small amounts into their mouth, allowing them time to swallow in between squirts.