How to give a pill to an adult dog?

From the first months of life, the dog must be taught to take pills. For example, only for the prevention of helminthic diseases, a pet should take medicine once a quarter. In order not to spoil the nerves for yourself and the dog, we suggest using one of the most common methods of taking the pill.

Give the tablet with meals

The easiest and most obvious way is to fool your pet with a treat. In order not to repeat the fate of Shurik, let’s treat in small parts. In one of the pieces, it is worth hiding the pill. Remember that the first 3-4 servings should be simple, without a catch, so that the dog does not suspect anything. At this point, it is important to talk with the pet, to distract him from the process.

The second method will work if the tablet can be crushed. The resulting powder is recommended to be added to the feed or dissolved in water. However, if the dog does not eat (drink) the strictly allotted amount of food (water), the dosage of the medicine will be violated.

Provoke the swallowing reflex

There are tablets that must be given not during, but before or after meals. The task of the owners becomes more complicated if the pet is not ready to voluntarily take a pill and is not accustomed to taking medicines.

1. To open the dog’s mouth, grab the muzzle with your hand and lightly press your thumb and forefinger into the gap between the teeth;

2. Quickly put the tablet on the root of the tongue and raise the dog’s head;

3. Stroke the pet’s throat to provoke a swallowing reflex;

4. Don’t forget to praise your dog afterwards to ease the stress and give him water.

Use a syringe

Suspension or tablets dissolved in water can be given to the dog with a syringe. Place the tip of the syringe in the corner of your mouth and inject the medicine. It is important to do this slowly so that the dog has time to swallow the liquid. Otherwise, the medicine may spill out or enter the animal’s respiratory tract. After the reception, it is also necessary to praise the pet.

The main task for the dog owner is to make taking the pill as less unpleasant for the animal as possible. Be calm and attentive to your pet, do not get nervous and angry – your emotional state is transmitted to him. Try to protect your dog from stress by choosing the method that works best for him, and be sure to praise him after taking the medicine. Over time, this will make the process of taking the pills completely invisible to the pet.

And, of course, remember that you should give your dog pills only after consulting a veterinarian, because self-medication can only harm your pet!

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For a more detailed study of the problem, we recommend contacting a specialist.

Ask the vet

7 2017 June

Updated: July 6, 2018