Dogs are smart. Their noses can quickly sniff out medicine, even if it is buried inside a tasty morsel. If you've ever tried to give your dog medicine, you'll know how easily they spot the unwanted drug.
One common method for administering dog medicine involves putting the pill or power into the back of the dog's throat, holding his mouth close and slightly raised. Stroking the throat triggers the swallow that takes the medicine down.
While this is effective, it can be stressful for the dog. It's better if you can sneak the food into your dog without him knowing. Of course, if the medicine is to be taken in any other way than orally, you will have to deliver it in the prescribed way.
The first thing to know is whether it's okay to give the medicine in water, milk or food. If it can, this will make it much easier for you. If the dose is in powder or liquid form, mix it well into the water or milk. If it is in pill form, simply hide it inside your dog's favourite meat or treat.
Even when the food has a delicious smell and is enticing, a wise dog can will know the difference between treat and medicine. He will smoothly separate the two and spit out the drug. There is a way around this, but it might take some practice.
First, delay the feeding time so your dog is very hungry when you deliver the medicine. He will be too ravenous to worry about what might not smell quite right as he eats the food. If it is liquid, deny him water so that he is thirsty and will readily drink the water and medicine mixture.
Another trick is to get him excited. Select a food that is highly flavoured and extremely desirable. Pieces of meat like corned beef are a good choice. Perhaps better is hot dogs. They have a strong odor and they are firm enough to hold the pill. You can dig a hole inside and end piece to insert liquid without it running through. As you proceed to feed him the drug, get him happy and anxious for the treat.
Give him one or two pieces to get him started before slipping the medication inside. His mouth will be watering for more and he will gulp down any subsequent pieces you give him, drug included.
If you cannot get your dog to take the food with the medicine, you'll have to resort to forcing him to take it. With practice you can develop this technique so that it works very well.
Make your dog sit and stand behind him. Use your legs to prevent him from escaping. Raise his head slightly and place the medicine at the back of the throat. Be careful not to force medicine too far back as it can end up choking him. Close his mouth and hold it shut with your hand. With the nose raised slightly, stroke his throat until he swallows a few times.
Be especially careful when applying medicine this way. If the drug gets into your dog's lungs, it can cause respiratory distress and even pneumonia. This is most likely to occur if the drug is in liquid form.
For puppies, apply the liquid medicine to their lips and they will lick it off easily. You can also use a syringe to place the medicine in the lip pocket. Stroke his throat as described to make him swallow.
After a few doses, you will soon figure out which application method works best for you and your dog.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
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