How to Make Giving Your Pet Medication Easier

Giving your dog or cat medication doesn't have to be a wrestling match. Whether it's a daily supplement, a short-term antibiotic, or ongoing insulin, there are proven tricks that make the process easier for both of you. As a professional pet sitter who regularly administers medication for clients throughout Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, and Central PA, here are the tips that actually work.

Why Dogs and Cats Resist Taking Medication

Pets resist medications for several reasons:

• The taste or smell is unpleasant
• They've had negative experiences before
• They don't like being restrained
• They can sense your tension or anxiety

The Key Principle for Pet Medication

The goal is to make medication time as positive (or at least as neutral) as possible. Stay calm, be patient, and reward cooperation.

How to Hide Pills in Food

Best Foods for Hiding Pet Medication

• Pill pockets: Soft treats designed to hide medication (available at pet stores)
• Cream cheese: Sticky enough to coat pills and mask taste
• Peanut butter: A favorite for most dogs (make sure it's xylitol-free!)
• Cheese: Soft cheese wraps easily around pills
• Deli meat: Roll the pill inside a piece of turkey or ham
• Canned food: Mix crushed pills into a small amount of wet food

The Three-Treat Trick for Dogs

This works especially well for smart dogs who find hidden pills:

1. Give a treat without medication, build excitement
2. Give the treat with medication, they're already in "treat mode"
3. Immediately offer another plain treat, they swallow quickly to get the next one

How to Give a Dog a Pill Directly

Sometimes you can't hide the pill. Here's the step-by-step technique:

1. Gently hold their upper jaw and tilt the head slightly up
2. Use your other hand to open the lower jaw
3. Place the pill far back on the tongue (past the "hump")
4. Close their mouth and hold it gently closed
5. Stroke the throat to encourage swallowing
6. Watch for licking their nose, this usually means they've swallowed
7. Follow with a treat and praise!

How to Give a Cat a Pill

Cats are trickier! Consider a pill shooter (available at pet stores) to safely deliver pills to the back of the throat. Always follow with water from a syringe to ensure the pill goes down completely. For more tips on keeping your cat comfortable during care, see our guide to cat sitting.

How to Give Liquid Medication to Pets

• Use the syringe that comes with the medication
• Insert at the side of the mouth, behind the canine teeth
• Dispense slowly to prevent choking
• Allow time to swallow between squirts
• Mix with a small amount of tuna juice or broth if allowed by your vet

How to Apply Eye Drops and Ear Drops

Applying Eye Drops to Dogs and Cats

1. Hold from behind so your pet can't back away
2. Tilt the head up slightly
3. Rest your hand on their head for stability
4. Apply drops from above and slightly to the side
5. Let them blink to distribute the medication

Applying Ear Drops to Dogs and Cats

1. Gently fold the ear flap back
2. Apply the prescribed number of drops
3. Massage the base of the ear to distribute
4. Let them shake, it's normal!

Making Medication Time a Positive Experience

• Stay calm: Your stress transfers to your pet
• Be quick and confident: Hesitation prolongs the experience
• Always reward: Treats, praise, and play after medication
• Create a routine: Same time, same place, same sequence
• Practice when healthy: Get your pet used to handling before they need medication

When to Ask Your Vet or Pet Sitter for Help

If you're struggling with medication administration:

• Ask your vet about compounding into flavored liquids or treats
• See if an injectable version is available
• Request a demonstration from your veterinary team
• Hire a professional pet sitter experienced with medication administration

Need help with pet medication while you're away? Big Mike's Pet Sitting is experienced with all types of pet medications, including insulin injections, eye drops, and special-needs care throughout Lancaster County. We'll follow your vet's instructions precisely and keep you updated on every dose. Serving Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, Hershey, Lititz, and communities across Lancaster County, PA. Contact us for a free consultation!