What irony! The same dogs that eat happily out of dumpsters (or worse) will resist eating a little old pill. Everyone has there advice on how to make the job easier – here is the best we’ve heard so far.

No matter how you plan to administer the pill, start by getting your pill ready and leave it within easy reach of the spot where you plan to administer it. (Imagine holding your dog with one hand, while trying to open the bottle with the other – whew! Much better to have everything ready beforehand)


Then, make sure you are relaxed and positive before you call your dog over. Your dog will start out more relaxed if you use the same tone of voice you would use if you were calling him for a walk or a treat. On the other hand, your dog will become anxious if you sound worried, apologetic or scared.

Feed your dog a treat or two to lower his guard. If the first things taste good your dog will be much more likely to cooperate (at least at first) with the medicine.

If your veterinarian says that the pill can be taken with food (check, since some should not be), your job will be a lot easier. Cover the pill with cheese, butter, a bit of dog food, even a scrap of meat, and just feed it to your dog as a treat. Before popping the Champagne cork, check to make sure the pill went down all the way - some dogs quickly figure out that there’s something funny with their food, and they’ll spit the pill back out. If the food trick works, you’re done!

If your veterinarian tells you that the pills must be taken without food, or if your dog eats the food wrapper and spits back the pill, you will have to place the pill far enough into your dog’s mouth that he can’t spit it out, then keep your dog’s mouth closed until he swallows it.

Using the same relaxed, happy tone of voice, move your dog to a location where his haunches are in a corner. This will keep him from backing away from you. Hold the pill between your thumb and forefinger, in a way that will let you place it as far as possible into the dog’s mouth.

With your other hand, grip your dog’s muzzle from above (not too hard, you can start by stroking), and pinch your thumb and fingers gently together so they work into your dog’s mouth, just behind his long, canine teeth. When you have this grip, lift your dog’s muzzle so that his nose points to the ceiling (it’s really more of a rotation over his shoulders – the dog should be planted on the ground still). Your dog’s mouth should open a bit, allowing you to insert the pill.

The pill should be inserted to the back of your dog’s tongue. If you get it back to the point where the tongue enters the throat your dog will have a much more difficult time spitting the pill out (he will try, trust us). Leave it on the tongue, then use both hands to hold your dog’s mouth closed until he swallows the pill. Stroking him, or blowing on his nose, can speed this up. Check to make sure that he has swallowed it before you declare victory.

When you are done, be sure to end the whole episode on a high note. Praise your dog, give him a toy or take him out for a walk. Maybe give yourself a treat, too.



We’ve tried to find the best sources we can for the information above, but don’t rely on web sites when it comes to your pet’s health. Always consult a veterinarian, professional trainer or other expert.