Whether you have a pill-averse cat or a squirmy dog, medicating your pet can be challenging, but appropriate administration is necessary to ensure their health and well-being. Dr. David Dycus and the Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics team know the frustration of getting your pet to take their meds, and we offer expert tips to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

1. Understand your pet’s medication

Before administering your pet’s medication, you should understand why they need it and the administration details. Factors to consider include:

  • Purpose — Ensure you understand why your pet needs the medication. Is it to control pain, mitigate disease signs, or treat a chronic condition?
  • Dose — Ensure you know how much medication you are to give your pet.
  • Frequency — Read the medication label carefully to know how often your pet should receive the medication and the time between each dose.
  • Duration — Ensure you know how long to continue your pet’s medication. Don’t stop the medication early, even if your pet’s signs improve.

2. Know your pet’s preferences

Understanding your pet’s likes and dislikes can make a significant difference. Some pets prefer certain flavors or textures, which can be useful when disguising medication. Hiding your pet’s medication in something your pet loves is often the easiest solution, but check with our veterinarian whether your pet must take the medication on an empty stomach. Examples include:

  • Dogs — Many dogs are food motivated. Hiding pills in xylitol-free peanut butter, cheese, or a hot dog or pill pocket can work wonders.
  • Cats — Cats can be more finicky. Try a variety of methods, such as crushing and then mixing the pill with a strong-smelling wet food or tuna juice. First, consult our veterinarian to ensure the crushed medication will still be effective.

3. Stay calm and patient when medicating your pet

Pets can sense your anxiety, which can make them feel stressed. Stay calm and patient throughout the process to help your pet remain at ease. If your pet becomes stressed, take a break, and try again later. Also, be consistent when medicating your pet. Pets often respond better when the procedure is part of their routine and they know what to expect.

4. Create a positive association when medicating your pet

Making medication time a positive experience can reduce your pet’s anxiety and resistance. Immediately after giving the medication, praise them and offer a favorite treat to create a positive association. Also, ensure you administer your pet’s medication in a calm and quiet environment to minimize their stress.

5. Use the right tools when medicating your pet

Several tools designed to make medication administration easier are available. Examples include:

  • Pill poppers — These tools can help you place the pill at the back of your pet’s throat, making it easier for them to swallow.
  • Syringes — For liquid medications, gently squirt the medicine into the side of your pet’s mouth with a syringe.
  • Compounded medications — Some medications can be compounded into flavored liquids, gels, or treats. Ask our veterinarian if this is an option.

6. Use proper techniques when medicating your pet

Proper technique is crucial to ensure your pet gets their full dose without stress or injury. Steps include:

  • Pilling a dog — Place your thumb and forefinger on either side of your dog’s mouth and gently open. Use your other hand to place the pill as far back as possible on their tongue and close their mouth. Hold their mouth shut while gently stroking their throat to encourage swallowing.
  • Pilling a cat — Holding your cat gently but firmly, open their mouth by pressing on the sides of their jaw. With your other hand, place the pill as far back in their mouth as possible. Close their mouth and gently rub their throat to encourage swallowing.

7. Make a game of medicating your pet

Sometimes trickery is needed to medicate your pet. Examples include:

  • Dropped treat — If your pet is food-motivated, prepare a treat with their medication inside and “accidentally” drop it on the floor while you are preparing dinner.
  • Treat train — Make three or four treats, medicating only one. Toss an unmedicated treat to your pet followed by the rest. 
  • Competition — If you have a multi-pet household, make treats for everyone. Dole out the treats strategically, ensuring the pet who needs medicating gets the dosed treat.

8. Seek professional help to medicate your pet

If you’re struggling to medicate your pet, don’t hesitate to seek help. Our veterinarian or veterinary technician can demonstrate the best techniques for medicating your specific pet. If your pet is particularly resistant, a veterinary behaviorist can offer strategies to help reduce their anxiety and resistance.

If your pet needs medication after orthopedic care, Dr. David Dycus will work with you to ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact our Fusion Veterinary Orthopedic team about your pet’s orthopedic needs.