Taking your dog to the vet can be a pretty tiring experience for both of you. From actually getting your dog into the building to all the poking and prodding that happens, going to the vet is not something that many dog owners look forward to. But there is something else that can be even more stressful than going to the vet:
Giving your dog antibiotics
Dogs are notorious for not wanting to take their medicine. Sometimes it seems impossible to convince them that what you are trying to give them doesn’t taste awful!
When your vet prescribes your dog antibiotics, you may start to get nervous, but it’s okay. We have a few tips and tricks on how to get your pesky pup to take his antibiotics with no problems.
How to Give a Dog Antibiotics?
The best way to give a dog antibiotics is with peanut butter or a pill pocket. You can also ask your vet about liquid medicine.
1) Sneak it into food or pill pockets
Antibiotics in the form of pills are usually the hardest to get your dog to take. Some pills that are given to dogs have a strong scent that drives them away. Therefore, you should mask the scent with another treat or food.
Pick something that you know your dog already loves, preferably a food that he can’t resist. Then rub it all over the pill. I have found the best luck with peanut butter.
Once you do that, let your dog smell the food in your hand and give him some (without the pill). When your dog finishes his treat, immediately get him excited for a second one and then sneak in the pill. The hope is that he will think he is getting another treat.
If you want to increase your chances of success with this tip, toss your dog a third treat after the antibiotic. However, don’t feed your dog too much peanut butter, as it can cause upset stomach in dogs.
Some dogs are not as easy to fool as others, so the above trick doesn’t always work. If your dog is going to spit out the treat you can always try pill pockets.
There are dog treats specifically made to hide pills like antibiotics. They are great because they usually have a strong scent, such as pork or chicken. All of these options are delicious to dogs, so the hope here is that your dog will gobble it up before noticing that you’ve hidden a pill inside.
The pill pockets also make it a lot harder for your dog to dislodge the pill from the rest of treat.
2) Ask your vet about liquid antibiotics
There are many types of antibiotics that can be given to your dog in a liquid form. If your dog has trouble with pills, you should ask your vet if its possible to get a liquid version.
To give your dog liquid antibiotics you’ll need to use both hands. Have your dog sit or lay down in front of you. Take one hand and gently open your dog’s mouth. Using the other hand, place the tip of the syringe that the antibiotics are in towards the back of your dog’s mouth near the molars. Once there, inject the medicine and quickly release the hold you have on your dog so he can swallow the medicine.
Make sure that you keep your hands clear of your dog’s teeth.
There are also some types of liquid antibiotics that can simply be put in your dog’s water.
Last case resort: Pop in back of mouth
If all else fails, you can try to drop the pill directly in your dog’s mouth. I don’t recommend this if your dog has a history of biting.
You will need both hands for this. Hold the pill in one hand. With your free hand, gently grasp your dog’s muzzle from the top and pry his mouth open. Once your dog has his mouth open, place the pill on the very back of his tongue. As soon as the pill is placed let your dog go so he can swallow the medicine.
You can gently rub your dog’s throat to encourage him/her to swallow. Offer him/her food and water afterwards.
More tips on giving your dog antibiotics
There are also a couple general guidelines you should follow when you give your dog antibiotics.
1) Always follow the instructions on the label
First thing’s first, if your dog is on antibiotics, then you need to make sure you fully understand the directions on the bottle. Before you leave the vet, your doctor should go over the frequency that your dog needs to take his medicine. You should address any questions or concerns you may have while at the vet.
Sometimes people will give their dog a double dose when they miss one the day before. This can be very dangerous depending on the medication.
I recommend that you make a schedule or list and put it in your kitchen or refridgerator. This can serve as a reminder so that you don’t forget to give it to your dog.
You could also set a recurring alarm on your phone so that you don’t forget.
2) Remain Calm
No matter what kind of antibiotics your dog needs to have, it is important for you to remain calm. Dogs can pick up on their owner’s mood and feelings quite easily. Therefore, if you are stressed about the situation, your dog might get stressed too.
Conclusion
Remember that no matter what kind of antibiotic you need to give your dog, it is important to remain calm and level-headed. If you are stressed out when you give your dog antibiotics, it could stress out your dog.
Always be careful avoid injury, and and don’t be afraid to call your vet and ask for advice.
