February 14, 2012
Posted in How to, Pet Health, Pet Meds, Pet Supplies

When your vet finally diagnoses your pet with a treatable condition, it comes as a relief. However, if the pet drugs come in pill form, your relief may soon turn to anxiety when you realize that getting a cat or dog to swallow a pill can be a serious struggle. Luckily, there are several techniques and pet products that make administering medication easier for you and your furry companion.

Some medications come in a chewable form, but others do not. Pain medications such as Previcox are commonly prescribed to treat inflammation and fever in dogs, while Tramadol tablets can treat chronic or post-surgery pain in cats. Unfortunately, these drugs only come in tablet form, and must be swallowed in order to be effective.

One way to transform a non-chewable pill into a treat is to conceal it in Greenies Pill Pockets. These treats are nutritious and tasty, so much so that your pet will not even notice there is medicine inside.

If you must administer the pill manually, make sure your pet is in a calm state. You may want to use a calming aid like Be Serene to make sure your cat or dog does not get anxious or scared. First, place your pet in a comfortable area where it can be easily handled, and have the pill ready. It can help to lubricate the pill with butter or another oily substance to help it slip down. Holding the pill between your thumb and index finger while gently grasping the animal's muzzle with your other hand. Tilt its head toward the ceiling, then use your ring finger and pinkie to open its mouth further and place the pill as far back on its tongue as possible. Close the animal's mouth and gently hold it closed while bringing its head back to a normal position.

Another way to administer a pill is to use a tool like Pet Piller Singles. This handy device is particularly helpful for pets that truly cannot tolerate having a finger or hand stuck into their mouths and down their throat.

Either way, make sure not to touch too far back in your pet's mouth so as to avoid causing a gag reflex. After giving the medicine, rub the pet's nose or throat, as this can stimulate swallowing. Make sure you always give your pet plenty of praise and pet food or treats to reward it for the uncomfortable experience. 

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