6 Ways To Give Your Dog Medicine Without Him Noticing
Giving your dog medicine is one of the biggest challenges you have as an owner. Dogs are very intelligent animals that know when we want to ‘cheat’ them and that they will not want to eat something that is not to their liking. In the following article we will give you some tricks so that this task is not impossible.
How to give your dog medicine and pass the test?
Whether it’s a pill or a syrup, giving your dog medicine can be a tricky mission. But it is always necessary to supply him with the medications prescribed by the vet, even if it takes you all day. Many owners wonder what is the best method to comply with the feedings and for the pet to complete the treatment. Here are some tips:
1. keep calm
As a first measure, we recommend that you be relaxed when giving the medicine to your dog, because if you are stressed or restless, the animal will think that there is a danger nearby and it will be very difficult to give the medicine. On the other hand, if you approach him as ‘if nothing is happening’, he will hardly notice what is happening.
2. Syringe method for syrups
Some veterinarians recommend syrups in very rare cases, such as if the animal has no teeth, is very weak, or the owner claims that there is no way to swallow a pill.
But that’s not to say that giving it a syrup or liquid is a ‘no brainer’, because it also has its challenges. To achieve this, you need a syringe (only the plastic part, without a needle), where you will place the dose of medicine.
Then, you approach the dog slowly, hold its muzzle with one hand and with the other you insert the syringe through one of the sides of the jaw. Quickly push the plunger to release the liquid and keep pressure on the muzzle until you are sure it has swallowed everything. When he’s finished, stay by his side and give him reward strokes for being good.
3. Hiding method
Let’s move on now to tricks so that you can give your dog medicine if it is a pill (regardless of size). A good way to trick you is to hide the medicine in some food you like, such as yogurt, wet food, cooked rice or a piece of meat.
Many owners choose to place the pill inside a piece of cheese or a sausage so that the animal swallows it without chewing and does not spit out the medicine. In some cases, it can also be mixed directly with the feed, especially if the dog eats very quickly, as happens with the Labrador or Pug breeds.
4. Method of crushing the tablet
If the above doesn’t work, then you should take the trouble to pulverize the lozenge and mix it with some creamy food. Be aware that some medications are too bitter when crushed and that this taste will ‘flood’ the food. The dog may not want to eat anything on his plate.
5. The ‘food on the floor’ method
This technique of giving dogs medicine is not the most effective of all, but it can work in some cases. It is about making the animal believe that it is enjoying a ‘people’s’ meal instead of a pill.
To carry it out, you must first be having lunch or dinner yourself. Pretend you don’t notice and drop a small piece of food from your plate (for example, some chicken, meat, etc). Once the dog eats it, repeat with the pill. The key is not to stare at it, but to continue your routine as if nothing were happening.
6. Method of inserting the tablet
Finally, an option that is indicated as a last resort and when our dog is quite docile. Get next to the dog and open his jaw with one hand. Put the medicine inside your mouth, as close to the throat as possible.
Gently close their jaws and hold pressure until you feel like they have swallowed the pill. To make sure it passes smoothly, rub your throat downward.
Calm and patience are essential so that you can give your dog medicine without him noticing. Try any of these methods!
