Simple Tricks to Get Your Pet to Take Their Meds
Let’s face it, for most pet parents, the moment the veterinarian prescribes medication for your beloved dog or cat, a little voice inside you whispers (or screams), “Oh no!” You’re not alone! Many of us (myself included, in the past) have engaged in a strategic chase around the living room, a tiny pill clutched in our hand.
But rest assured, it doesn’t have to be that difficult. While it can feel like navigating an impossible challenge, there are effective and less stressful ways to help your pets take their medicine, whether it comes in the form of a pill, a liquid, or a powder.
In this post, I am going to share some simple tricks and techniques I have learned that have proven to be effective in my house. By mastering these tricks, you can set yourself up for success, making prioritizing your pet’s health and well-being easier than ever.
Why Is Giving Medication to a Pet So Challenging?
Have you ever wondered why your sweet and loving best friend suddenly becomes a master of evasion the moment medication comes into the picture? There are several reasons why our pets put up such a fight.
- Taste and Smell: Many medications simply don’t taste or smell very good to our pets. Some can even be quite bitter or have an unfamiliar smell that triggers a natural dislike and aversion.
- Instincts: Our pets are descendants of their wild ancestors, who were hardwired with instincts to help them survive. For this reason, they are naturally wary of anything new, different, or unusual in their routine, especially something offered by hand.
- Negative Past Experiences: If your pet has had a negative experience with medications in the past, such as force or discomfort, this can create a lasting association of fear and resistance with the taking of medication in general.
- Stress and Anxiety: The act of being handled or restrained can trigger feelings of stress and anxiety in some animals, making them even less likely to cooperate.
- Side Effects: It’s important to remember that some medications may cause physical discomfort or side effects. If this is the case, it can make them more reluctant to take that medication again (understandably).
As pet parents, dealing with this resistance can be physically and emotionally draining. We want to help our pets feel better, and it can be disheartening when those efforts are met with struggle or upset. But putting ourselves in their shoes for a moment can help us identify the reason why they are so reluctant to take their medications, helping us overcome these hurdles.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
The process of effectively giving your pet medication starts with careful preparation. Think of it like laying the groundwork for an overall smoother experience. Here are a few things to consider:
Communication with Your Vet
Before you even attempt to give your pet their medication, make sure you clearly understand your vet's instructions. This includes asking the following questions:
- Dosage: What is the exact amount of medication you are supposed to give your pet each time?
- Frequency: How often must the medication be given throughout the day?
- Timing: Does the medication need to be given at a specific time? Does it need to be given with food or on an empty stomach? If you have multiple medications, can they be given at the same time?
Don’t hesitate to ask your vet what formulations and options are available. Every pet is different, and you may find that yours is more accepting of one form of medication than another. For example, there may be a flavored liquid instead of a pill, or even alternatives to the medication altogether.
Ask about any side effects your pet may experience and how best to manage them. Knowing this in advance can help you get relief for your pet far quicker, as you can respond immediately versus trying to determine if the side effect is, in fact, associated with the medication and how to address it.
Most importantly, remember this golden rule: never change the dosage or stop giving medication without discussing it with your vet (unless, of course, you are facing a severe reaction). Some medicines, like antibiotics, must be given for a set length of time to be effective. Stopping a medication because your pet appears to be getting better could set them back long-term.
Be Calm and Organized
The environment and your energy will both play a significant role in your pet’s willingness to cooperate. Choose a calm, quiet, and familiar space in your home where your pet will feel safe and secure. Where possible, try to avoid any distractions or interruptions.
Before introducing your pet into the equation, take time to gather all the needed supplies. This includes the medication itself, any treats you plan to use, and applicators like oral syringes if required. Having all of these items within reach will keep the process as quick and efficient as possible, helping to reduce your pet’s stress.
When gathering them for medication time, avoid approaching them in a rushed or stressed manner, as they will likely pick up on your emotions. Instead, try to stay calm and offer a reassuring presence to calm any fears or concerns they may have.
The Art of Pilling
When it comes to giving your pet pills, the goal is to make the process as stress-free and palatable as possible. Luckily, there are several clever strategies you can use to make the process quicker and easier for everyone involved.
The Pill Pocket
One of the most popular and often successful tricks is using “pill pockets.” These are commercially available treats designed with a hollow center to conceal a pill. The idea being that the pet is so excited to take the treat that they don’t even notice they are taking a pill at the same time.
There are many different brands and flavors available, depending on your pet’s preferences, such as the Presidio Pill Buddy Naturals, which comes in a tempting “Tender Grilled Duck” flavor, or the popular salmon flavour of Greenies Feline Pill Pockets.
An interesting product, and a spin on the “pill pocket” approach, that we have been using recently in our house is the Vetality Twist + Lick Simpill Gel. This looks almost like a deodorant container, but a flavored gel comes up when you twist the bottom. You simply place the pills in the gel and allow your dog to help themselves. It comes in beef, chicken, and peanut butter.
Hiding in Food
Another common tactic is to hide the pill within a small amount of a soft, highly palatable food. Common choices include tiny pieces of cooked chicken or turkey, a small cube of cheese, a dab of tuna (in water, not oil), or a smear of xylitol-free peanut butter. But don’t overdo it. The goal here is to use only a small amount of the food so you can guarantee that your pet eats the entire medicated portion in one go and doesn’t just eat around the pill.
I recommend not hiding pills in your pet’s regular food bowl, especially if they are fighting the pilling process. Otherwise, you may create a negative association with their regular food, leading to them turning their nose up at the usual dinners.
One useful trick that helps to leave your pet with a positive feeling about the process is to deliver the medicated food in a “treat sandwich” approach. First, give them a piece of the food entirely unmedicated, then a piece containing the pill, and finally another plain piece as a reward.
Direct Pill Administration
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, some pets will refuse to take their pill regardless of what tricks we try. In these situations, your pet still needs to take their medication, so direct administration may be necessary. Here is how to do this safely:
- For Dogs: Approach your dog calmly and confidently. Gently open their mouth by placing one hand over their muzzle from the top, using your thumb and forefinger to gently apply pressure behind their canine teeth on the upper jaw. When the mouth opens, use your other hand to place the pill as far back on their tongue as possible and close their mouth. Hold the mouth shut gently for a few seconds while gently stroking their throat downwards to encourage them to swallow. Always stay calm and avoid forcing the pill down their throat, as this could cause unnecessary stress and a potential injury.
- For Cats: Like dogs, pilling a cat will require a gentle but firm approach. Find a way to hold your cat that restricts their movement. This will vary from cat to cat. For some, it may involve gently scruffing the loose skin on the back of their neck, while others may be held better by swaddling them in a towel or blanket to keep them from moving. With your free hand, gently pry their mouth open by placing a finger on the lower jaw, placing the pill as far back on their tongue as possible before closing their mouth and holding it shut gently. Gently stroking your cat’s throat in a downward motion and even blowing lightly on their nose can help encourage them to swallow. Stay calm throughout the process and resist the urge to force the pill down their throat.
Positive Reinforcement: Ending on a Good Note
Regardless of which of the above methods you choose, always follow up with praise, gentle pets, and a high-value treat that is separate from the one that contained the pill (if you went with that option). This will create a positive association with the entire process and help your pet feel more open to taking their medication next time.
Giving Liquid Medications
Giving your cat or dog a liquid medication can sometimes feel like a smoother process compared to pills, provided you have the right tools and techniques.
Often, your vet will give you an oral syringe to administer the medication. These syringes are designed to make it easy to measure the accurate amount, but be careful to check that you are reading the markings accurately and know the unit of measurement they reflect.
Remember to thoroughly clean the syringe with warm, soapy water after every use to maintain hygiene and ensure all future doses can be measured accurately.
- For Dogs: Gently lift your dog’s lip on either side of their mouth and insert the tip of the syringe into the space between their cheek and the teeth, aiming it towards the cheek pouch. Give the medication slowly, allowing your dog to swallow to prevent choking. In some cases, if the liquid medication is made in a tasty flavor or can be masked easily, your vet may approve mixing it with a small amount of soft, delicious food to ensure that they consume the full dose.
- For Cats: A secure but gentle hold is often helpful, like when pilling. Like dogs, gently insert the syringe into the side of their mouth. Give the liquid medication in small amounts at a time, giving your cat a chance to swallow each time before giving more.
Tips for Success (Messes and Taste)
Be prepared for the possibility that they will spit some out. A towel draped around your pet’s shoulders can help to contain the mess. You may even want to wear old clothing during medication time, just in case.
If the liquid medication has an unpleasant taste, ask your vet if it can be flavored by a compounding pharmacy. This isn’t always possible, but it will work with some medicines, making it easier for your pet to stomach.
Always follow up after a liquid medication with a tasty treat or a drink of water to help wash away any lingering taste that could turn them off taking their medication in the future.
Giving Powdered Medications
Powdered medications are another great way to give your pet the necessary treatments, often by simply mixing them into your pet’s food. The biggest challenge is ensuring your pet consumes the entire dose and nothing is left behind.
The Right Mix
For effective mixing, try using a small amount of a wet food your pet finds particularly enticing. Thoroughly mix the powder into the food, making sure that there are no clumps. If necessary, you can also mix a small amount of water in it to help blend everything properly.
When feeding your pet, watch closely to confirm that all the medicated food is ingested.
If you are using a dry food, a light mist of water might help the powder stick to the kibble. Alternatively, many pet parents find that using a little soft food just for the medication, followed by their regular kibble, is an effective way to ensure nothing is left behind.
Navigating Picky Eaters
If your pet is a little selective when it comes to their meals, you may need to get creative. Try mixing the powder with a tiny amount of a highly appealing treat, such as:
- A spoonful of plain baby food (always check the ingredients to ensure there are no harmful additives like onion or garlic)
- A dollop of plain yogurt
- A small amount of canned fish
- A lickable treat like Caru Daily Dish Smoothies, which are available for both dogs and cats
Offer this medicated treat separately, before their regular meal. Not only will this increase the likelihood of them eating it (they are still hungry), but it will also ensure that any aftertaste they may have (if you miss a small chunk) is washed down with their food.
Consistency is your friend. When you find a method and food that works, stick with it!
Reduce Medication Time Stress Today
While the process of getting your pet to take their medication can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, remember that it is often manageable with a healthy dose of patience and the application of the right techniques.
Always prioritize your safety and your pet’s well-being. If they are overly stressed or become aggressive in response to the medication, take a break, consider other methods, or reach out to your vet.
Don’t be afraid to explore different methods until you find the approach that works for you and your pet. Every animal is an individual, with their own quirks and preferences. Ultimately, the most important thing is ensuring your pet gets the care they need to live a happy, healthy life.
Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.
More by Britt
