TOP 11 TIPS ON HOW TO PILL YOUR DOG

TOP 11 TIPS ON HOW TO PILL YOUR DOG

Let’s face it—getting a pill into your furry friend can be difficult! But don’t worry, we’ve got some fun and effective strategies to turn pilling from a wrestling match into a treat-filled celebration. 🎉

1. *The 1, 2, 3 Trick*: Start with a favourite treat (hello, chicken jerky!), follow with the pill, then finish strong with another tasty morsel. Dessert after dinner, anyone? 🍗

2. Pill Pockets & Flavor Wraps*: Wrap that pill in a piece of sausage, soft cheese, or meat paste. Make sure to seal it up tight—no sniffing out the evidence! 🌭 *Be careful if your dog has a medical condition such as pancreatitis, meaning fatty foods are off-limits.

3. *Smaller Pieces*: If possible, split the pill and hide the pieces in multiple treats. It’s a tasty treasure hunt! 🗺️

4. *Mix with Meals*: Sneak that pill into their regular meal with some yummy extras. Even dogs deserve a gourmet experience! 🍚

5. *Sticky Solutions*: Slather the pill in peanut butter (avoid xylitol-containing peanut butter) or cream cheese. Your pup will think they’re in a fancy café! 🥜

6. *Competitive Eating*: If you have multiple pets, let them see each other. Nothing motivates a dog more than FOMO (fear of missing out)! 🐕

7. *Gelatin Capsules*: Hide the pill in a gelatin capsule for a surprise inside a surprise! 🎁

8. *Compounding Medications*: For long-term medications, ask your vet if they can get it compounded. Compounding pharmacies can turn nasty meds into tasty treats. It’s like a custom mini-mooncake for your dog! 🎂.

9. *Liquid Solutions*: Crush the pill and mix it with low-sodium chicken broth. Your pup will think they’ve hit the jackpot! 🍲

10. *Make a Frozen Treat*: If the medication can be frozen, place the pill inside a blob of peanut butter, liver paste, or meatball on wax paper. Cover it up and freeze it for a delightful surprise! ❄️

11. *Practice Makes Perfect*: Teach your pet the pilling process with treats, starting young if possible.

With a bit of creativity and love, even the pickiest pets can learn that taking medicine can be a tasty adventure ❤️

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About the Author

Dr Genevieve Touzel

BVSc MRCVS CertVetAc(IVAS)

Chief Veterinary Surgeon

At seven years of age, I was overjoyed when my parents introduced a mongrel pup, Marcel-Louis. He became my best friend. Realising how much I wanted to care for him and every other needy animal I could find, I decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. There was never any other alternative. I was thrilled to be offered a place at The University of Melbourne Veterinary School. I graduated in 1999 and I embarked on an adventurous journey of all things veterinary. Since then, I have worked as a veterinarian in the United Kingdom and Australia and in Hong Kong since 2016.

I have gained experience in mixed practice and small animal practice, dental, greyhound and equine practice. My work has also included working in emergency and critical care hospitals and charity clinics including the position of Head Veterinary Surgeon at an SPCA branch practice in Hong Kong. I have completed post graduate studies in Emergency and Critical Care. My passion for improving the quality of life in senior pets and practicing holistic medicine inspired me to pursue and acquire a board certification in Veterinary Acupuncture. Since 2021 I have been the Chief Veterinary Surgeon of SKAH and am now very proud to be certified as a Fear-Free Professional.

I live in Sai Kung with my family including Harry, a feisty toe-biting and rat-hunting ginger cat and Flo, a gentle, devoted Hong Kong Mongrel. Outside of work, I love to run the trails with Flo, explore Hong Kong with my family and travel to international conferences to keep up to date with the latest advances in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

It is a privilege to be trusted with the care of someone’s beloved animal. After many years, I still love the way medicine evolves. Seeing the difference that preventative health care and treatment makes to the longevity and well-being of my patients is wonderful. It is a team effort. Working with families is also paramount in making a successful care plan. Every animal (and their humans!) are unique.

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