Administering pet medication can be daunting for many pet owners. Some pets gladly accept medications without fuss, but others are less than cooperative. However, the proper techniques, positive reinforcement, patience, and creativity,  can make the process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. Here are some expert tips from the Walnut Creek Vet Hospital team to help you succeed at pet medication administration.

Understand your pet’s medication

Understanding what and why your pet needs medication can help you stick to the treatment plan and troubleshoot administration methods. Some medicines are more important than others and should be prioritized in uncooperative pets. Ask our veterinary team to explain each prescription medication’s purpose and importance, and be honest about your pet medication experience, so we can adjust therapy to make things easier whenever possible. 

Choose the proper pet medication delivery method

Pet medications are available as tablets, capsules, chews, liquids, topicals, and injections. Our veterinary team always prescribes the form of medicine most suitable for your pet’s condition, but we are often limited by availability. For example, a drug may exist in chewable or tablet forms, but not as an oral liquid or a small enough tablet for pediatric pets. If you or your pet strongly prefer a specific medication form that is not commercially available, we can use a compounding pharmacy to make a customized product.

Each dosage type has pros and cons, depending on your pet’s temperament and your skills. Most medications come in the following forms:

  • Pills — Tablets and capsules can be hidden whole in food or treats, opened, crushed into powder, and then placed in food. Alternatively, you can simply “pill” your dog or cat.
  • Oral liquids — Liquids are administered with an oral syringe placed in the side of the mouth. For small or picky pets—especially cats—liquids are often easier to administer than pills.
  • Topicals — These are creams, sprays, or drops applied to the skin, eyes, or ears. Most pets readily accept topicals, but ear and eye drops can be difficult for some pets.
  • Injections — Some medications come only as injectables. Most pet owners can learn to give subcutaneous injections at home, which sometimes may be easier than administering pills or liquids.

Pet medication administration techniques

Medication administration takes time and patience, especially with pickier pets. Remembering to reward your pet each time they receive medicine is critical, so they make a positive association. The best medication administration technique for each pet will vary and may require some trial and error. Consider the following options:

  • Hide medication in food — Purchase commercial pill wraps or try hiding medication in cheese, liver sausage, peanut butter, canned food, or tuna. 
  • Manually administer pills — Pets who refuse to eat food containing medication may require manual “pilling.” This procedure entails opening your pet’s lower jaw, placing the pill in the back of their throat, and then closing the mouth until the pet swallows. Ask our team for a demonstration. 
  • Learn gentle restraint — Learn how to use gentle hugs and towel wraps to control your pet’s movements without stressing them during medication administration. Ask our team for recommended resources.
  • Follow a routine — Administer medications when your pet is usually quiet and relaxed, such as after meals. Stick to the same times, so your pet knows what to expect. Always end with a reward.
  • Distract your pet — Have a helper give your pet a tasty treat while you administer injections or topical medications. Then, play a game or go for a walk to distract them from licking the area afterward.
  • Consult our team — When you can’t find something that works, call our team for help.
  • Prepare pets in advance — With young pets, incorporate taking medication in their daily training and socialization routine. For assistance with cooperative care training, contact a local positive-reinforcement-based trainer.

Training young pets to accept medications in various forms is the best preparation for their future medication administration needs. However, time doesn’t always allow for a training period, especially in pets who are critically ill or at risk of their condition progressing without prompt treatment. Contact our Walnut Creek Vet Hospital team if you encounter medication administration difficulties, so we can work together to find a solution.