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When It's A Tough Pill To Swallow, Help Is At Hand

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If you've tried all the pet-pilling tricks and nothing works, try calling a compounding pharmacy.

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By KRISTEN LEVINE

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 17, 2008

I never appreciated Magic's carefree attitude about pills. From clumsy puppy to creaky old Labrador, she would inhale anything you tossed into the air in her direction - including her daily thyroid pill.

Buck lacks that gene. My husband and I resort to trickery and negotiation to persuade our anxious, arthritic Lab-mix to take his daily eight pills!

And we're not the only ones dealing with pill phobia.

"Whenever we give Angel medication, we try putting the pills in her food," says Margaret Meyers of New Port Richey. "But when we come back to check on the food bowl, it's empty except for the pill!"

Pets are better about taking pills at the vet's office than at home, says vet tech Belinda Zeh.

"Because they're in an unfamiliar environment, they're more likely to cooperate," says Zeh, who works at Largo Veterinary Hospital. "About 75 percent of our patients in the office will simply eat a pill wrapped in a treat."

For the rest of the time, she offers some suggestions.

First, try disguising the pill with cheese, deli meat or peanut butter. If that works, be mindful of the calorie count - especially if your pet takes multiple meds each day.

Try rolling a meatball out of your pet's favorite canned food and place the pill inside.

Prevent your pet from eating around the pill in the dinner bowl by crushing the tablet or emptying the contents of a capsule into the food and stirring it in.

Pill-hiding treats are available at most veterinary offices.

Pill Pockets are made of a soft, pliable substance formed like a little cup. Place the pill in the cup and pinch the top closed. They come in a variety of sizes and flavors.

Flavor-Doh is a relatively new product. The dough-like substance comes in a container from which you can pinch off the desired portion needed to wrap the pill.

Cats, As Always, A Challenge

Introducing a bitter pill to a feline can be a recipe for frustration and an entertaining experience for any onlookers.

"Cats owners have a much tougher time," Zeh says. "A cat's teeth can be like needles so owners have to be very careful not to get injured in the process."

If you're confident, skip the treats and take the direct route. But it takes practice. Secure your cat against your body, Zeh says. Then, (for right-handers), use your left hand to open the mouth by inserting the thumb and middle finger of your left hand in the corners of the mouth from the top. With your right hand, hold the pill with thumb and index finger, and use the base of the palm to force the bottom jaw down, and open. Then, put the pill as far back into your pet's mouth as you can reach. Immediately close the mouth, tilt the head upward and lightly massage the throat to facilitate swallowing. Lefties, reverse the procedure.

If that doesn't work - or you don't even want to attempt it with your little sweetie - try a "pill pusher," a device that resembles a syringe, but with no needle. Your vet can explain the proper procedure, but essentially, it works like this. You pull the plunger all the way out, allowing the plastic cylinder to fill with air. Then place the pill in the end of the pusher. Open your pet's mouth (as directed above), or simply insert the end of the pusher into the corner of the mouth. Then, quickly press the plunger down.

This air "shoots" the pill into the back of kitty's mouth. Tilt the head up and massage the throat to encourage swallowing.

Enlist A Pharmacist

For a more stealth approach, consider a compounding pharmacy. This alternative is gaining popularity with veterinarians and pet owners.

"Compounding is most commonly used to alter medications that might be too powerful in a typical dosage, and make them appropriate for smaller pets," says Bree Brown, of Davis Islands Pharmacy and Compounding Lab in Tampa. "But compounding can also add flavors to medications that will aid in administering them to pets."

Popular flavors for dogs include beef, chicken and peanut butter. Cats prefer tuna.

If you've tried all the tricks in the pet-pilling book and nothing works, for cats or dogs, Brown suggests calling a compounding lab.

In rare cases where absolutely nothing else does the trick, your pet may need to have medications injected by your veterinarian. Unfortunately, few medications are available in an injectable form.

They say laughter is the best medicine. Chances are good that's just what you'll need. But talk to your veterinarian if you just can't seem to get your pet to swallow that pill. When pets are prescribed medicine, it's important they get them in exactly the dosage prescribed.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; e-mail kristen@fetchingcommunications.com.

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