Dog owners have a lot of “must do” to ensure the well being of the pet. One of the essential tasks a pet parent must learn is how to give the pet a pill. Administering oral medications to sick dogs would not be too burdensome as the task will be over when the dog gets well. Pilling the dog can be a daily routine too as similar to humans, dogs benefit from vitamins and supplements as well. So how do you give a dog a pill?
Giving the dog a pill can be a big hassle especially if the dog is a sly one that would give the owner a merry chase. Dogs are cunning animals so that even if the pill is hidden inside a treat, the treat will be eaten and the pill spewed out. Dogs do not know that if they take the pill, they would get well thus a pet owner has to find ways to make the task a little easier.
Some dogs would take the pill offered by the master without a fuss. But as soon as the master’s back is turned, out the pill would go from the dog’s mouth. To make sure that the pill was swallowed, an owner has to stay with the dog for a while.
Giving the dog a pill will be easier if the bitter taste of the pill is disguised by the taste of the dog’s favorite food. Pills that can be crushed or liquid medications can be mixed with a little amount of the dog’s favorite treat. However, this technique can only be done if the pet is not under dietary restriction. A pet owner can take advantage of the dog’s inclination to gobble its food by hiding the pill in the dog’s favorite foods.
It is common for very sick dogs to refuse food. Masking the taste of the pill with the taste of food would not be an effective technique. The medication can be administered by placing the pill straight to the mouth of the dog. Placing the pill on the dog’s mouth would be much easier if the dog is used to being touched or the teeth being brushed. The mouth must be opened so that the pill can be inserted at the base of the tongue. Make sure that the teeth are covered to prevent the dog from biting your hand. Close the dog’s mouth and gently blow on the nose to encourage the pet to swallow.