Dog Won’t Take Pills? A Vet Shares 13 Game-Changing Tricks

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Getting your dog to take a pill can feel like a battle of wits. One that you may find yourself losing more often than not. It’s baffling, really. My dog will gleefully devour an unidentified chunk of something off the sidewalk, inhale cat poop like it’s a delicacy, and chew on literal rocks. Yet, the moment she senses a tiny, life-saving pill, she becomes a master detective. Suddenly, she’s analyzing every bite, surgically extracting the medication from a piece of cheese or spitting it out with the force of a tiny, furry trebuchet.

It’s as if dogs believe pills are some elaborate attempt to poison them. Never mind that they will, without hesitation, gulp down week-old pizza crust from the gutter. So, how do you outsmart a creature that can smell a pill buried in a spoonful of peanut butter but can’t resist licking its own behind? The good news is that there are tricks to making the medicine go down without turning every dose into a hostage negotiation. Whether it’s clever disguises, sneaky techniques, or a well-timed bribe, there’s hope for pet owners who are tired of the daily pill struggle. Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, shares 13 tricks that are sure to help the medicine go down.

Why Don’t Dogs Like Taking Pills?

Dogs have an uncanny ability to sniff out a pill hidden in even the most tempting treat as if they were born with a built-in pharmacy detector. The moment they detect that tiny foreign object, it’s game over—suddenly, the peanut butter is suspect, the cheese is dissected, and the hot dog is abandoned with surgical precision. Their reluctance comes down to a mix of taste, texture, and survival instinct.

Most medications have a bitter or chalky flavor, and unlike humans, dogs don’t understand that the awful-tasting thing is meant to help them. Instead, they see it as a blatant attempt to poison them (never mind that they’ll gleefully eat actual garbage). Add in the weird texture and the fact that pills don’t smell like food, and it’s no wonder they turn their noses up—literally.

A Word From The Vet On How To Give A Dog A Pill

Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed MRCVS, a small animal veterinarian in Wales, shared with us the best way to give a dog a pill.

“Giving a dog a pill isn’t easy. In fact, there have been times as a vet when I have struggled and required the help of my colleagues,” says Dr. Godfrey. She outlines the best way to give your dog a pill below:

1. Hold the pill in one hand while placing your other hand over your dog’s muzzle, with your thumb and middle finger gently pressing on either side of their mouth.
2. Use the index finger of the hand that’s holding the pill to help push your dog’s lower jaw down, opening their mouth.
3. Place the tablet as far back in their mouth as possible – ideally behind the base of their tongue.
4. Immediately close their mouth and hold their muzzle so that their nose is pointing directly upward.
5. As they swallow, you’ll notice their tongue pokes out a little.
6. Open their mouth to check that the pill is gone.
7. A syringe of water or other means of squirting a small amount of water into their mouth should help encourage them to swallow. When they swallow the water, they’ll also swallow the pill.

“It’s not a good idea to alert your dog to the fact that something is going on before you have everything ready to go. Once you start to act a little bit odd, following them around or looking at them anxiously, they’ll soon catch on to the fact that something is up. Instead, act as calmly and normally as possible as you get the people, the medication, and anything else you need ready,” Dr. Godfrey explains further.

“Don’t forget to read the room. The room where you decide to give the tablet to your dog is more important than you think,” adds Dr. Godfrey. “You want enough space and minimal clutter so that you or your dog are unlikely to trip on a cable, bump your head on the TV stand, or otherwise injure yourself. However, choosing a big open space like the garden might not be the best idea either, unless you fancy a run-around! Choose a tidy room with just enough space and maneuver your dog into a corner so they’re less likely to run off.”

She adds,” If it feels like you’ve tried everything and are no closer to getting the tablet into your dog, speak to your veterinarian. Although not every medication has an injectable alternative, many do. Your vet can help decide on a treatment plan that suits you and your dog and prevents a traumatic experience for you and your dog.”

13 Tips To Get Your Dog To Take A Pill

Keep reading to learn the best tricks for getting your uncooperative dog to take his pills…

1. Speak To Your Vet

Before you try any methods on this list, you should speak to your veterinarian. You see, the exact type of medication will determine the methods you can and can’t use to get your dog to take his pill.

Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best way to get your dog to take his specific medication. In some instances, there may even be a flavored alternative. Meds like Carpofen (for arthritis) or fluoxetine (for separation anxiety) have tasty flavored options that dogs will eat without hesitation – no tricks necessary. Your vet may also be able to swap you over to an alternate medication that is easier to administer, say in liquid or powdered form.

Need to book an affordable vet in a hurry? Check out Vetster, an online platform that allows you to speak to a veterinarian via video, chat, or voice at any time – day or night.

2. Open The Pill Bottle Away From Your Dog

Ever notice how the mere rattle of the kibble container sends your dog sprinting from across the house like it’s the canine equivalent of a dinner bell? That’s because dogs are masters of association—they quickly link sounds, smells, and even your routines to what happens next.

While consistency works in your favor regarding mealtime, this predictability can backfire when it comes to medication. If your dog has learned to connect the pop of a pill packet or the click of a bottle cap with the dreaded taste of medicine, you’re in trouble. That tiny sound is all it takes for your dog to shift into full-blown suspicion mode, analyzing every treat with the scrutiny of a forensic scientist. And if you medicate daily? The pattern becomes even more obvious.

Some dogs will flat-out refuse to take anything after hearing the pill bottle, while others will make a run for it before you even have a chance to try. The best way to avoid this battle of wits? Keep the prep work out of sight. By handling the pill in another room, away from prying eyes and twitching noses, you stand a much better chance of pulling off a successful sneak attack.

Dr. Godfrey adds, “Try not to rush up to your dog to give them a pill if they’re nervous. You might find that you make them even more fearful. You could jeopardize your chances of getting the rest of the course of tablets in if you make the experience too intense for them. Instead, try being relaxed and gentle and approaching them calmly.”

3. Wash Your Hands

Did you know your dog’s nose is so powerful it can detect a single drop of liquid in an Olympic-sized swimming pool? Your pup’s sense of smell is roughly 10,000 times stronger than yours. Dogs are trusted to sniff out everything from missing persons to hidden drugs. Dogs can even smell cancer in our blood. But while law enforcement might appreciate this superpower, it’s a nightmare when you’re trying to sneak a pill past your furry little detective.

The moment you handle your dog’s medication, that telltale scent clings to your fingers like a neon sign flashing, “Suspicious Activity Detected.” Even if you’ve gone to great lengths to disguise the pill in cheese, peanut butter, or a juicy piece of meat, your dog may still hesitate. Not because he sees it but because his nose tells him something’s off. If he’s particularly stubborn, he might even sniff out the pill and leave you with a sad, slobbery pile of rejected treats.

So, what’s the fix? Wash your hands. Seriously. A quick rinse won’t cut it. Use warm water and soap to scrub away any lingering traces of medication before you go anywhere near your dog’s food. This simple step can make all the difference between a smooth, stress-free pill delivery and yet another round of “Who’s smarter—me or my dog?” (Spoiler: it’s usually your dog.)

4. Mix It In With Your Dog’s Food

Okay, so this is the most obvious one. Your dog already gets a square meal each day. Hide his pill in that. I know what you are wondering, “What if you kibble feed?” Since the pill sits loose among the kibble, it’s easy for clever dogs to spot the pill, avoiding it altogether. Mixing in a can of dog food can make all the difference. Pushing the pill into a chunk of canned dog food will mask the taste of the pill. My dog will wolf down any pill stuffed in PurinaOne Canned Food.

Does your dog use a slow-feed dog bowl to slow down his mealtime? Then, you might want to swap over to a traditional dog bowl. Allowing your dog to gulp may make him less likely to notice the pill hidden inside his food.

If you have multiple dogs, you’ll want to ensure the right dog gets his medicine. Separate feeding will ensure none of your other pups steal your dog’s medicated meal. This method does have a downside. While serving a pill with dinner is the easiest solution, many dogs are smart enough to eat around it. They will lick up every last piece of food and leave the pill behind.

5. Put The Pill Inside A Gelcap

Dogs don’t like sour-tasting foods. Try to feed your dog a piece of lemon, and you’ll see what I mean. It’s puzzling that a bitter-tasting coating surrounds lots of pills. It’s almost like they are deliberately trying to make your dog hate swallowing pills. For example, Metronidazole (antibiotic) and Tramadol (pain relief) are two commonly prescribed dog pills with a sour taste – dogs love to spit these pills out.

But it’s not just the taste. Texture plays a role, too. For example, a chalky tablet may feel like a rock when it touches the tongue, causing your dog to reject it. Texture and taste problems are quickly resolved by putting your dog’s pill inside another pill. I’m talking about gelatine capsules like these ones from Capsuline.

These hollow pills can be filled with whatever medication you want. Best of all, they don’t have any flavor. Open the capsule, place your dog’s foul-tasting pill inside, and press the two halves together. You now have a pill-in-a-pill that your dog won’t be able to taste – the sour flavor is locked inside. Some pills may need to be cut in half or smooshed in, but with a steady hand, you should be able to squeeze your dog’s medication inside.

Want to know the main reason I love gelatine capsules? You can use them to give your dog more than one pill at a time. By filling the capsule with more than one tablet, you can give your dog his daily medication in one pill. It’s easier to get your uncooperative dog to swallow a single pill than multiple!

6. The Trojan Horse: Hide The Pill In A Treat

What do all dogs love? Treats! When it comes to the battle of the pill, you can use treats to sneak a pill inside your dog. For some dogs, this method is the best of both worlds. They get a treat, and you don’t have to wrestle them to the ground to take a pill, all for their own good.

“Pate, natural yogurt, cocktail sausages, and other treats can help make pilling your dog a little less traumatic for everyone. Try choosing something strong-smelling or particularly meaty or fishy flavored so that your dog is less able to detect the hidden pill. Of course, it’s important only to choose foods that are safe for dogs and avoid anything your dog has not eaten before or is allergic to,” from Dr. Hannah Godfrey.

Using food is a great way to give a pill to a dog that bites. You can throw the treat and have him catch it in his mouth. Your fingers don’t have to go near those snapping jaws. The success of this method relies on your ability to seal the pill inside the treat. If your dog feels or tastes the pill inside the food, he will reject it. Typically, the smellier and tastier the food, the more likely your dog will be to take the pill.

8 Top Foods To Hide Dog Pills In

1. Peanut Butter: Perhaps one of the most common methods for hiding pills. Spoon out a dollop of peanut butter, ball it up, and push a pill into the middle of it. For best results, use crunchy peanut butter – the chunks of peanuts will hide the hard pill inside. For more info, check out our guide on the best dog peanut butter – we tested and reviewed 50 different types!
2. Plain Yogurt: Slightly messier but has the same idea as peanut butter. Spoon out a dollop of yogurt and hide the pill inside. Thick yogurt works best – it’s more likely to conceal the pill as it is gulped down.
3. Pill Pockets: Arguably the most hassle-free method of hiding your dog’s pills. These dog treats have been designed to mask the smell and flavor of even the most bitter pills. Greenies has one of the leading products on the market. You simply load the empty cavity up with a large pill (or multiple small ones) and pinch the pocket closed. Just like that, your pill is encased in a delicious treat that’s too good for your pup to pass up. Pill pockets go further than you think. Because the treat is like play dough, you can break it into chunks and use a single pill pocket for up to six pills.
4. Marshmallows: Cut a marshmallow in half and place the pill inside. Squeeze the two halves back together before giving the marshmallow pill to your dog. Just make sure they don’t contain the ingredient xylitol, which can be fatal to dogs.
5. Hot Dog Pieces: Cut your hot dog into pieces slightly longer than your pill. Push the pill into the filling and give it to your dog. Can’t get the pill inside without breaking the hotdog? Use a chopstick to make an indent.
6. Liver Pate: Essentially, it is a thick paste that is made up of ground meat. Dogs love the flavor, and it can effortlessly be shaped around a pill. Alternatively, you could use liverwurst, a sausage that can also be easily molded around pills.
7. Chicken Hearts: Is your dog on a raw food diet? Then, you might already have natural pill pockets on hand. I’m talking about chicken hearts. Slide a pill inside the hole and give it to your dog. If your pup is on the larger side, or you are working with multiple pills, use turkey hearts instead – these are bigger than chicken hearts.
8. Sardines: Perhaps the stinkiest option. Push your pill into the mushy flesh, and the strong smell and flavor will mask the pill from even the pickiest pill swallower.

Yummy DIY Dog Pill Pockets

Make your own pill pockets with this easy do-it-yourself recipe. It has just three ingredients: rolled oats, water, and peanut butter. Mix all three together until there’s a dough-like consistency (you might need to grind up the oats in a food processor first) and roll into balls. Use the end of a wooden spoon to create an opening and keep them refrigerated so they stay mushy and don’t dry up.

7. Treat, Treat, Pill, Treat…

By giving your dog multiple treats without a pill, he will be more likely to ignore the food with a pill in it. I have found the best way to do this is by playing a game of catch. Prepare five or six balls of food and place your pill inside one of them. Toss them one at a time so your dog catches and swallows them. Start with the food that doesn’t have the pill.

Keep throwing your dog treats at a constant speed. Treat, treat, pill, treat, treat…you get the idea. As soon as your dog catches one, throw the next one. This way, he will swallow quickly as all the focus is on making sure he grabs the next treat – Your dog will eat the hidden pill so that he can keep up the pace.

For best results, keep the treat the same. For example, if you are using pill pockets to hide the pill, then the other treats you throw at your dog should be pill pockets, too.

The treats should be small enough that your dog can easily swallow them in a single gulp. If your dog can’t, he may pause to chew, which may reveal the pill hidden inside. If you have a small dog, you will need a small treat.

Also, you don’t have to throw with the force of a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees. Slow-paced lobs are the name of the game. Make it simple for your dog to catch and move your hand closer to your dog’s mouth if you need to. But not too close if your dog is a biter.

8. Combine Pill Time With Your Daily Walk

Ever notice how your dog turns into a full-blown detective the moment you step outside? Every leaf, lamppost, and fire hydrant holds some urgent olfactory message that needs decoding, and their attention is constantly bouncing from one scent to the next. That’s what makes a walk the perfect time to sneak in a pill—your dog is too busy soaking in the world to question what’s in his mouth. Unlike at home, where he has the luxury of sitting down and inspecting every bite, the excitement of a walk means he’s more likely to gulp down a treat without hesitation.

Of course, this strategy does require a little planning. You’ll need to bring your dog’s favorite pill-hiding snack along, which might mean stuffing some cheese or peanut butter into a small container or tucking a pill pocket in your pocket (say that five times fast). But trust me, it’s worth the extra effort if it means avoiding the daily battle of wills.

One important thing to keep in mind—if it’s going to be a while before you actually give the pill, don’t pre-load it into anything too soft or moist. A pill sitting inside peanut butter or cheese for too long can start dissolving before your dog can swallow it, which might affect how well it works.

So, when’s the best moment to strike? That depends on your route. That might be your best bet if your dog gets hyper-focused at the dog park. Personally, I go for the instant we step outside the front door—before my dog even has a chance to suspect a thing. At that moment, he’s excitedly vibrating, too distracted by the possibilities of the walk ahead to care about the treat I just handed him. And just like that—mission accomplished.

9. Work For It

Your dog is more likely to take his medicine if he feels he has earned it…

Think about it: every time your dog performs a trick, he gets rewarded. Well, that reward can be a medicated dog treat. Have your dog perform his trick as usual. When the time comes to offer him his treat, give him the treat with the hidden pill inside. Because your dog has earned the treat, he will be much more likely to accept it rather than having it forced on him.

Your dog doesn’t know any tricks, you say? Not a problem. Despite the saying, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Grab a good dog clicker or whistle, and get to work! The focus is less on getting your dog to perform a trick and more on getting him used to a reward for doing it. It doesn’t need to be a difficult trick. It could be as simple as “shaking hands.” See more about how to train your dog in our video below!

10. Pretend To Eat It

What is the tastiest thing in the world for dogs? Whatever you are eating. Those big puppy dog eyes are fixated on whatever you are munching on. It can be difficult to resist sharing with them! You can use your dog’s obsession with human food to your advantage. All you need to do is “pretend” to nibble on the pill with the hidden treat.

Ideally, you want to replicate the situation where your dog would stare at you while you are eating. If that’s on the couch while you eat a bag of Doritos, replicate that. Using this example, you would prepare your dog’s medication in his treat. Then, grab a bag of Doritos and pretend that’s where the treat came from.

Now, dogs are not silly. To convince your dog to take his pill, you will need to put on a performance. So, raise that medicated treat to your mouth and pretend to take a big bite – don’t forget to fake chew!

The trick is to not give in to your dog too early. Make him really want it. Fortunately for a dog, a minute feels like an eternity. After your dog seems interested, if you offer your dog his treat, your dog will think he has won the doggie lottery. He will excitedly gulp it down without a second thought.

A variation of this method involves eating dinner and then “accidentally” dropping your dog’s medicated treat on the ground. Your dog will think he has scored and grab it before you get a chance to stop him…The joke’s on him as he medicated himself!

11. Bring In A Friend

Okay, this one’s a little mean. But if you want to give your dog a pill, and he’s refusing, then you don’t have a choice. Why’s it so mean? Well, you will make your dog feel like he is missing out.

First, you’ll need some company. If you have multiple dogs, then you are good to go. But if you live in a single-dog home, you must bring in a friend. Show the dogs a treat. Once they are all focused on the treat, then comes the mean part:

Feed all the dogs treats except your dog. You’ll notice your dog getting more and more anxious that these other dogs are getting fed and he isn’t. When you feel he is as excited as he will get, give him his special treat (the one with a pill inside.) After watching the other dogs eat their treats without any issues, your dog will eat his special treat without any questions.

As a bonus, dogs generally eat quicker when around other dogs – adding to the likelihood that your dog swallows his pill. Obviously, this method isn’t suitable if you have a resource-guarding pup. If that’s your pup, try one of the other tricks on this list.

Another approach is to bring in a friend for you, with an extra pair of hands to help. Giving a dog a tablet isn’t always a one-person job. If your dog is head-shy, nervous, or just slightly awkward or stubborn, you might need a friend or family member to help you. With an extra pair of hands, one of you can give the pill while the other steadies the dog.

12. Crush It Up

Did your vet give you the all-clear to crush your dog’s medication? Awesome. Crushed pills can be easier to hide than a solid tablet. First, you need to crush your dog’s pill into a fine powder. While you can use a mortar and pestle, rolling pin, or even a hammer, those of you who medicate your dog daily may find using a dedicated pill crusher easier. I like the EZY Dose pill cutter, crusher, and grinder.

Now that you have crushed your dog’s pill, how do you give it to him? Well, you can mix it into your dog’s food. Because the powder is so fine, your dog cannot eat around it. You could also fill up an empty capsule with the powder.

My favorite way to administer a crushed pill is by taking advantage of your dog’s pet peeve. Most dogs have a strong dislike for anything that covers their paws. If you have ever tried and failed to get your dog to wear boots, you’ll be all too familiar with this concept.

First, you’ll need a smearable treat. Creamed cheese, peanut butter, apple sauce, or anything else that is sticky and mushy will work. Take your pill powder and work it through the treat using a spoon, working it until the powder is unnoticeable. You are now left with a medicated paste. So, take a dollop of the medicated paste and smear it over the top of your dog’s paw. Your dog will lick food off his paw – medicating himself.

Note: Crushing your dog’s pill into a powder may not work on particularly bitter pills. Your dog may reject the entire meal if it’s too bitter.

13. Use Your Hand To Administer

You may have noticed that most of the pill-swallowing tricks I’ve listed rely on food. But what happens if your dog refuses to eat? Well, you are going to have to force the pill down your dog’s throat. Don’t worry. It’s easier than it sounds and won’t harm your dog. This is the trick that many vets use to get dogs to take their medicine while in their practice.

Success all comes down to technique. This video shows Dr. Uri Burstyn demonstrate the technique.

As you can see, this is the perfect trick to get your dog to take his medication. Even if he is refusing to eat. If your dog is a wiggler, you may need to bring in a second pair of hands to help keep your pup still.

Many dog owners find a pill feeder useful for force-feeding a pill. Think of it as a syringe for a pill, allowing you to place it at the back of the mouth. Pill feeders are especially effective for gripping tiny pills that are prescribed for small dogs, like Yorkies. When you are done, don’t forget to reward your dog after taking his pill! You want to encourage him to swallow his medication, not fight it.

Always Follow The Right Dose

No matter what you have to mix or hide your pup’s medication in, it’s vital to be sure they get the correct dose. Giving your dog the right medication dose isn’t just a suggestion—it’s critical for their safety and health. Too little, and the medicine might not work, leaving your pup still dealing with pain, infection, or whatever issue you’re trying to treat. Too much, and you could end up with serious side effects, some of which can be life-threatening.

Unlike humans, dogs process medications differently, and their dosage isn’t just about size—things like metabolism, breed, and underlying health conditions all play a role. That’s why you should never guess a dose or assume that what works for one dog will work for another. Always follow your vet’s instructions to the letter, and if you ever miss a dose or accidentally give too much, don’t wait—call your vet. When it comes to medication, close enough isn’t good enough.

Got a tip to share? Let me know how you trick your dog into taking his pills in the comments below!

Keeping Your Pup Healthy

Keeping your dog healthy goes beyond just ensuring they take their meds. A balanced diet, regular exercise, routine vet checkups, and good dental care all greatly prevent illness and keep your pup feeling their best. Make sure your dog stays hydrated, gets plenty of mental stimulation, and maintains a healthy weight to avoid unnecessary health issues down the road. And if medication is part of their routine, finding a stress-free way to give it ensures they get the full benefit. Every dog is different, so it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best. Once you crack the code, pill time can go from a dreaded chore to another easy part of keeping your furry friend happy and thriving.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sara is a practicing veterinarian in a small animal hospital in East Texas. Dr. Sara earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from St. George University. She has over 7 years of experience working as a veterinarian for Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital in Whitehouse, TX. Before vet school, she attended Louisiana Tech for her undergraduate degree and went back to LSU for clinical rounds after completing veterinary school. With years of experience in the field, she is a treasure trove of knowledge on all things animal-related.