Having trouble giving pill

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lenistar

Member Since 2012
Hi, everyone,

So our vet prescribed Denamarin because Dusty's ALT was slightly elevated at our last visit. I'm having such a hard time getting him to take it. I've tried pill pockets (that worked yesterday after a little while), tuna, butter, and his regular food. I've never been able to pill him by mouth (I tried again tonight). I'm feeling so discouraged. Any ideas?

Thank you!
Leni & Dusty
 
Gel caps have been a game changer for me. You still have to pill them, but the fact that they cannot taste the medicine and that the capsule is smooth and has a better shape for swallowing makes it so much easier. I also find it very helpful to offer a special treat. Willow loves chicken breast, so I tear some into a bowl and set it down in front of her. She doesn't get to eat it until I pop the pill in the back of her month and gently hold her mouth shut (usually stroking her neck) until she swallows. When I let go, she gets busy on her chicken. We are at the point now that she comes running and jumps up in the pilling spot. She still does not like the pilling but LOVES the treat, so tolerates it.
 
Gel caps are amazing - especially for medicines like Metronidazole -- that make them foam at the mouth they are so nasty. Never tried a piller. As much as we administer, I might want to look into that myself.
 
I use a pill gun, look for one that has a soft tip so that you do not harm his mouth and give about 1ml of water with a syringe after the pill to make sure they swallow the pill and it does not get stuck in their traquea and afterwards they get a treat after a while they've come to accept the pill as a necessary evil for their treat

If your boy is food driven maybe use some cream cheese to cover the pill it works really well if they like the flavor
 
Thank you everyone for your help! I managed to give Dusty his pill tonight and immediately after gave him a small amt. of food (he's supposed to take it on an empty stomach but the vet said a little food was okay), and I wanted him to have something good to associate with the pill. He didn't like the process, which is so upsetting (I hate to do anything that causes him distress, but I know it's important that he take his medicine). I'm hoping it will get easier and easier. I'll look into the gelcaps, too. I've never tried cream cheese before, but maybe he'd like that.

Thank you again for your help,
Leni & Dusty
 
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