How to Give Your Dog Pills

To keep your dog from spitting out even the best-hidden pills, try this method. Select a time when your dog is relaxed. Get him in a comfortable position on the floor or a table, depending on his size. Place your hand over the bridge of your dog's nose, holding his upper jaw with your fingers fitting behind his canines. Tilt his head upward to a 45 degree angle. With your other hand, gently pull back his lower jaw behind his canines to get him to open his mouth. With the pill in that hand, place it as far back on his tongue as possible, then gently hold his mouth closed and stroke his throat until he swallows. Once he sticks the tip of his tongue out or licks his nose, you'll know the pill has gone down.

Another way is to "hide" the pill in a big glob of peanut butter. This is effective about 90% of the time as dogs love the taste and don't pay attention to what's actually in there. Also, Greenies has a new product out called "Pill Pockets" where it looks like a kangaroo's pouch. You stick the pill in the pocket and feed it to the dog as a treat. This is fairly expensive though and you could probably get the same effect by hiding it in other treats that are less expensive. You can order a free sample by visiting www.greenies.com/en_US/Products/DogPillPockets.aspx.

Whichever technique you decide to use, just make absolutely sure that the dog as swallowed it. It's very important that they finish all medications unless otherwise instructed by a qualified veterinarian.