Giving your dog a tablet

Medicating your dog successfully can be very challenging. Some dogs will wolf down a treat with a concealed tablet without even knowing they’ve been medicated; however some dogs will be more discerning and can detect the tiniest tablet in a mound of strong-smelling cheese!

Having a good technique for dosing your dog a tablet will reduce stress for both you and the patient.

If you really struggle with tablets, it’s always worthwhile checking with the vet to see if there is a liquid or topical alternative. However, many medications only come in tablet form, and some must be given on an empty stomach so are not suitable to be hidden on food whilst others must be given whole and not crushed.

It is often easier if you have 2 people available - 1 to hold the dog and 1 to administer the tablet. Sit small dogs on a table on a towel to stop them slipping and hold them firmly against your body. Sit larger dogs up against a wall.

With one hand firmly hold around the top of your dog’s nose, tilt its head until their nose is facing the ceiling. With your other hand (which should contain the tablet) pull down on the lower jaw at the front to open the mouth (keep the dog’s nose upwards towards the ceiling). Place the tablet as far back as possible on the dog’s tongue, gently hold your dog’s mouth closed (still in the upright position) whilst massaging the throat to stimulate swallowing. Syringing a small amount of water into the side of the mouth can help with this.

Once administered, immediately reward your dog with a favourite treat, game or praise so hopefully it will learn to associate the tablet with something nice making the procedure easier in the future.

If the medication is safe to give in food, try a small portion of food without the tablet, then a bit with the medication followed by another bit without. This helps prevent your dog from learning to associate the tablet with a particular food or treat. Strong flavoured foods such as cheese or peanut butter are great for disguising tablets- not only are they really tasty but they are mouldable so you can wrap them around the tablet (but don’t let your dog see you do it!).

Some medications can be crushed and hidden in food but always check first as some have a bitter taste or have a protective coating. Pill poppers can be useful especially for bitter tasting tablets as they can fire the tablets right to the back of the mouth so avoiding the taste buds on the tongue. Your veterinary practice can demonstrate how to safely use one.

Never stop a course of medication early - if you are struggling always contact your veterinary for advice. If you miss a dose, just continue with the next dose rather than doubling up but again check with your veterinary practice.

If you are still struggling speak to your veterinary surgeon - many nurse clinics will be happy to dose tricky dogs free of charge.