At some point, you may be required to medicate your dog with either pills or liquid medication. Here are a few tips to help you out:

1- A pill can be hidden in a small amount of canned food or in a treat – your dog might ingest the pill without knowing it. Certain commercial treats are designed to hide pills because of their easy mouldable texture and pocket design. Offer the hidden pill just before a regular meal to increase the chances of success.

2- If the treat trickery does not work, you may be required to physically pill your dog.

a) Depending on the size of your dog, you can sit on your knees on the floor and anchor your pet in between your knees or stand behind them if they are a larger dog to prevent them from backing up. Smaller dogs can be put on a table and cradled with your arm and chest to keep them still.

b) For smaller dogs, with your dominant hand, place your thumb and forefinger on either side of your dog’s face. Apply gentle pressure to the space between the upper and lower jaw which will force your pet’s mouth open.

c) For larger dogs, with your dominant hand, hold the upper jaw/muzzle of your dog and gently lift their head up. Using your other hand, you may have to gently pull down on their lower jaw to open their mouth wider if needed.

d) With the pill ready in your less dominant hand, deposit the medication as far back on the tongue as possible and allow them to close their mouth.

e) With their head slightly elevated to look up, massage the throat until they swallow.

3- Liquid medications are dispensed with a syringe or dropper.

a) Use the above procedure to hold your pet.

b) Insert the dropper or syringe between the teeth and cheek at the back of their jaw.

c) While tilting the chin upward, slowly dispense the medication. Remember to give your pet time to swallow, especially when administering a large dose.

Please be patient. Being successful at medicating your dog might require several attempts. Do not hesitate to contact the staff at Centrepointe Animal Hospital if you are still having difficulty giving oral medication(s) to your dog.