Introduction
Many dog owners struggle to give their pets pills or tablets. Dogs can detect medicines easily and may refuse to take pills. This leads some owners to crush their dog’s pills and mix them into their pet’s food. There are some important considerations before taking this approach.
This article provides an overview of the key factors involved in crushing a dog’s pills and mixing them with their food. We’ll cover what types of pills can and can’t be crushed, how to crush them properly, dosing considerations, signs of overdose, and alternatives to crushing pills.
It’s always best to consult your veterinarian before altering medication for your dog. Some pills may be dangerous or ineffective if crushed. We’ll go over the safety concerns and guidelines to follow if your vet approves crushing your dog’s pills.
Check with your veterinarian first
Before deciding to crush your dog’s medication and mix it into their food, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian first. Some pills and capsules are designed to be time-released or to dissolve at certain pH levels, so crushing them can impact the effectiveness. Altering the delivery method without approval from your vet also poses certain risks.
According to experts at Banfield Pet Hospital, “Crushing [pills] can cause unwanted side effects and/or cause the medication to not work.” They recommend calling your veterinarian to ask about proper administration for your dog’s specific medication.
Your veterinarian knows your dog’s medical history and can advise if crushing their pills is safe or may compromise the treatment. They can also provide dosage guidelines if crushing is an option. Attempting to crush medication without approval could lead to serious health risks for your dog.
Types of pills that can and can’t be crushed
When deciding whether a pill can be crushed, the most important rule is to first check with your veterinarian. Some medications, like certain antibiotics and steroids, are safe to crush, while others, like medications with an enteric coating, should never be crushed.
According to PetMD, pills that are generally safe to crush include antibiotics like clavamox (amoxicillin and clavulanate), cefpodoxime, and minocycline. Steroids like prednisone and triamcinolone can also often be crushed [1].
Types of pills that should never be crushed, as noted by Banfield Pet Hospital, include [2]:
- Enteric-coated pills that prevent dissolution in the stomach
- Modified or extended release medications that slowly release medicine over time
- Capsules that contain medicine in liquid form
Crushing these kinds of pills could lead to stomach upset, incorrect dosing, or medication losing its effectiveness. Always consult your vet before crushing any pills.
Crushing pills correctly
To properly crush your dog’s pills at home, you’ll need either a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to crush the pills into a fine powder (Source 1). Make sure to use a clean, dedicated tool to avoid cross-contamination. When using a mortar and pestle, place the pill in the mortar and grind in a circular motion, applying even pressure until it’s fully pulverized. With the back of a spoon, put the pill on a hard, clean surface like a countertop and press down firmly with the spoon until powdered. Crush just one pill at a time and avoid crushing medications that are extended release or coated unless explicitly approved by your vet, as altering their formulation can impact effectiveness (Source 2).
Mixing crushed pills with food
Once you’ve crushed your dog’s pills into a powder, you’ll need to mix the powder thoroughly into your dog’s food to ensure they consume the full dosage. Some of the best food items to mix crushed pills into include:
- Canned dog food or wet food pouches – The soft texture and strong smell helps mask the medication.
- Meatball mix – Mix the powder into raw ground meat before forming into meatballs and cooking.
- Peanut butter – Make sure to use a creamy all-natural peanut butter. The stickiness helps the powder adhere.
- Yogurt or cottage cheese – The tangy flavors help overpower bitter pills.
- Baby food – Try a strong flavored baby food like turkey, chicken, or beef.
When mixing the crushed powder into any food, make sure to stir thoroughly so the medication is evenly distributed throughout. It’s ideal to use around 1-2 tablespoons of food per crushed pill to ensure your dog eats all of the medication. You may need to offer small portions, adding more plain food in between, to ensure your dog doesn’t avoid the medication taste after the first few bites. Watch your dog closely to confirm they finish the entire dosage.
If your dog completely refuses the food or medication mix, you may need to explore alternate administration options with your vet.
Dosage considerations
If you are splitting pills or crushing them to mix into food or liquid, it’s important to adjust the dosage accordingly. According to PetMD, if you cut a pill in half, you are getting half the dosage, and if you crush it, you need to mix it thoroughly so that the full dosage is evenly distributed[1].
The American Kennel Club recommends using a dedicated pill crusher or putting the pills in a plastic bag and using a hammer to finely crush them before mixing into food or liquid[2]. Make sure to use a small amount of food or liquid to mix the crushed pills in to ensure your dog gets the full dosage. It’s not recommended to mix pills into an entire day’s worth of food, as the medication may not be evenly distributed.
When in doubt about the proper crushed dosage for your dog, consult your veterinarian. They can provide specific dosage guidelines based on the medication, your dog’s weight, and condition being treated.
[1] https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/can-i-crush-medication-my-dogs-food
[2] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-pill-a-cat/
Other administration tips
If your dog resists taking pills directly, there are some techniques you can try to make pilling easier:
- Place the pill in the back of your dog’s mouth, then hold their mouth closed and gently blow on their nose. This should trigger them to swallow the pill.
- Try wrapping the pill in a small piece of deli meat or cheese so your dog swallows it like a treat.
- Mix the pill into a small amount of wet dog food, peanut butter, cream cheese, or yogurt.
- Crush the pill and mix it into your dog’s favorite broth or gravy.
- Use a pill pocket treat, which is a hollow treat made specifically for hiding pills.
Make sure to give lots of praise and treats after your dog successfully takes their medication. This positive reinforcement will make pilling easier in the future.
Never force your dog’s mouth open or attempt to shove a pill down their throat, as this may cause them to resist medication even more. With patience and creativity, you can find a pilling method your dog doesn’t mind.
Signs of overdose
It’s important to monitor your dog closely after administering crushed pills to watch for signs of overdose. Some common symptoms of pill overdose in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Tremors or seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heart rate
- Agitation or restlessness
- Lethargy
- Incoordination or stumbling
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, some over-the-counter human medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be toxic to dogs at high doses [1]. Dog owners should be especially cautious crushing pills containing medications meant for human use.
If your dog displays any concerning symptoms after receiving crushed pills, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Timely treatment can help counteract an overdose.
To prevent accidental overdoses, always double check medication dosages with your vet before administering crushed pills to your dog. Monitor for side effects and avoid crush combinations of medications unless specifically instructed by your vet.
Alternatives to crushing
If you’re having difficulty or don’t feel comfortable crushing your dog’s pills, there are alternative methods to try. Some options include:
- Liquid formulations – Many medications come in liquid form, which is easier to mix into food or give directly into your dog’s mouth. Ask your vet if a liquid version is available.
- Transdermal gels – Some medications can be formulated into a gel that is applied to your dog’s inner ear flap or hairless part of skin. The medication is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
Discuss these and other alternatives with your vet if crushing pills becomes problematic. There are often other effective ways to administer medication without forcing your dog to swallow a pill.
Summary
In summary, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before crushing any pills to give your dog. The vet can advise if crushing is safe or if an alternative method is better. They can also provide proper dosing instructions.
When crushing pills, be very careful to contain all the powder and mix it thoroughly into your dog’s food. Monitor them to ensure they eat the full dose. Look for signs of overdose like vomiting or lethargy. Seek immediate vet care if you suspect an overdose.
Crushing pills can make giving your dog medication easier. But be sure to get approval and follow safety precautions. Work closely with your vet to find the best administration method for your pet.