How to Get Your Dog to Swallow a Pill

How to Get Your Dog to Swallow a Pill. Dogs can be a lot like our kids, and much like kids, dogs prefer not to take medicine. You can get your dog to swallow a pill to make her better and still be her best friend.

Things Needed

• Dog medication
• Dog treats
• Hot dog (optional)
• Bread (optional)
• Peanut butter (optional)
• Cheese (optional)

Step 1

Know the proper dosage. If your veterinarian has given your dog medication to take, or you're giving her an approved over-the-counter product, familiarize yourself with the proper amount to dispense.

Step 2

Prepare your dog, who may be nervous when it comes time to take his pill. Calm him by petting him and having him in an area he's comfortable in.

Step 3

Put the pill in food. Choose an edible item that your dog doesn't need to chew but can swallow whole. You can use dog treats that can hide a pill, but human foods work best, such as a small slice of hot dog, bread, peanut butter or cheese.

Step 4

Place the pill in your dog's mouth if you prefer not to use food to get your dog to swallow a pill. Massage her neck. Rubbing the neck causes an automatic reflex of swallowing for your dog.

Step 5

Blow into your dog's mouth. If rubbing your dog's neck doesn't work in getting the pill down, open your dog's mouth and then grasp his nose firmly, blowing air right into his nose and mouth. This may cause your dog to jerk back, but at the same time, he will swallow the pill.

Step 6

Give your dog a treat. She deserves a reward for taking her medication.

Warnings

• If your dog's temperament is unpredictable, use two people to get your dog to swallow his pill.