How to Get Dogs to Take Medicine (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Let’s be real here, learning how to get dogs to take medicine is like trying to outwit a canine version of Sherlock Holmes. They know you’re up to something, and they’re not going to fall for that cheese slice trick—again. If you've ever tried to wrap a pill in peanut butter only to find it licked clean, while the pill is chilling on the floor like it’s got better places to be, you know this battle all too well.
But fear not, my friend. We at Wailea People and Paws are here to help you level up your dog-medicine-game with a few tried-and-true methods, ranging from sneaky food hacks to... well, more sneaky food hacks.
How to Get Dogs to Take Medicine: The Best Hacks
Chewables: The Medication Your Dog Thinks Is a Treat (But It's Not)
Let’s talk the hands-down best method on how to get dogs to take medicine –chewables—aka the gift from the dog-medication gods. If you haven’t heard of chewables yet, prepare to have your world rocked. Chewables are medications that don’t look like those sad little tablets you’ve been trying to smuggle into a chunk of cheese. Nope, these babies are disguised as straight-up treats, with flavors like chicken, beef, and probably filet mignon (okay, not really, but they may as well be).
These aren’t supplements posing as snacks. We’re talking real-deal medications, like antibiotics or heartworm preventatives, that your dog is actually excited to devour. You hand it to them like it’s a snack, and they look at you like you’ve just given them the doggie lottery ticket. No pill-hiding, no manipulation—just pure, happy dog chomping down meds without a clue. Bliss.
The Hide-and-Seek Method: Distraction Is Key
Here’s the pro tip that’ll up your game: give your dog a couple of "safe" pieces first. No pills, just yummy bits. Let them build up trust. Then, BAM, slip the one with the meds into the middle. They’ll be so busy scarfing it down they won’t realize you just pulled off the sneakiest of cons. You’re basically a dog-treat ninja at this point.
Pro tip: Immediately follow it up with a treat and a LOT of praise, because you just made your dog do something they really didn’t want to do. Positive reinforcement for the win, right?
The Sneaky Hand Trick (For the Real Pros)
Okay, if you’re feeling brave (and a bit like a dog-whisperer in training), there’s always the tried-and-true sneaky hand method. It’s not glamorous, but it works. The move? Open your dog’s mouth, pop the pill as far back on their tongue as you can manage, close their mouth, and then gently rub their throat until they swallow. Voila! Doggo has taken their meds, and you didn’t even have to break out the peanut butter jar.
Best Method Award Goes to: Chewables!
At the end of the day, learning how to get dogs to take medicine doesn’t have to feel like a battle of wits. Chewables are the MVP here, making medicine time look like treat time. Make sure to contact Wailea People and Paws to find out more about Chewables and make med-time with your pet a piece of cake!