Some dogs are easy to give medicines to; others will make you work for the privilege of keeping them healthy. Did you ever try to shove a pill down the throat 100 lbs of squirming dog? Maybe you're one on those Pet Owners that has to battle to give the monthly Heartworm preventative?
You've been told you "Just pry open the jaws, put the pill at the back of his tongue, hold his jaws closed, and either blow on his nose or stroke his throat until his swallows." Oh yeah---and two hours later you find the fuzzy remains coughed up on the carpet, (usually by stepping on it).
I've heard accounts of wrestling matches, of hiding pills, of those who will open a capsule or crush a pill to mix it in Rover's favorite food---but there is an easier way, I promise!
Having to medicate so many Rescue dogs every year makes you inventive! My favorite method is to combine medicating with training.
Does your Dog sit, shake, etc. on command? Do you give him small treats and enthusiastic praise for these feats?
One slice of processed cheese will cover 3 good-sized capsules, and give you and extra bit for treat, (Velveta, peanut butter, liverwurst, cream cheese, and /or small chunks of chicken also work well). I wrap the pill or capsule in the soft cheese, press it together with my fingertips, and ask them to perform.
This is the key! Not every treat has meds secreted inside! There are some clever dogs that will slurp the peanut butter off, or suck off the cheese, and leave you those dreaded fuzzy capsules to find later on.
The first treat does not have meds. "Sit! Good boy! (Give treat! Happy, enthusiastic praise!) "Down! Yes, Good Down!" (First hidden med disappears in enthusiasm!) "Paw? Yes! What a great fellow!" (Second med is gone, and dog is pleased to run through his tricks!) Since these sessions are always HAPPY, I have no baulkers!
It has never taken me long to teach any dog to sit, usually only minutes. Once the trick is learned, it is most useful. Not just for medicating, but for almost every other problem.
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