Giving medicines to pets in need can be extremely challenging, especially when the animal is reluctant to take them. However, as veterinary professionals, we know that ensuring animals receive necessary medicine regularly and for the full course of their treatment is vital for their recovery and long-term health. But how can we ensure this when clients leave our practice? Dr Nick Horniman, MRCVS, outlines his top eight recommendations you can give your clients when it comes to helping them get their reluctant animals to take their medications at home.
1. Explain the challenge
Before recommending any techniques, it’s crucial that your clients grasp why their pets often resist medication, as it could inform their choice when it comes to deciding on a treatment plan and solution. Explain to them that animals have a heightened sense of smell and taste, making them more alert when it comes to foreign substances. Additionally, negative past experiences with medication or discomfort caused by illness can contribute to their reluctance.
Tailoring your strategy based on the pet’s temperament lays the foundation for a more successful medication administration experience
Understanding whether their pet is anxious, agitated or simply indifferent can inform the approach taken. Tailoring your strategy based on the pet’s temperament lays the foundation for a more successful medication administration experience. For instance, if your client’s cat tends to be more skittish, approaching with a calm demeanour and soft voice can help ease their anxiety.
2. Use pill pockets and treats
Treats and pill pockets – treat-like pouches designed to conceal medication – can really help your clients give medicine to a reluctant pet. The enticing nature of treats can go a long way towards effectively disguising the presence of the medication within.
Encouraging clients to associate medication time with positive experiences is crucial. By using the pet’s favourite treats, you create a positive reinforcement loop, making the process more palatable for the animal. The key is to turn medication time into a rewarding activity, reinforcing the bond between pet and owner.
Advise them to consider experimenting with various treat options to discover what truly captivates their pet’s taste buds. Whether it’s a particular brand of store-bought treats or homemade delights, finding the perfect incentive can make a significant difference in how their pet approaches medication time.
3. Distract them as much as possible
Distraction could be a powerful tool in your client’s arsenal when it comes to giving medication to their reluctant pet. Suggest engaging pets in play or providing affection before and after medication time. This not only diverts the pet’s attention from the impending medicine but also fosters a sense of comfort and security. By making the entire process more enjoyable and less stressful, distraction techniques can transform medication time from a dreaded event into a moment of connection between pet and owner.
By making the entire process more enjoyable and less stressful, distraction techniques can transform medication time from a dreaded event into a moment of connection between pet and owner
Incorporating a short play session with a dog’s favourite toy before administering medication can create a positive association. When it comes to cats, using interactive toys or engaging in gentle petting can serve as effective distractions. It’s all about creating a positive atmosphere that helps the pet associate medication time with moments of joy and bonding.
4. Demonstrating techniques for administering oral medication
Administering oral medication requires a certain amount of finesse, so vets need to clearly guide pet owners on proper technique.
For cats, using a syringe without a needle can be effective; they simply need to place the syringe in the side of the cat’s mouth and gradually release the liquid. Dog owners, on the other hand, might benefit from hiding oral medication in their pet’s food or using a pill dispenser designed for canines. When dealing with larger dogs, sitting beside them and gently tilting their head back can facilitate easier pill placement. Demonstrating these techniques in the clinic ensures that pet owners feel confident replicating them at home.
It’s essential to remind clients that they should approach the process calmly and patiently, using a soothing tone and offering positive reinforcement throughout
It’s essential to remind clients that they should approach the process calmly and patiently, using a soothing tone and offering positive reinforcement throughout. This not only makes the experience more comfortable for the pet but also strengthens the bond between them and their owner.
5. Tablet crushing
Another tip to give pet owners is to crush their animal’s tablets. However, it’s crucial to make your clients aware that not all medications can be crushed, as doing so may alter their effectiveness.
Provide guidance on which medications are suitable for crushing, along with alternative administration methods. This ensures that pets receive their medication in a form that suits both their preferences and their health needs.
When considering crushing tablets, it’s essential that clients know whether the method is suitable for the specific medication prescribed for their pet. Additionally, exploring alternative forms, such as liquid formulations or chewable tablets, can provide viable options for pets with a strong dislike of traditional pills.
6. Compounded medications
You could introduce your clients to the concept of compounded medications, and explain that it involves tailoring a medication’s form, flavour or concentration to suit a pet’s preferences. While not applicable to all medications, compounding offers a personalised approach that enhances the likelihood of successful administration.
While not applicable to all medications, compounding offers a personalised approach that enhances the likelihood of successful administration
By working with compounding pharmacies, veterinarians can provide customised solutions that make the medication more appealing to the pet’s senses, facilitating a smoother administration process. Compounded medications come in various forms, including flavoured liquids, transdermal gels and even tasty chewable treats, offering a diverse range of options to suit different pet preferences.
For pets with specific dietary restrictions or allergies, compounded medications can be formulated to exclude problematic ingredients. This individualised approach ensures that pets receive their medication in a manner that aligns with their unique tastes and health requirements.
7. Establish a routine
Consistency plays an important role in acclimatising pets to a new medication routine. Encourage your clients to administer medicine at the same time each day, associating it with established daily rituals like mealtime or walks. Pets thrive on routine, and this predictability can transform medication time from a source of stress into a familiar, expected event.
Establishing a consistent routine not only makes the medication process more manageable but also contributes to the overall well-being of the pet. It creates a sense of security and predictability, reducing anxiety associated with medication time. Whether your clients choose to administer medication before or after meals, incorporating it into their pet’s daily schedule enhances their comfort and helps build a positive association.
Pets thrive on routine, and this predictability can transform medication time from a source of stress into a familiar, expected event
Your clients could also consider creating a designated space or using a specific cue, such as a treat or a particular toy, to signal the start and end of the medication process. This ritualistic approach adds structure to the experience, making it more manageable for them and their pet.
8. Foster a strong vet–client relationship
Above all, it’s important that your client understands that they’re not alone in having a pet that struggles to take medications. If you foster open communication with your clients and build strong, trusting relationships, they will feel more comfortable to ask questions and consult with you as and when issues arise – preventing potentially damaging mistakes such as crushing a tablet that should be left whole.
It’s important that your client knows that you can offer expert insight based on your knowledge of their pet’s medical history and previous behaviours, which you can use to help guide them through any challenges, provide reassurance and offer practical solutions. Overall, building a positive relationship with your clients will allow you to give their pet the best care possible, and ensure that they receive all the medications they need.
