We all hate taking pills, and it’s no surprise that our dogs do, too. It’s bad enough when your furry friend doesn’t feel good, but having them take yucky tablets or capsules makes it even worse.
Most pet parents have had to face the bitter battle of giving medication to an unwilling pup-patient at some point or another. But, is there anything we can do to make it easier?
When it comes to giving your dog their prescriptions the easy way, we’re here to lend a helping paw by sharing one good choice, one great choice, and one pawsome choice for you to try!
The Good Choice: Go Mutts with Meats
Where’s the first place you turn when confronted with fooling Fido? That’s right. The fridge.
After all, dogs are always eyeing what hoomans eat on a daily basis, so it’s only natural to think that lunch meat or a piece of hot dog can do the trick. Or... does it?
Although it works sometimes, meat offerings often fail to keep the pills hidden. Plus, hot dogs and other processed meats can be high in salt, preservatives, and byproducts that aren’t the best for your pet.
Then there’s cheese. Whether it’s sliced, grated, string, spray, processed, gourmet, or cream, cheese is a fur-midable contender, but bear in mind that some dogs are lactose intolerant or can’t take the fat content.
As you can see, these choices all seem to come with caveats. And that’s not even counting the super smart pups who nibble all the goodies around the drug and then spit it out at the end. The same goes for the risk of upsetting your dog’s stomach – especially if their meds are already causing stomach discomfort.
Hmm, so is there a better option than fridge food?
The Great Choice: Go (Pea) Nuts!
Peanut butter is one of the tried-and-true ways to hide pills for dogs. It’s still human food of course, but you can also get it made just for dogs. And boy, do they love it!
Other than the taste, peanut butter’s secret weapon is its texture. It’s super hard to separate anything wrapped inside it to spit it out. Nice!
Peanut butter does have a warning for pet moms and dads, though. So, be very careful which brand you buy.
Sadly, some manufacturers now sweeten their peanut butter with a substance called xylitol. It’s perfectly safe for us but extremely toxic to dogs. The ASPCA goes into detail on it in this updated safety warning. It’s recommended reading.
So, even though peanut butter is a clear upgrade over meats and cheeses, it’s not quite a pawfect fit.
Thankfully, we have a tail-waggingly good way to make giving medications easy.
The Pawsome Choice: Pill Wrap Probiotic Paste
If you want a fresh approach to this age-old pill problem, how’s about a specially formulated pill wrap made from a delicious, bacon-flavored probiotic paste?
Probiotic? Heck yeah! Bacon flavor? Bonus!
Our Pill Wrap Probiotic Paste is perfect for pet parents that want an easy, tasty, beneficial, and guilt-free way to help their pup get their meds down.
Along with it’s mouthwatering taste, this yummy paste provides digestive support for gut health and immune balance, which may get out of sorts while your furbaby is taking their meds.
Now, being a pill ninja is as easy as following these simple steps:
- Ask your baby in an excited voice if they want a treat? (Err, no-brainer!)
- Wash your hands – those nose warriors can even smell medications on your skin.
- Pinch off a little paste and offer some of that yummy goodness to them.
- Have a second piece with the pill in it, waiting to quickly follow up with.
- Watch them gobble it up!
That’s a “Wrap”
Congratulations! Now you know how to avoid the weird wrestling matches, sad puppy dog eyes, and frustration from giving your dog their prescription. Enjoy the Zest!
Do you know any other ways to hide pills for dogs? If you do, we’d love you to tell us about them.
We’re always interested in your stories and, of course, see photos of your besties living their zestiest lives! Go ahead and share them with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest using #ZestyPaws.
If you’d like to learn more about our collection of products, you can also reach out to us directly at 1-800-738-0661 or bark@zestypaws.com.
