Whether your pet is a seasoned pill popper or has never had to take anything, we have ideas that give you the edge in giving medication to a pet. Many pets become wise to the standard tricks for administering medication, leaving pet owners frustrated and in need of new ideas and techniques for giving your pet the important medicine he or she needs.
Fortunately, there are many creative ways to give medication to pets! First, watch our video that demonstrates basic techniques plus a few ideas for giving medications. If you still need ideas, read on to find one that works for your pet.
A Spoonful of Sugar
So, your dog has figured out how to fish that pill out of a piece of hotdog and spit it out. No problem. Try one of these methods for giving medication to a pet:
- Pill poppers – These handy devices make it easy to place your pet’s medication into your pet’s throat for easy swallowing.
- Pill pockets – These ingenious treats appear normal to your pet, but are actually designed to conceal a pill inside. The size is also small enough to prevent your pet from taking in too many extra calories.
- Odiferous options – Choose a stinky, pungent food, such as canned tuna fish or liverwurst, to help disguise a medication.
- Change textures – Some pets have trouble swallowing pills, especially if they are dry or powdery. Try coating the pill with butter or cream cheese and placing in the freezer until solid to make it easier for your pet to swallow.
- Something new – If your pet has figured out that you always give his or her treat inside a hot dog or spoonful of peanut butter, try hiding it inside a food that he or she has never had before such as canned pet food or pumpkin.
- Playtime – For pets who love games, try playing “fetch” or “hide and seek” with the pill hidden inside a food item.
- Hunger games – Try crushing a pill or emptying a capsule and mixing it in with half of your pet’s morning or evening meal. Not all medication should be crushed, so be sure to ask us first before attempting this trick.
- Speed demon – Feed your pet several small treats in quick succession, hiding the pill in one. He or she won’t have time to think about what’s in his or her mouth before swallowing and moving on to the next treat.
- Alternative ideas – If you’re having difficulties giving your pet a pill, give us a call. Some medications come in flavored, chewable, or liquid options, which may be easier to administer.
Learn How to Give Medication to a Pet
Although it may not seem ideal, every pet owner should learn how to administer medication to a pet orally. This is often the best solution when it comes to pets who require daily medication.
Your friends at Union Lake Pet Services and Union Lake Veterinary Hospital are happy to provide you with instructions on the safest and most effective way to give your pet his or her meds.