💊 Vet’s Guide to Giving Oral Medications to Dogs and Cats in 2025 🐶🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Medicating pets at home can feel like a battle of wits—especially when those pets are clever cats or picky dogs. 🧠🐾 In 2025, the veterinary world has more tools, tips, and options than ever before to help you succeed. Whether you're dealing with a bitter pill or a tricky liquid, this guide breaks it all down to help you confidently give your pet the medication they need to heal and thrive. 💊❤️

🧪 Why Compliance Matters

When your pet is prescribed medication, consistent dosing is essential. Skipping doses or not finishing a prescription can result in:

• 🐛 Incomplete treatment of infection
• 🦠 Creation of drug-resistant bacteria
• 💔 Prolonged illness and suffering
• 💸 Wasted money and vet visits

Unfortunately, some studies show that only 20% to 30% of pet owners complete the full medication course. That’s a lot of missed healing opportunities. Let’s change that! 💪🐶

🍗 Giving Pills to Dogs

Most dogs are food-driven, making pill-giving a little easier. Still, not every trick works for every pup. Here are tried-and-true methods: 🐕💊

✅ Tasty Pill Hiding Tricks

• Lunchmeat or Deli Meat: Wrap the pill in turkey or chicken
• Hot Dogs: Cut a piece and hide the pill inside 🌭
• Peanut Butter: Lubricates and disguises bitter tastes (⚠️ No xylitol!)
• Liverwurst or Stinky Treats: The smellier, the better!
• Pill Pockets: Pre-made soft treats with a pill-sized hole

🧠 Pro Tip: Give a “test treat” first with no pill to lower suspicion, then sneak the medicated one next. 🎯

🐈 Giving Pills to Cats

Cats can be champions of resistance when it comes to pills. But with patience and the right tools, you can get the job done! 😼💪

🚀 The Pilling Gun

A must-have for cat owners. This tool lets you place the pill at the back of the throat while keeping your fingers safely away from those sharp teeth! 😸🔫

🐱 Wrapping Technique

• Wrap your cat snugly in a towel burrito
• Gently press cheeks against molars to open the jaw
• Drop the pill far back on the tongue
• Close the mouth and give a gentle puff of air on the nose

That last one may sound odd, but a puff of air often triggers a swallow reflex—when you see a nose lick, success! ✅

🧴 Liquid Medications: Syringes & Suspensions

Many medications come in liquid form, either already flavored or compounded. Syringes (without needles!) are used to deliver the liquid into the side of the pet’s mouth. 🐾💧

How to Give Liquid Medications:

1. 📦 Draw up the correct dose in the syringe
2. 💨 Tap out any air bubbles
3. 😺 Approach from the side, not head-on
4. 🐶 Place the syringe near the canine tooth into the cheek pouch
5. 🧠 Slowly squirt the liquid—don’t rush!
6. 🕐 For large doses, give in parts over a few minutes

Important: Some liquids must be shaken, refrigerated, or given with food—always read the label and ask your vet. 📋❄️

🍓 Compounded Medications

If your pet won’t take standard pills or liquids, your vet may work with a compounding pharmacy. These custom meds can be flavored, reformulated, or disguised to fit your pet’s needs. 🎯

Options Include:

• 🐟 Tuna- or chicken-flavored liquids
• 🍖 Treat-shaped medications
• 🌿 Transdermal gels (absorbed through the skin, often via the ear)

Ask your vet if compounded options are available—they can be game changers for difficult pets. 🐾💊

😷 Transbuccal or Transmucosal Medications

Some drugs (like pain relievers) can be absorbed through the gums or cheek tissue. These require careful application but are ideal for pets who can’t swallow pills or liquids. 🧴🩹

How to Give Transmucosal Meds:

• Use a syringe to draw the medication
• Squirt into the cheek pouch or onto the gumline
• Gently hold the mouth closed for absorption

🚨 Medication Safety Tips

• ✔️ Double-check the medication name and dose
• ✔️ Follow timing instructions (e.g., with food, empty stomach)
• ✔️ Store medications properly (fridge, away from sunlight, etc.)
• ✔️ Use clean tools and administer calmly

Never guess a dose or mix meds without vet approval. And always monitor for side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, or behavioral changes. 🧠❗

📦 Organize Your Pet’s Medication Routine

💡 Use the Ask A Vet app to set reminders, track doses, and store medication instructions. Our app simplifies pet care so you never miss a beat. 🕓📱

🐶 Make It a Positive Experience

Always reward your pet after successful medication! 🎉 Use treats, praise, or their favorite toy to build positive associations. Over time, it gets easier—for both of you. 🐾💖

🙋‍♂️ Still Struggling?

Reach out to your vet—or connect with AskAVet.com for support. We offer:

• 📽️ Demonstration videos
• 📱 App-based dose tracking
• 🧠 Live help from Dr Duncan Houston and team

📲 Download the Ask A Vet App

Get expert help from the comfort of home. Track meds, schedule reminders, and chat with a vet 24/7. Your pet’s care just got a whole lot easier. 🎯💊

Remember: Medication doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and tips, you and your pet can conquer even the trickiest pills. 🐕🐈💪

Healing starts with a dose of love—and a little peanut butter. 💖🥜