3 Ideas for Administering Medication to Your Dog

Is your dog sick or injured and needs oral treatments at home? Not sure what to try? Here are 3 positive reinforcement tips:

Pill Pocket

Available over the counter at veterinary clinics and pet stores, pill pockets come in various flavors like chicken, peanut butter, or beef. It’s a soft treat in which you can insert the pill or capsule. You can give it as a reward after a trick (e.g., sit) or hide it in their food (making sure they actually eat it). You can also use it with the next method.

The Three-Treat Method

Prepare three identical treats, one of which contains the pill. Give the treats quickly: first one as a reward after a trick, then the pill treat, followed immediately by the last treat to help your dog swallow the pill quickly. Praise your dog to make the moment even more positive.

Hide the Medication in Soft Food

Whether canned food or a creamy treat (available in pet stores), you can hide the medication inside a regular bowl. Make sure your dog has eaten it all.

Note: Some of these tips may not apply to dogs with food allergies. It’s important to use food suited to their condition.