Tips and Tricks for Managing Dog Medications

Even when my dogs are healthy, they each get three supplements each day. But when they are sick, or you’re managing a chronic illness, there are often a lot of pills to handle each day. Stick with me for tips and tricks for managing dog medications.

Pill Organizers for dog medications

The number one thing that helps me to keep all the pills straight is a good AM/PM pill organizer. With three daily supplements, I was opening bottles 21 times per week! Once my chocolate lab Ginger starting taking additional medications for arthritis, and seizures, I needed another solution. The pill organizer allows me to count out pills only one time per week. And I never have to question if I gave the medication, or not. The empty (or filled) spot in the organizer is a tell tale sign.

Special treats to disguise the meds

When you’re trying to trick your dog into taking pills, it’s helpful to employ a few tasty treats. If they are up for it, get them a little hyped up. You want them to swallow the treats quickly, and without chewing. Give them a real treat, followed by a pill treat. Then quickly follow up with another real treat chaser, or two.

Some of my favorite treats for disguising pills are xylitol-free peanut butter, chunks of chicken or cheese, and marshmallows! There are also pill pocket treats specifically for giving pills to your dog. Definitely choose a treat your dog doesn’t get all the time. And it should go without saying, but don’t let your dog see you prepping the pill spiked treats. And wash your hands thoroughly. Dogs have a super keen sense of smell, and trust me, they will KNOW if you’ve been handling medications.

Over-cap to disguise taste, reduce quantity

Even with the most pill-compliant dog, and all the tricks and treats in the world, sometimes the pill is just so bitter, the taste can ruin any treat. When my black lab Lily was dealt an endocarditis diagnosis, she had so many daily medications! A few of them tasted particularly bad. Enter the empty gelatin capsule!

After confirming with our veterinarian the offending pills could be cut, I purchased a pill cutter, and size 00 empty gelatin capsules. I meticulously stuffed the gross pill pieces inside the capsules. I also “over-capped” her other medications. Multiple smaller pills were combined into the capsules to reduce the over all number of pills she had to get down.

Unfortunately, even with over-capping, Lily was taking so many pills each day she stopped being cooperative. I had to learn to pill a dog, where I swiftly tucked a pill at the very back of her throat, held her snout closed, and stroked her throat to induce swallowing. After just getting the job done quickly, Lily got all the pill-free treats she could ask for!