Don’t let medicating your pet stress either of you out. One of these tips is sure to help!
Hide the Medication
Concealing a pill or liquid medication in food is the easiest way to get your pet to take medication. If you try this approach, keep in mind:
- Size Matters. Hide the pill or mix liquid medication in a small piece of food. Don’t mix it in a meal – they may never eat the part that contains the meds. Before mixing a medication in food, check with your veterinarian. Some medications are less effective if not taken in their original form.
- The Smellier the Better. Pets can sniff out unusual smells in their food and may reject treats if they don’t smell right. If your pet has foiled this plan, hide the medication in a smelly food like salmon or a soft cheese. Strong food odors make it easier to ignore medicinal smells.
- Use a Capsule. Hide medications that smell or taste bad in an empty capsule before adding the medicine to food. Once in the capsule, your pet won’t be able to smell it.
Change the Flavor
Cherry and bubblegum flavors make medications palatable to children, but they won’t tempt your pet. Compounding pharmacies can add flavors pets enjoy like beef or chicken. If the pill or liquid medication tastes good, your pet should accept it.
Make It Easy!
Distract Your Pet- Give your dog a medication-infused treat during a walk or offer a bite of a tuna-encrusted medication while your cat is watching out the window.
Keep Them Guessing- Your pet may catch on if you only offer a certain treat when it’s medication time. Give your pet a few treats throughout the day. They’ll be more receptive when it’s time for their next dose.
Peer Pressure- If your pets don’t battle over food, offer them all treats. As the patient lines up with their peers, give them the treat that contains their medication.
Paw Method- Mix crushed pills or liquid medication with peanut butter or other sticky food, place it on your pet’s paws. Watch them lick it off.
When All Else Fails- Place the Medication in Your Pet’s Mouth. If your pet refuses to take the pill or liquid, tilt your dog’s head back, grasp the top jaw between your thumb and index finger and pull up. Gently pry the lower jaw open with your middle and ring fingers and place the pill in Fidos mouth. Then stroke his throat to encourage swallowing. For Tigger the kitty, place your hand over the upper jaw then tilt the head backward. Many cats automatically open their mouths at this point, so insert the pill. If this doesn’t happen, use your middle finger to gently open the ja, then put the pill near the back of the mouth.
If you’re worried your pet will bite you, a pill gun places a pill into your pet’s mouth.
Last, DO NOT tilt the head back if you’re giving a dog or cat liquid medication – they can choke. Instead, aim a dropper to the side of mouth between the teeth and the gums
Dr. Scot Trefz D.V.M, Medical Director
Bay Moorings Animal Hospital | 727-867-01183695 50th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
www.baymooringsanimalhospital.com
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