How to Give a Dog a Pill: 8 Tips to Help You Get the Job Done

At some point in your dog’s life, they will likely be given medicine to help them feel better, recover from illness or surgery, or overcome anxiety. However, because dogs have such an advanced sense of smell, getting your canine companion to take even the most cleverly disguised medicine can be challenging. 

Are you wondering how to give your dog medication? We’ve got you covered.

1. Hide it in food

The easiest way to give dogs pills is to hide them in food. Try various tasty foods, such as:

• Deli meats

• Peanut butter (avoid sugar-free versions that contain xylitol)

• Small meatballs

• Cooked sweet potatoes

• Cheese

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Keep in mind that some medications should not be given with some types of foods, such as dairy products. Ask your veterinarian if it’s OK to give your dog’s medication with food.

2. Use a pill pocket

You can also buy flavored pill pockets or wrap treats that are designed to hide pills. However, some dogs get wise to this and learn to associate these treats with medication.

3. Give meds before mealtime

If possible, give your pet their medication right before mealtime. A hungry dog is less likely to refuse food.

Try hiding a pill in approximately 1 tbsp of your pup’s favorite wet food. Heating the food first makes it smell even better. Separate the portion with the medication from the rest of the meal to ensure your dog eats it.

4. Turn med time into treat time

When giving your dog their medicine, behave the same way you do when you’re giving them a treat. The more fun you can make the situation for your dog, the less anxiety both of you will have.

If you give the pills in wraps, pockets, or meatballs, ask your pup to obey commands that they already know, such as sit, stay, or find it. Then reward them with a high-value treat.

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5. Get a pet piller

Some dogs won’t be fooled no matter how you hide their pills. In that case, you might have to give them medication without using food. 

If you are uncomfortable reaching into your dog’s jaws, try a pet piller or pill gun device. These place the pill on your dog’s tongue so you don’t have to put your fingers in harm’s way.

6. Always reward your dog

No matter how you get your dog to take their pill, always reward them with a treat and plenty of praise. Giving them extra playtime and treats will help take the stress out of medication time. It also helps create a more positive association with the whole experience.

7. See if compounded medications are an option

If your dog doesn’t swallow pills, ask for a flavored compounded medication. Many veterinary pharmacies can prepare medications in chicken and beef flavors. You may also be able to get your dog’s medication compounded into a different form, such as an oral liquid.

However, your veterinarian may not recommend compounding certain medications, because it might make them less effective. Some studies also raise questions about the quality and efficacy of compounded medicines for veterinary use. 

8. Ask your vet for advice

When your dog is prescribed a new medicine, ask their veterinarian to show you how to give the medication to your pup. Your vet can provide advice and demonstrate the best method for giving pills. This can help you feel more confident when you’re giving your dog the medication on your own.

You should also talk to your vet if you have difficulty getting your dog to take all their medication or if your dog is anxious or fearful about taking pills.

How to administer liquid medicine to dogs

The easiest way to give your dog liquid medicine is to place it in a treat designed for this purpose. Another option is to mix the liquid with a small amount of wet food and hand-feed it to your pup. 

But if these methods don’t work, you can deliver the medication directly into your dog’s mouth with a syringe. It is easiest to do this with another person, so one of you can hold the dog. Then, follow these steps:

• Place the liquid-filled syringe into the side of your dog’s mouth, just behind one of their canine teeth. Keep their chin level with the floor. 

• Point the syringe to the side of your dog’s lower teeth so the tip will squirt the liquid onto their tongue. 

• Slowly squirt a small amount of the medication. 

• Briefly wait between squirts so your dog can swallow the medicine without gagging.

• Speak to your dog calmly and reassuringly while giving the medication, and offer praise and rewards after medication time.

Dos and don'ts for successfully giving dogs medication

Every dog is different, and when it comes to avoiding medication, some dogs are particularly gifted. Some clever pups can eat the tasty treats you’ve used to hide their medicine while in your presence and then stash a pile of pills behind furniture later.

These dos and don’ts will help ensure your dog gets their full dose of prescribed medication.

Do:

• Prepare all the medications so they’re ready to administer before you go get your dog. Tablets and capsules should be individually set out, and liquids should be placed in an oral syringe.

• Place the pill far back on your dog’s tongue, near the back of the throat, when giving oral pills. 

• Once the pill is placed, gently hold your dog’s mouth closed and stroke their throat. 

• If necessary, gently blow on your dog’s nose, as this stimulates swallowing. Dogs will usually lick their nose after swallowing a pill.

• Hand-feed pills hidden in food, meat, pill pockets, or peanut butter directly to your pup. This way, you can ensure that they swallow the medicine.

• Keep an eye on your pet after giving them medicated food or pills disguised in food, in case they spit out or throw up the medicine.

• If giving your dog refrigerated liquid medication, warm it up by holding the syringe in your hands for a minute or placing it in warm water. Do not microwave it.

• Read all prescription labels and dosing instructions before giving your pet the medicine.

Don’t:

• Chase or corner your dog to give them medication. If a dog feels threatened or trapped, they may bite.

• Microwave any medication, including liquid medications.

• Crush your dog’s medicine and mix it into their food without talking to your vet first. Some medications — such as specially coated pills — will not work correctly if they are crushed.

• Open capsule pills without checking with your veterinarian first. Opening capsules can change how the medicine is absorbed and affect how it works.

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Written by:

Lauren Lee, BA, MA

Lauren Lee, BA, MA, is a writer specializing in animal care and pet health content. Since she was a young child, her passions have been writing and anything to do with animals.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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