How to give your Service Dog Medication

Does the thought of administering medication to your service dog give you the chills? Trying to get your canine companion to swallow medicine can be a challenge. Service dogs don't understand the benefits of medicine. That leaves it up to you, their owner, to make sure they get their medication down, so they may stay healthy and strong. Continue reading to learn tips on how you may make it easier on yourself and your dog when trying to give them their pet meds.

Tips

- Hide the pill in your pet's treats. While it's probably one of the oldest tricks in the book, hiding your pet's pill in their treat is a sneaky and effective way to give them their medication without their knowledge. Make sure they eat the whole thing, though. Some pets may have tricks of their own and figure out how to eat around the medication. You should also make a note NOT to add the medication to their regular food. If they catch the scent of the meds on their food, they may refuse to eat. If hiding a pill in their dog treat doesn't work, visit your pet pharmacy for liquid pet medication to be concealed in their food. This way the medication is absorbed into the actual treat instead of just hidden for your pet to detect.

- If it isn't too late, start to train your dog to sit before each meal. Reward you service dog with a treat each time they do this to reinforce the behavior. Make sure you praise your pup after they swallow while you look and act cheerful. Although it may sound silly, this technique will ensure that you will have the ability to medicate your pet at every meal.

- Avoid getting anxious and expressing your frustration. Pets can sense you're stressed and will not react well if you're frustrated. Stay relaxed and be cheerful. Sit next to him side by side while you attempt to give him his medication. This will help relax your dog.

At Petjoy Online we strive to provide our customers with the products and information they need to take care of their service dogs. Visit our website for more information regarding service dogs and take the opportunity to browse through our selection of service dog vests and other products!