Just like people, animals can benefit from preventive health care. Heartworm medication is a great example, as it can help dogs avoid the dangers of this potentially fatal parasite. However, for preventative pet care like this to work optimally, most medicine must be administered regularly—whether it's daily, weekly, or monthly. Depending on your furry friend's personality, getting them to take their meds might be tough. Try these tricks to make the task easier.

How to Get Animals to Take Their Meds

1. Try a Pill Device

You need to get a pill as far back in your pet's throat as possible to ensure they swallow it. Doing this with your hands can be risky, as a canine might accidentally nip at fingers as a reflex. 

Use a pill device to keep yourself safe and your pet comfortable. This object allows you to place the pill safely in the back of the dog's mouth. Once it's beyond the small hump in your pup's tongue, remove the device, close their mouth, and stroke their throat downward to get them to swallow.

2. Disguise the Pill in a Treat

Create a pill pocket to sneakily get a pup to take their medicine. A dog-safe piece of sausage or a small spoonful of peanut butter will disguise the taste of the medicine and tempt your pup. Canine-safe cheese, like American, cheddar, or Swiss, is another option. You can also buy ready-made pill pockets, which are dog treats with hollowed-out spaces to accommodate medicine.

3. Use Liquid or Compounded Medications

If you're still having trouble, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of liquid or compounded medications. These can be more easily mixed with other goods, like wet dog food, making it easier to conceal any medicinal taste from your pooch. While these options may be pricier, this form of preventative pet care will ultimately be cheaper than treating a serious issue like heartworms.

If you're still struggling to get your pet to take their medication, consult with Dr. Robin's Housecall Veterinary Services in Denver, CO, for assistance. Dr. Robin has more than 12 years of experience and offers mobile vet services that are ideal for furry friends that don't like to travel, multi-pet households, or busy pet owners who simply want to save time. She offers vaccinations, bloodwork, microchipping, wellness exams, and diagnostic services. Find out more about her preventative pet care services online, and call (970) 217-1260 to book an appointment.