How to Give Medication to Your Dog at Home?

During periods of staying at home, increasing exercise and boosting one’s immune system can offer some defense against external viruses. As pet owners focus on their own health and nutrition, it’s important not to forget about their furry companions! From creative home walks to grooming with a pet brush, and occasionally giving them nutritional supplements, these efforts can ensure that your dog stays healthy too. However, when it comes to giving your dog medication, it can be more challenging than bathing them or grooming their coat!

Many pet owners try to hide medication in their dog's food, hoping they'll eat it without noticing. But dogs’ incredible sense of smell allows them to easily detect, and even pick out, the medicine in their food. If a dog discards the pill when the owner isn’t paying attention, it could hinder its health development. Some owners will first use a pet brush to groom their dog or massage their skin to relax them, or perhaps play with them using toys like a ball or a pet brush. The idea is to get the dog comfortable and distracted, then sneak the medicine into its favorite treat, quickly administering it when the dog is unsuspecting, and watching its reaction just in case. Of course, many pet owners know that sometimes a more direct approach is necessary. In these cases, after calming the dog with grooming, they will take the pill, gently open the dog’s mouth, and place the medication at the back of its throat. Afterward, they’ll lift the dog’s head for a few seconds to ensure the pill is swallowed, before releasing. For clever or stubborn dogs, alongside grooming and treat rewards, a small corrective measure may be needed to help them understand the importance of taking medicine. However, this more direct method of administering medication is best for dogs with a strong bond with their owners or dogs who are naturally obedient. If a dog is wild or difficult to manage, even grooming or soft methods might not be effective, and professional training may be necessary. It’s also important to note that the best time to administer medication is usually before the dog has eaten, as a dog that is already full might be more resistant to taking the pill. Getting your dog to take medication can indeed be a challenge. Pet owners should pay attention to their dog’s health during daily grooming and play, and when it’s time to give medication, remember to act quickly, decisively, and efficiently—don’t give your pet too much time to react!