Help! How do I give my dog a supplement?

Dogs sometimes need extra support throughout their lives to maintain their health. Nutritional supplements can help with this! This may be temporary, but it can also be ongoing. For most dogs, giving supplements is fairly straightforward. But what if it isn’t?

We’re happy to share some tips to help you manage it successfully!

What are the options?

Supplements come in many forms. You can choose from tablets, capsules, powders, liquids or pastes. When selecting a supplement, it’s important to consider your dog’s personal preferences to increase the chance of success. If your dog loves tasty treats or wet food, your choice will differ from when you’re dealing with a fussy eater or a dog with food sensitivities.

Our preference

Some supplements are palatable and may be eaten straight away by your dog. Others can be hidden in your dog’s food. These methods are the least stressful for your dog and are therefore always preferred.

When offering a supplement with food, choose something your dog really enjoys and don’t start with a full meal. Wet food or a tasty snack can be helpful. It also helps if your dog hasn’t eaten just before, as a bit of appetite increases your chances of success.

Easypill

If your dog isn’t tempted by food, you can try Easypill. Easypill is a mouldable substance that can easily be shaped around a tablet or capsule and is very tasty.

Mixing with water

Giving powder can be tricky with some dogs. It’s best to mix powder with wet food or moisten it with water to prevent it from being blown out of the bowl. Stir it thoroughly into the food to improve the odds. If your dog still refuses, you can dissolve the supplement in water and administer it with a syringe directly into the mouth.

Some supplements work best without food, so always follow the instructions on the supplement you’ve purchased.

Liquid supplements

Some supplements contain a small amount of alcohol. If your dog doesn’t tolerate this or starts drooling, place the drops on a warm spoon and allow the alcohol to evaporate. Then mix with a little water and give it via syringe.

Oral administration

Always approach your dog calmly and gently.

Do you have someone to assist you? Ask for help! One person can gently hold the front legs while the other gives the tablet or capsule.

Place your hand over your dog’s snout and position your thumb and forefinger behind the canine teeth on both sides of the head. Hold the tablet or capsule between the thumb and forefinger of your other hand. Lift your dog’s head slightly so the nose points upward. This naturally relaxes the lower jaw a bit. You can assist by gently pressing the incisors (the small front teeth) to open the jaw further.

Once the mouth is open, quickly place the tablet or capsule as far back in the throat as possible. If you manage to get it far enough, and then close the mouth, your dog will usually swallow automatically. If it’s too far forward, your dog may gag and spit it out.

Offering food or a small drink of water afterwards can help.

Pill shooter

To make giving tablets or capsules easier, you can use a pill shooter. This makes the process simpler and avoids putting your whole hand in your dog’s mouth.

Training

Don’t need to give supplements just yet but want to prepare your dog? Then it’s a good idea to start training now. With small steps, you can gradually work toward your goal. That way, the process becomes much more enjoyable!

Reaction to supplements

Some dogs are picky eaters and dislike the taste of certain supplements. This may cause them to drool or salivate during or after administration. Vomiting can also occur. Don’t be alarmed. If symptoms occur at other times, always consult your own vet to rule out an underlying medical condition.