Sit, Stay, Swallow: Tips for Getting Meds Down an Unwilling Dog

Administering long-term medication to your dog can sometimes be a challenging task. photo: AdobeStock

Administering long-term medication to your dog can sometimes be a challenging task. But with the right training methods, you can establish a routine that ensures your dog receives their medication consistently and without stress. 

Here are several effective techniques that can help you overcome this hurdle and keep your dog healthy.

Positive Association

Create a positive association between medication time and something enjoyable for your dog. Offer a treat or playtime immediately after giving the medication. This will help your dog associate the medication with a pleasant experience, making them more willing to cooperate in the future.

Pill Pockets

Pill pockets are specially designed treats with a hollow center to hold medication. They come in various flavors and can effectively mask the taste and smell of the medication. Dogs often find them irresistible, making this a seamless way to deliver their meds.

Practice With Placebos

Before starting the actual medication, practice first with a harmless placebo. Wrap the pill pocket around a piece of kibble so your dog gets used to occasionally finding a hard-centered surprise when biting into the pill pocket. This will help your dog become accustomed to taking treats from your hand or finding them in their food. If you need to administer liquid medication, practice by squirting a syringe of chicken baby food into the back of your dog's mouth. Once your dog becomes comfortable, switch to the actual medication while maintaining the same routine.

Be Aware of “Poisoned Cues”

“Poisoned Cue” refers to a situation where a specific cue or signal becomes associated with something unpleasant or negative, leading to resistance or avoidance by the dog. When administering long-term medication, poisoned cues may develop if your dog starts to associate certain cues or actions with the unpleasant experience of taking medication. If this happens to you and your dog, you’ll want to seek advice from a trainer to help you build a new protocol.

Hiding Medication in Treats or Food May Not Always Work

Many medications can be hidden inside treats or food, making it easier for your dog to ingest them without noticing. This usually works fine if you’re only giving your dog medication for a week or two. But over the long term, you run the risk of creating poisoned cues, with your dog figuring out the routine and avoiding you during medication time. For that reason, you’ll probably want to switch up your approaches to administering meds or seek advice from a qualified trainer.

Consider Compounded Medication

Compounded medication for dogs refers to customized pharmaceutical preparations that are specifically formulated by a compounding pharmacist to meet the specific needs of an individual dog. This involves altering the dosage form, strength, flavor, or combination of medications to make them more suitable and palatable for your dog’s unique requirements. Did you know your dog’s daily Prozac pill can be compounded into cheese form - and what pup wouldn’t want some of that?

Try Randomized Treat Parties

Call your dog over to you for a treat party, feeding five treats in a row as quickly as possible. You’re aiming for your dog to be a dog, gulping the treats down and swallowing quickly without wasting time on chewing. Once your dog is into this game, hide the pill in one of the five treats, randomizing which treat will contain the hidden pill.

Seek Professional Help

If your dog continues to resist medication, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They can provide tailored advice and techniques to address your specific situation and make the medication process go more smoothly.

Administering long-term medication to your dog doesn't have to be a struggle. By using positive reinforcement, creative techniques, and a consistent approach, you can turn medication time into a positive experience for both you and your furry companion.  Remember, patience and understanding are key, and of course, always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's medication or training regimen.

With time, your dog will become more comfortable with the medication routine, ensuring their continued well-being. And that’s a happy ending for both of you.