Dogs and Medication: Tips and Directions on How to Give a Large Dog a Pill

Giving a large dog a pill by hand does not mean you have to go through a big process or get bitten. When some hear that they have to give a large dog a pill, they may automatically think it's going to be a huge hassle, but it can actually be quite easy.

Unfortunately, stuffing a pill in food and giving it to a dog is not always the best option. Some pills are better to ingest intact and when a dog eats the food he will likely chew the pill. Additionally, dogs have a sneaky way of spitting pills out when you least expect it.

Sometimes, giving a large dog a pill by hand is only uncomfortable if you make it that way for both you and your dog. When you're nervous, your dog can pick up on it. Knowing some tips, as well as the best way to put the pill in the dog's mouth, can make it a painless process for the both of you.

Tips for Giving a Large Dog a Pill

Stay calm from the moment you walk in the room and remain that way through the process. The more calm you are, the more calm your dog is likely to be.

Take a few minutes to relax the dog first. Sit on a chair with your dog facing you and sitting on the floor. Scratch behind his ears, compliment him and rub his chest.

Have everything ready before you start to give the dog the pill. Take it out of the bottle and place it on the seat next to you where it won't roll away. Have two small treats and a napkin next to you as well. The more prepared you are, the easier the transition can be from one step to the next.

Move as quickly as possible from step to step. The longer you take, the more complicated it may be.

If you feel more comfortable, practice giving him the pill before you actually need to do it.

If you don't get the pill in the first time, don't worry. Wipe your fingers off on a napkin (otherwise the pill may stick to your wet fingers making it harder to get into the dog's mouth) and try again.

Directions on How to Give a Large Dog a Pill

Step 1. Give your dog the first treat and hold up the second one. Only do this step if the vet says the dog is allowed to have a treat before and after he takes the pill. Some dogs react better to taking a pill if they know the only way to get a treat is if they behave.

Step 2. Shift your position to the left and sit on the edge of the seat so you are slightly diagonal from your dog.

Step 3. Form your left hand into an upside down horseshoe shape (if you are right-handed) so that if you were to hold it in front of you, your thumb is facing to the left and your other fingers are facing to the right. Hold the pill in between your thumb and pointer finger of your right hand and with your left hand, lightly hold the dog's muzzle by placing your thumb on one side and your other fingers on the other side.

Step 4. Lightly press your fingers inward on the dog's muzzle, which will open the dog's mouth and slightly push the dogs lips under the upper teeth. As you are pressing inward, lift the dog's muzzle upward so his mouth faces toward the ceiling.

Step 5. While you are lifting the dog's mouth upward, bring your right hand in and use your middle finger to push down lightly on your dog's lower jaw to open the mouth wider.

Step 6. Drop the pill in the back of the dog's mouth as far back as possible. Putting it too forward on the tongue could cause the dog to hold it and the medicine will melt in his mouth.

Step 7. As soon as you drop the pill in, quickly pull your hand out, close the dog's mouth with both your hands and lightly rub back and forth on the top of the dog's nose and on his throat. This will urge him to swallow the pill and will also help relax him.

Step 8. Release his mouth and make sure he swallowed the pill.

Step 9. Immediately give him the second treat along with lots of praise, chest rubs and tummy rubs.

The process will likely become easier for the both of you over time. After giving the pill to your dog by hand a couple of times, it can seem like no trouble at all. The dog will likely also realize that it's not something to panic over and will be more at ease each time it comes time for him to get his medicine.