Many pet owners find medicating their pet daunting. Dealing with a pet’s refusal to take their medicine, let alone ensuring they get the right dosage, can be challenging, but our tips on using the right strategies and some patience will make you a pro. Our East Wind Animal Hospital team shares essential tips and tricks to make medicating your furry friend easier and more effective.

1. Understand your pet’s medication needs

Before medicating your pet, understand why it’s necessary. Do they need an antibiotic, pain reliever, or chronic condition treatment? Additionally, be aware of the correct dosage and the frequency the medication should be administered. When our veterinarian prescribes medication for your pet, ensure you understand the instructions on administering the medication and potential side effects you should watch for.

2. Prepare for medication administration

First, gather everything you need, including the medication, pill popper, treats, towels, and any special tools. If necessary, ask another person to hold or soothe your pet. Then, choose a quiet, stress-free area, and ensure everyone is calm and comfortable.

3. Effective medication administration techniques

The following methods, depending on the medication type, can ease the process. 

Give your pet tablets or capsules by:

  • Hiding medicine in food — Hide your pet’s pills in a small amount of their favorite snack, such as cheese, peanut butter, or hot dogs. You can also use specially designed treats, such as pill pockets, that have a section where you can hide a tablet. Do not let your pet see you hide the pill, because they can easily make the connection and become suspicious of the treat. 
  • Forming a treat train — A treat trail, with the pill-containing treat in the middle, will entice your pet. They will quickly gulp down the line of snacks without noticing that one tastes different.
  • Setting up a competition — Pets generally do not like to share special treats and will devour a snack rather than allow another household pet to eat it. Use this trait to your advantage by giving all your pets treats, ensuring that the correct pet eats the pill-containing treat.
  • Administering directly — Some pets are easy to medicate manually and don’t need bribes or treats. If this is your pet, gently grasp their upper jaw behind the canine teeth and push down their bottom jaw with the hand holding the pill to open their mouth. Place the pill as far back on their tongue as possible, hold their mouth closed, and rub their throat or blow in their nose to encourage swallowing.

Give your pet liquid medication by:

  • Using a syringe — Insert a syringe in the side of your pet’s mouth and depress the plunger slowly to prevent choking. You can administer the medication inside the cheek pouch, but if your pet spits it out, you will need to gradually put the medication on top of their tongue.
  • Mixing in canned food You may be able to mix your pet’s liquid medication in a small amount of canned food or a special treat, but you must ensure they eat the full food portion and receive the correct dose.

Administer eye medication to your pet by:

  • Positioning your pet correctly — Administering eye medication to pets is generally easiest from behind. Gently tilt their head up with your free hand, roll the bottom eyelid down with the other hand that is holding the medication bottle or tube, and then administer the appropriate amount.
  • Allowing your pet to blink — Let your pet blink naturally to disperse the eye medication. Do not try to rub it in with a finger.

Administer ear medication to your pet by:

  • Cleaning the ear, if necessary — Some ear medications work best in a dirty ear, so determine if you need to clean and dry the ear first.
  • Massaging in the medication — Once you’ve applied the medication, gently massage the base of the ear to work the medication deeper into the ear canal.

4. Handle resistance with patience

Many pets struggle, because they do not appreciate or are fearful of their owner’s nursing efforts. However, you must stay calm and be patient, as your pet can sense your anxiety and stress. If necessary, try again later when you and your pet are relaxed and comfortable. 

Some pets require alternative medication methods. For example, the medication may come in a different formulation, such as a flavored liquid or chewable tablet, or as a long-lasting option, such as an injectable, that our veterinarian can administer in the hospital.

Medicating your pet doesn’t have to be stressful. Give our East Wind Animal Hospital team a call to discuss the best methods or for help giving your pet their medicine.