How to get dog to take medication please?

[OrinocoGlow]

My dog has been prescribed strong painkillers for a urinary tract issue as well as anti-inflammatory liquid. The dog will take the liquid mixed in with food with no problems but she just won't eat anything with the tablets and it's horrible to see her in pain.

We've tried crushing the tablets, giving them hidden in small chunks of sausages, mackerel, all sorts of food but she won't swallow food whole and always chews little pieces so it's hard to disguise. She spits out the bits with parts of tablet in it. We mix it up so some food is untainted and some has the tablet in it but she's worked it out now. Too clever for her own good!

Does anyone have any ideas for dogs who refuse their tablets please?

@OrinocoGlow

Thank you Veterinari - she is a reactive and anxious dog but she's in pain so I will try pate in little balls tomorrow with some clean blank ones to alternate. Back to the vet next week for some more tests.

Good luck!

The only thing I'd say is use pate sparingly - it's high in vitamin A and quite rich.

I use the very cheap potted meat pastes that you get in little glass jars for sandwiches. Usually near the tinned fish/meat in the supermarket. The salmon paste seems to be a favourite.

I wouldn't mess about mixing them with food, this has never worked with my dog, they just sniff it out.

With mine I clamp his jaws open with my fingers, tip his head back and drop the tablet down his throat rubbing his throat with my other hand to help it on its way. It's quick and easy and works every time. My dog is nearly 15 and been on tablets most of his life and some of them are huge as well.

A sad update, we lost our wonderful dog on Monday when she didn't recover from her anaesthetic. We are so heartbroken and home doesn't feel like home without her, it's so quiet and empty. I miss her so much and life really revolved around her. I hope it will get easier in time and the happy memories will see us through.

I wanted to thank you for helping me when I needed it as we managed to get some medication into her using your tips and advice. This made her last days more comfortable for which I am very grateful.

Oh no, I'm so very sorry you lost your girl

So sorry

I’m so sorry to read your update. Thinking of you all

Thank you for your kind words.

So very sorry, sending you all love and sympathy. It’s the saddest thing about loving our pets they just don’t live long enough.xx

So so sorry op, how devastating for you x

I'm really sorry, that's the only downside to living with pets.

So sorry

Thank you all, it's nice that you understand.