How To Pill Your Dog

There’s nothing like a feisty wrestling match between you and your dog to put you in a good mood every morning!

But sometimes it’s all you can do to get him to take his daily regiment of pills.

You coax. You treat. You treat again. You bribe with the leash…you know the drill.  What ends up happening?  You’re mad, he’s full and the pill is now wet and mushy in your hand.

We found some useful information to assist your efforts.  And hopefully make your mornings a bit more peaceful.

If you haven’t already, start with the tried and true methods of hiding the pill.  If you can, sneak pills into your dog either by getting chewable medication from your vet, mixing the meds in with your dog’s meal, or sticking the pill inside a soft treat like cheese or hot dog.

If that doesn’t work, the procedure is:

1. Hold the pill with one hand.
2. Place that hand on your dog’s lower jaw, the other on his upper jaw.
3. Lift up his head.
4. Open your dog’s mouth and put the pill to the side of the tongue as far back as you can reach.
5. Quickly remove your hand and close your dog’s jaw.
6. Keep your dog’s head tilted upward and his jaws closed. Encourage him to swallow by gently stroking his throat downward with the other hand.
7. As soon as you think your dog has swallowed the pill, release him and offer him a yummy treat.

(Instructions courtesy of ASPCA)

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Increasing your activity with your Senior dog also increases your bond with him or her.  Once you and your dog have a strong bond, the easier it is to assist them as they get older.  It makes giving them pills, putting booties on their feet to help them walk across the slippery floor, and taking them to the vet simple and painless tasks.

Stay active with your Senior Dog by trying out our Games For Senior Dogs Class!  This class lets dogs over 7 years old enjoy stimulating mental games, snuffle mats, brain teaser puzzles, safe and enjoyable moderate fitness activities and more! We nurture the initiative to participate to their fullest capabilities. Dog are like people in that they are healthiest when they stay active and engaged with their people! Don’t let your dog sleep all day, come and have fun with Denise and the Senior Pet Games class! You senior pet will thank you!

Tuesdays at 12:30

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