Administering Tablets to Dogs

Administering tablets to dogs can be challenging. Several methods can be employed to ensure successful administration.

Hiding Tablets in Treats

One common method is to hide the tablet in a palatable treat. This can include:

• Liverwurst: Form small balls of liverwurst, hiding the tablet in one of them. Offering multiple balls can encourage the dog to swallow quickly without noticing the tablet.
• Cheese: Cheese is often a favored option by dogs.
• Butter: Similar to cheese, butter can also be used to conceal tablets.
• Ham: Wrapping the tablet in a slice of ham is another effective technique.
• Spiced Sausage (Mettwurst): The strong flavor of spiced sausage can mask the smell and taste of medication.

These treats can be mixed into the dog’s wet food, with multiple concealed treats ensuring the tablet is ingested.

Leveraging Food Jealousy

Another approach involves utilizing a dog’s natural food jealousy. If multiple dogs are present, feeding them simultaneously with hidden treats can encourage faster consumption. For single-dog households, visiting another dog owner and feeding both dogs (with consent) can create a similar effect. It is crucial to ensure the correct dog receives the tablet.

Methods to Avoid

Certain methods are not recommended:

• Hiding tablets directly in wet food: Many dogs are adept at picking out and avoiding tablets in their food.
• Crushing tablets and mixing with wet food: This can often make the food taste bitter, leading to rejection. Additionally, some medications cannot be crushed due to their formulation.