How to Give Your Dog a Pill

Original image by Chris Benson on Unsplash.

1. Sit on the floor in front of your dog.

   Place smaller dogs on your lap.

2. Grasp the dog’s head using your non-dominant hand.

   Be firm but not harsh. Place your hand on top of the muzzle, with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other.

3. Raise up the dog’s nose.

   Squeeze firmly behind the canine or “eye” teeth until the jaw opens.

4. Place the pill between the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand.

   Use the hand’s other three fingers to open the lower jaw farther.

5. Place the pill far back in the dog’s mouth.

6. Close the mouth.

7. Tilt up the chin.

   Keep the mouth closed and stroke the throat to help with swallowing.

8. Give the dog a treat.

Be Aware

• Blowing on the nose may stimulate the dog to swallow.

• Hiding the pill in peanut butter or some other treat the dog covets is the easiest way to administer a pill. However, some canines become quite adept at eating the treat and leaving the pill.

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