Giving your pet a tablet – hints and tips

From time to time your dog or cat will require medication such as worming tablets, or antibiotics. Giving tablets to your pet can be tricky business so here’s a few tips that can help make medication time less stressful for you and your pet.

1. Refer to the instructions given by your veterinarian, and double check that you have the correct amount of medication.
2. Have your cat in a sitting position and place one hand on top of the cat’s head, over the ears. (holding cheek bones as demonstrated in the photo below)
3. Tilt the head backwards so your cat’s nose is pointing to the ceiling. This will cause their mouth to open slightly.
4. Hold the tablet between your thumb and index finger of your second hand as shown in the picture here.

5. Open their mouth with the fingers of your other hand.
6. Drop the tablet into the back of the throat as shown below

7. Close their mouth and rub the neck.
8. Ensure the tablet has been swallowed.

1. Refer to the instructions given by your veterinarian, and double check that you have the correct amount of medication.
2. Have your dog in a sitting position.
3. Place your hand over your dog’s muzzle.

4. Place your thumb and forefinger behind the large fang tooth.
5. Hold the tablet between your thumb and index finger of your second hand.
6. Open your dog’s mouth with your fingers of your second hand.

7. Place the tablets at the back of the throat and close the mouth.

8. Rub their neck.
9. Ensure that the tablet has been swallowed.

10. Give your dog lots of praise and reinforcement for swallowing.

If you are unable to get your pet to take the tablet, try disguising it in something they love such as cheese, peanut butter or tuna. However make check with our veterinarian first as some medication should not be given with food.

Alternatively, one of our pet healthcare nurses will be more than happy to demonstrate techniques on how to give your dog or cat a tablet. If all else fails we are more than happy to give your pet a tablet. Feel free to contact us for a convenient time to do so.

Remember – never give your pet human medication unless specified by your vet. Common human medication such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can be harmful or fatal.