Whatever breed, dogs, share one thing they share that they do not like drinking liquid medications. Dogs are very adept at taking pills and sniffing them out or tasting medicines mixed into or wriggling around while you administer the liquid medication. (Pill guns are a different matter to write about in a different blog.)
Do you know how to trick your pet into taking liquid medication? Here are five tried and tested techniques from Tucson’s top doctor, Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic, for getting your dog to take medication. Try them out. We think you’ll discover one that’s effective for your dog.
How to trick your dog into taking Liquid Medicine
For many dogs, the easy procedure above for administering liquid medicine to dogs is successful. However, suppose your dog is having difficulty, refuses to drink the medicine, throws out the medication, and is resistant to future doses. In that case, it may be necessary to be more imaginative to get your pet into liquid medicine. Check out these tricks:
- The medicine is hidden within their meals. Select a dish with an intense smell and flavor and, ideally, one they like. For instance, it is possible to put liquid medicine into peanut butter. But, if your dog is restricted on a diet and the only food they consume the medicine with isn’t frequent, or if the drug is a bit bitter and cannot be concealed, it may be necessary to consider a different method. Also, ensure the medication is safe to take in conjunction with food.
- Use small spoons instead of a syringe. Dogs may consider it less dangerous to put in their mouths.
- You might need to recruit another person to assist you in handling the dog and ensure they are calm while you concentrate on administering the medication.
- If the medicine is stored in the refrigerator, place the syringe with your hands for a couple of minutes to heat it. Never place the medication in the oven.
- After you’re done, give them a treat if you’re allowed with the amount–and lots of praise!
- Consider compounding. The liquid medication does not have become the primary alternative. The flavor of the medication could be too bitter, or your pet may have difficulty swallowing the liquid. A compounding pharmacy such as Strive Pharmacy can adjust the taste of your medication or even provide it as pills or powder.
How To Take Care of a Sick Dog
Being able to see your dog hurt can be a heartbreaking experience. When you administer liquid medication to your pet, who is suffering, here are some suggestions to make your dog feel secure and comfortable.
Make sure you have a continuous intake of food and water
The noise of the house should be reduced, or relocate your dog to an area that is quieter to rest
Keep your pets and dogs away from other dogs to prevent any transmission of disease from one pet to the next
Get in touch with your Veterinarian.
If none of these strategies work and your medication time is difficult, speak to your Veterinarian for help. The vet could be able to give suggestions to make the process go more efficiently.
Other times it is feasible for your vet to modify the dosage. For instance, certain medications are available in multiple forms. Suppose your dog isn’t keen on taking liquid medications or capsules. In that case, your Veterinarian may be able to contact an online pharmacist (or an online pet store) and ask them to make the medication in capsule or tablet form.
Products That Make It Easier to Give Your Pet Medicine
At times, efforts to fool your pet won’t be successful. Sure, pets are aware, regardless of the tricks you attempt. Fortunately, the challenge of giving pets medications is a common issue that people confront, which is why various solutions are available.
For instance, for liquid medications, it’s normal to use a tiny device for syringes, such as that from Essential Pet. Your Veterinarian will typically give you one with the medicine; however, if they don’t, you can purchase one from any drugstore.
Pill Pockets
It is possible to make your pill pouches out of some of your pet’s favorite snacks. However, you can also buy pre-made ones with delicious varieties for your furry friend. They disguise the texture and flavor of the medication and come in flavors such as beef, liver, and other pet treats. Place the pill inside the pocket, seal it shut, then give the medicine to your pet.
Here Are Some Solutions to Help Your Dog Take Oral Medications
Use Food
Food is your best friend when bribing dogs to take their medications. It is possible to put the pill or liquid medication into the dog’s food or drink. The ideal time to administer an injection is when your dog is hungry and needs food. So long as your Veterinarian confirms that it is acceptable to eat the food with the medication, you can utilize it as an aid. Dogs are food lovers, so crushing the pills can be a great way to put them into their pet food, snacks, or even cream cheese or peanut butter. Some dogs will consume their food but not take the pill, and you might need to come up with alternative options if it doesn’t work.
Use a Pill Dropper
The pill dropper can be described as a tiny device similar to a syringe, with the only difference being that it delivers an actual pill into the mouth of the dog. They are highly effective in the case of capsules and pills that cannot be put into your dog’s diet. Be aware of how you use the dropper, as it may cause your pet to vomit if not cautious. The dog’s head should be tilted back; gently place the dropper into the mouth, drop the pill, and gently massage the neck to help the pill dissolve.
Three Important Rules for Giving Cats and Dogs Pills
Make sure your pet’s medication is taken as instructed. Please take note of the directions and follow them. Contact your Veterinarian if you have any doubts.
Make sure to finish the prescribed. Unless your doctor or label indicates otherwise, make sure to continue using the medicine until it’s completely gone. In the event of stopping an antibiotic too early, it could result in the development of bacteria that are resistant to drugs.
Don’t share medication with pets. Giving canine medications to a cat is hazardous because cats are different in how they process drugs than dogs. Certain medications designed for use by dogs may be dangerous for cats.
