 Giving pills to your dog |
From the Free SitStay Newsletter |
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There is a trick to giving pills. Here are some things that work every time. Don't hesitate, give the treats quickly. If your dog gets a second to think you are tricking him, you'll have to try twice. The faster the dog will take the treats, the more likely they won't spit the pill back at you! Good luck. 1. Have three really, really tasty treats and a buttered pill in your hand. I like to dip the pill in butter so it slides down easily. Some pills can taste bitter and a little butter makes the pill not so bitter. Any SitStay.com treat will work or steak or hot dog or hamburger. The treats should be small enough for the dog to gulp them down quickly. Bigger treat for bigger dog. Each treat and the pill should be given quickly. Give first treat, second treat, pill, quickly follow the pill with the last treat and throw your hands up in the air and say, "That was great! You're the smartest dog in the world!" It works almost every time and your dog will celebrate with you. 2. Put the pill inside some raw or cooked hamburger. Again, piece of burger, piece of burger, burger with pill, then another piece of burger. Celebrate! Dogs love that! 3. Here is the tried and true method but not as much fun. This one is best for dogs who are refusing food because of illness. I dip the pill in real butter so it goes down without getting stuck. Dog is sitting down between your legs facing in the same direction you are, you're over the dog and a little behind him with your feet on each side so he can't back up to refuse. Lift dog's head so nose is up in the air (easy, you don't want to hurt that sweet neck), open dog's mouth, set the pill as far back in the throat as you can, close dog's mouth, stroke the throat upwards until the dog swallows. Say happy things when it's pill time, before and after giving the pill. "Butch, pill time! Happy Day!!" If you are worried or hesitant to give the pill, your dog will worry and be hesitant, too. Dog Training Tips |
