How to Give Your Pet a Pill: Expert Advice and Video Tutorial

Giving medication to your pet can sometimes feel stressful, especially if your dog or cat resists taking pills. Fortunately, there are several safe, veterinarian-approved techniques that may help make medication time easier for both you and your pet.

In this video, a MedVet veterinary technician walks through four methods, from hiding a pill in a treat to safely wrapping your cat or dog, so you can find the approach that works best for your pet.

Whether you’re using treats, giving medication by hand, or using a pill popper, staying calm and patient can help create a more positive experience.

Watch: How to Give Your Pet a Pill

Giving a Pill by Hand

Some pets take medication best when the pill is placed directly in their mouth. While this method can take practice, it is often one of the quickest and most effective ways to give medication.

To give a pill by hand:

1. Place one hand gently over the top of your pet’s head
2. Use your fingers to carefully pull down the lower jaw or lips at the sides of the mouth
3. Place the pill or capsule as far back on the tongue as possible
4. Close your pet’s mouth and encourage swallowing by gently holding the mouth closed or stroking the throat
5. If recommended by your veterinarian, offer a small amount of water afterward using a syringe to help ensure the pill is swallowed completely

It’s important to stay calm and avoid forcing the process too quickly, which can increase stress for your pet.

Hiding Medication in Treats or Food

Many dogs and some cats will willingly take medication when it is hidden in a favorite treat or soft food.

Depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations, you may be able to use:

• Pill pockets
• Soft treats
• A small amount of cream cheese
• Peanut butter that does not contain xylitol
• Canned food or another favorite snack

Hide the pill completely inside the treat and offer it normally. Pets who are feeling well often accept medicated treats easily.

However, not all medications can be given with food or crushed. Always check with your veterinarian before altering your pet’s medication.

Using a Pill Popper or Pill Gun

A pill popper, sometimes called a pill gun, can help safely place medication at the back of your pet’s mouth without putting your fingers near the teeth. This option may be especially helpful for pets that are difficult to medicate or may bite.

To use a pill popper:

1. Load the pill into the device
2. Gently open your pet’s mouth
3. Place the tip of the pill popper toward the back of the tongue
4. Push the plunger to release the pill
5. Follow with a small amount of water from a syringe to help ensure the pill is fully swallowed and does not remain in the throat

These devices can be useful for both dogs and cats and may make medication safer and less stressful for pet owners.

Wrapping Your Pet (The Burrito Method)

Some pets, particularly cats and smaller dogs, become anxious or squirmy during medication time, making it difficult and potentially unsafe to give a pill by hand. In these cases, wrapping your pet snugly in a towel, often called the “burrito method,” can give you the control you need without putting either of you at risk.

To use the burrito method:

• Lay a towel or blanket flat on a stable surface
• Place your pet in the center and fold one side of the towel snugly over the body, then wrap the other side underneath, leaving just the head exposed
• Hold your pet gently but firmly against your body, using your arm to stabilize them
• With your pet secure, use the hand-pilling technique or a pill popper to open the mouth and administer the medication
• Keep movements calm and controlled — the wrap reduces struggling for both of you

Use treats or praise afterward to create a more positive experience.

If you’re uncomfortable giving medication at home, ask your veterinary team to demonstrate the safest technique for your pet.

When to Call Your Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian if:

• Your pet repeatedly spits out medication
• Your pet vomits after taking medication
• You miss multiple doses
• Your pet refuses food or treats
• Giving medication becomes unsafe or overly stressful

Your veterinarian may be able to recommend alternative forms of medication, including flavored liquids, chewable medications, or compounded prescriptions.

Medication Safety Tip

Never crush, split, or mix medications with food unless your veterinarian tells you it is safe to do so. Some medications must be given whole to work properly.

For more ways to help keep your pet healthy and comfortable at home, explore MedVet’s Pet Care Resources library.