Tips on Giving Oral Medication to your Dog Animal Blog from Animal Friends Pet Insurance
Most pet insurance customers will experience at least one period during the life of their dog during which they will have to administer some type of medication that needs to be swallowed. Some dogs will take their medicine with no problems. On the other hand, there are those who will spit it out repeatedly. If you have to give medicine to your dog, below you will find some helpful tips to make the chore a little easier.
One of the most unpleasant ways to give a dog medicine is by poking the pill down the dog's throat. This method has to be used if your dog does not have an appetite or the medication can't be given with food. You need to act quickly to grasp your dog's muzzle and open his mouth. Push the pill as far into the mouth as you can. Then you hold the mouth closed with one hand and massage their throat with the other, until your dog swallows. It can be quite a traumatic experience if you have not done it before, but remember that you are trying to make your dog better and it will get easier.
If the medication can be taken with food and the dog has an appetite the procedure is a lot easier. If your dog has a favorite food you can hide the pill inside it and give the dog the treat. Most of the time a dog doesn't even stop to taste the food and will happily swallow it. It could also be crushed up and mixed with something delicious they will enjoy to eat.
Sometimes your vet may prescribe liquid medication for your dog. You can pour the liquid into the dog's mouth and hold it closed until he swallows. I have found that it is easier to mix the medicine in some wet dog food and give it to them that way. Luckily my dogs have never refused liquid medication when I use this method.
Your dog's health is very important and sometimes we have to give them medication to make them feel better. It isn't always a pleasant task, but it is sometimes necessary to make sure they are healthy and happy. if you dog really is being stubborn and is refusing to take his meds, you should ask your vet if there is an alternative delivery method, or to give you some tips on its administration.
