how to give your dog or cat pills

If you've ever tried to give a pet a pill, you already know how it goes. The food gets eaten, the pill gets left behind, and your pet looks at you like nothing happened. Whether you have a sneaky dog or a suspicious cat, getting pets to take medication is one of those things that sounds simple and rarely is.

With the right approach, it gets easier. Here's what to try.

How to give unwilling dogs or cats pills with food

Hiding a pill in food is the path of least resistance — and for most pets, it works.

For dogs and cats, try:

Putting the pill in a small amount of canned pet food
Soft treats or pill pockets, which are designed specifically to mask the smell and taste of medication
A small piece of chicken or strong-smelling food for cats who need extra convincing

Pro tip: Give two or three plain treats first, then sneak in the one with the pill. By the time they get to it, they're too excited to investigate.

If your pet is clever enough to eat around the pill, pill pockets are your best bet — the built-in pouch makes it much harder to pick apart.

Important: Always check with your veterinarian before hiding a pill in food. Some medications need to be given on an empty stomach. And never crush a pill or open a capsule unless your vet specifically says it's OK. Doing so can affect how the medication works or make the taste worse.

How to give dogs or cats pills without food

Sometimes a medication needs to be given on its own. It takes a little confidence, but here's how to do it:

Tilt your pet's head back, which often causes the mouth to open slightly on its own
If needed, gently pull the lower jaw down while holding the upper jaw in place with your other hand
Place the pill at the base of the tongue, as far back as possible
Quickly close your pet's mouth and hold it gently shut until they swallow
If they're reluctant to swallow, try blowing softly on their nose or massaging their throat
Watch for a nose lick — that's usually a sign of success

For cats especially: Wrapping your cat snugly in a towel (the "purrito" method) before you start can help keep them calm and still.

After giving the pill, offer some water or a small amount of food to help it go down — unless your vet has instructed otherwise. Some medications can be hard on the esophagus if they get stuck.

If you're not sure you're doing it right, ask your vet or a technician to walk you through it at your next visit. Watching it done once makes a big difference.

How to give liquid medication to dogs and cats

Most liquid medications come with a dropper or syringe, which makes dosing easier and more precise.

Here's how to give liquid medication:

Tilt your pet's head back slightly
Place the tip of the syringe or dropper into the cheek pouch (between the rear lips and teeth)
Administer the medication slowly, especially for larger doses, to prevent choking
Close your pet's mouth and hold it gently until they swallow
If they won't swallow, try blowing on their nose or massaging the throat

If your pet starts drooling: Don't panic. This is a normal response to stress or an unpleasant taste — or both. It doesn't necessarily mean the medication didn't go down.

As with pills, always follow your veterinarian's instructions exactly. Give the full course of medication as prescribed, and don't start your pet on anything new unless directed by your vet.

Still have questions? Pet Chat™ gives you 24/7 access to veterinary professionals who can walk you through how to give your pet medication (available in most states). It’s included with all Optimum Wellness Plans^®. Reach out through the Banfield app — no appointment needed. Chat with a vet professional now

Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.