Giving medicine to a dog can be unpleasant. Neither of you wants to do it but, like many things in life, it has to be done. But, with a few simple tricks, the process can be easier and less stressful for both you and your best canine friend.
1. DIY Pill Pocket Using Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket Treat
This trick is pretty ingenious. And, to be fair, it’s not so much a trick as a treat. If you like, you can watch a video to follow along.
- First, pick up a packet of Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket Treats.
- Next, lay out one of the treats on the counter.
- Make a little “pocket” in the treat with your finger.
- Put the tablet in the pocket.
- Pinch and fold the treat up and over so it hides the tablet.
If the tablet is larger, try this second method:
- Make the pill pocket as above and place the tablet inside.
- Now, use a second Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket Treat so the tablet is couched between the two treats.
- Pinch and fold the treat up and around so the tablet is hidden, as before.
This way, your little woofer gets a healthy treat and you don’t have to tussle with the little fella to get his medicine into him!
2. Pill Poppers
Ask your vet if your canine’s prescription medication is available as a liquid. If so, skip the struggle with rubber-tipped droppers and use a “pill popper,” or “pill syringe” instead. Not only is medication easier to administer this way, but it’s easier to measure out the right dosage with the markings on the side of the syringe. Pill poppers are just like those toy syringes you had in your toy medicine kit as a child. It’s a plastic syringe with a plunger, but with a blunt, open tip instead of a needle tip. Your vet or pharmacy sells them.
Hint: Practice using the syringe with water over the sink first. It take a bit of skill to measure the right amount into the syringe and hold it upright so the medicine doesn’t shoot out before you’re ready.
The trick here is to do it while your dog is lying in a prone position. Then, gently lift the jowls, insert the syringe and shoot the medicine into the back of your dog’s mouth, where he has to swallow. Even if his teeth are clenched, the liquid will flow right through.
3. Treat-Dispensing Toy
A treat-dispensing toy adds an element of fun and excitement to the usually unpleasant task of taking medication. All you do is place the medicine inside the toy, along with other treats, and then give it to your dog to play with. As they play, the medicine will slowly be dispensed, and your dog will be more likely to gobble it down without realizing it. Just make sure you choose a treat-dispensing toy that your dog finds engaging.
4. Repetition
If your dog needs to take medicine on a regular basis, it’s good to get them used it through repetition and familiarity. The goal is to make taking medicine a positive experience for your dog, so they don't become resistant or uncooperative. Try to incorporate repetitive behavior around each medicine “session.” Use the same words, the same actions and the same method of dispensing the medicine. If they take it, reward them with a Jiminy’s treat and praise them. Over time, they’ll feel comfortable (hopefully!) enough to just let you get it done so you can both enjoy the rest of your day.
5. Routine
Like children, dogs thrive on routine. Ever notice that your dog shows up with her leash in her mouth at the same time every day? Now imagine if your dog work you up every morning with her medicine bottle at 7 AM! Okay, that’s not going to happen… However, you can incorporate medicine dispensing into your dog’s routine so the little fluffer nutter starts expecting it. Set your clock by it so your dog’s biological clock so you’re in sync! Just be sure to pick a time when you know you’re always home, like just before bedtime or after you eat breakfast.
The trick to being successful with these ideas is to be patient and consistent. Some dogs will take longer to get used to taking medicine, so be prepared to give it time and stay committed to the process. With a little patience and persistence, you should be able to get your dog to take medicine with little to no resistance.
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💊 FAQ - Giving Medication to Dogs
1. Why is giving medication to a dog sometimes difficult?
Many dogs resist medication because they can taste or smell the medicine, they associate dosing time with stress, or they’re simply picky eaters. Hiding pills or using tricks can make the process easier for both you and your dog.
2. What’s a simple way to disguise a pill so my dog will eat it?
Hiding the pill in a tasty treat can help. For example, you can make a “pill pocket” using a soft treat — especially something your dog loves — and hide the tablet inside so they eat it without noticing.
3. How can I use Jiminy’s treats to give medication?
One method highlighted is to use Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket Treats to fashion a DIY pocket around the pill or capsule so it’s hidden in a favorite treat and easier for the dog to swallow.
4. What should I do if the pill is too big for a single treat?
For larger tablets, wrap the pill between two treats or use two layers of treat material to fully conceal it. This makes it more appealing and harder for your dog to detect the medication inside.
5. Can I use a pill-dispensing toy to give medication?
Yes — you can place the medication inside a treat-dispensing toy along with other treats. As your dog plays, the pill slowly comes out and gets eaten without them realizing the twist.
6. What if my dog refuses treats with medication hidden inside?
Some dogs may be suspicious. If your dog refuses a disguised pill, try the “bait and switch” method:
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Give a plain favorite treat,
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Offer the treat with the hidden medication,
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Follow with another plain treat — making the experience feel positive and rewarding.
7. Are there tools that make giving pills easier?
Yes — pill poppers or pill syringes (long tools that place the pill near the back of the dog’s throat) can help if your dog won’t take medication wrapped in treats or food. This technique lets you get the pill in without putting your fingers deep in their mouth.
8. How do I give liquid medicine to my dog?
If medication comes in a liquid form, use a dropper or syringe to gently squirt the dosage into the back side of the mouth, ideally when your dog is calm or lying down, to encourage swallowing.
9. Should I stick the pill directly in my dog’s mouth?
If all else fails and your dog won’t eat a hidden pill, you can place it directly in the back of the mouth and then gently close their jaw until they swallow. Be calm and confident when doing this to reduce stress for your dog.
10. What foods or treats should I not use to hide pills?
Avoid foods that are toxic or unhealthy for dogs — e.g., anything with xylitol, chocolate, onions, garlic, or high fat content that can cause digestive issues. Always check ingredients before using food to hide medication.
11. How can I make medication time less stressful overall?
Use a calm and positive approach:
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Speak in a soothing voice
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Reward with praise or treats after dosing
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Keep the environment quiet
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Practice giving treats separately so your dog doesn’t associate your hands with medication only.
12. What should I do if my dog keeps spitting out the pill?
If your dog regularly spits out medication, try hiding it in stronger-smelling foods, using pill pockets, employing the bait-and-switch method, or asking your vet for alternative forms (liquid, flavored chews) that are easier to administer.
