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You may be a fortunate owner whose dog or cat acquiesces to taking medicine as prescribed. But there is some truth to the funny stories, images, and cartoons floating around the internet that show bloodied owners, triumphant pets, and spit-out pills. Learn from a vet; it doesn't have to be that way!


When medicating a sick pet, your first responsibility is to make sure you understand the directions given. One pill twice a day is not the same thing as giving two pills once a day. Additional notations may warn about the dangers of combining certain medications or direct you to give Charlie his pills on an empty stomach—or conversely, right after a meal. Read and follow them. If you aren't sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic and speak with a veterinarian or a veterinary technician.


Can You Give a Dog Tylenol? dog getting a pill
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3 Best Ways to Give a Cat or Dog a Pill

1. Hide Capsules & Pills in Your Pet's Food

The easiest way to get oral medication into your pet is to hide the medication in a highly desirable food treat. The key is to make your pet so excited about the treat that he eats it—along with the pill—quickly. That way he doesn't bite into the medication and taste something bitter. (Capsules are notorious for breaking apart.)


Before you use any human food, clear it with your veterinarian. Some drugs interact with certain foods. For example, you shouldn't hide tetracycline antibiotic pills in dairy products. The calcium in the dairy product binds up some of the medication, which means your pet won't get the full benefit of his dose.


You may already have some of the best food options for hiding pills in your pantry or kitchen. Here are some tips for using our favorites:


2. Slip Pills into Specially Made Treats

In addition to food, there are a number of commercially available easy-to-use treats called pill pockets that include a hole sized just right for hiding medication. Pill pockets, which come in different flavors, tend to be nutritionally balanced and lower in sodium and sugar than people food. Check the label before buying; some are made just for dogs, others just for cats. Look for a brand that's lower in calories if your pet is overweight. Below are a few options for both dogs and cats to try:


Since you don't want your pet to get suspicious, always pair a medicated treat with one that's not medicated. Give your pet one or two plain treats, then a medicated one, then one or two more plain treats. If you do this rapidly, he will swallow the treats quickly without examining them.


3. Make Your Dog or Cat's Pills Taste Better

Another option: Ask your vet if it makes sense to have your pet's prescription compounded to make its flavor more enticing. If she can't do it herself, ask her to refer you to an animal-focused compounding pharmacy in your area. Request tuna flavoring for your cat's liquid antibiotic, for example. The yummy tuna flavor may convince Fluffy that the medication she is being given is a special treat.


Three Important Rules for Giving Cats and Dogs Pills

What to Do if You Think Your Cat's Been Poisoned