Instructions
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Your dog needs medication and you have to give them a pill. Here’s how you do it. Start by seeing if your dog will take the pill on their own. If they won’t, try hiding the pill in something tasty like a bit of canned food, you could also try coating the pill in butter or concealing it in a tasty treat designed to hide a pill like a pill pocket.
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Try giving an empty pill pocket first for your dog to enjoy. They may willingly take the next one with the pill in it. If your dog is not inclined to take a pill by choice, you’ll need to pill your dog again. Start by wrapping it in something tasty that will make it easier to swallow. There are different ways to position your dog when giving them a pill, and there’s no right way to do this.
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Only the way that works best for you and your dog. If you have a larger dog. Try having them sit with their rear end in the corner of a room, which will deter them from backing away from you. Straddling them can also work for smaller dogs. You can have them sit beside you on your lap or beside you on a chair.
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In all cases, a second person may be helpful. Now it’s time to give your dog the pill. Start by holding the pill in your dominant hand between your thumb and index finger. For bigger dogs and those with longer noses. Place your other hand over your dog’s muzzle. If you have a smaller dog or those with shorter noses. Gently place your other hand on their head, holding their cheekbones.
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Now place your thumb behind the canine teeth on one side of the upper jaw and your fingers on the other, with your pilling hair. Use your available fingers to open your dog’s mouth by gently putting pressure on the lower lip and front teeth quickly. Place the pillow over the hump in their tongue. Then hold your dog’s mouth closed using light pressure while rubbing your dog’s nose or throat, or blowing lightly on their nose.
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This will trigger them to swallow. How can you tell? Usually a dog will lick their nose if they have swallowed the pill. Finally, reward your dog with cuddles and treats. Here’s a few extra pieces of advice. It is very common for a dog to spit out their pill to avoid this. Make sure the pill is placed behind the hump in their tongue.
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This will make it harder for them to spit out and more likely for them to swallow it. Also, avoid interrupting your dog to pill them if they’re eating. Taking a bathroom break or even just playing around. Wait until they’re done and settled. You don’t want to associate any potential discomfort of pilling with these activities. And lastly, take it as slow as you need to give yourself and your dog time to work through the process.
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Here are the key things to remember when giving your dog a pill. Find a position that’s comfortable for you and your dog. Place the pill in your dog’s mouth in one click in and out movement and praise your dog when it’s over. Giving your dog a pill may not go as planned the first time or even the 10th time, but as a pet owner, you do the best you can because your dog is worth it.