Ever been confused about how to get your dog to take that tiny, yet super important, worming tablet? You’re not alone. A lot of pet owners dread the moment they have to give medicine to their pups — especially when it involves a suspicious-looking pill.
Whether your dog instantly smells something’s fishy or they’re the type that spits it out with a dramatic gag, getting them to swallow a deworming tablet can be tricky. But don’t worry. With a little patience and a few tricks up your sleeve, it can actually become pretty easy. Let’s talk about how to do it the easy (and safe) way.
Table of Contents:
Why Worming Tablets Matter
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Worming your dog isn’t just something “extra” — it’s essential to keep them healthy. Worms like roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms can affect your dog’s digestion, energy, and even their organs. And yep, some types of worms can even spread to humans.
Most vets recommend regular deworming — at least every three months — to keep parasites under control. So, the next time you’re battling that tiny tablet, just remember: you’re doing this for their health and happiness.
Now, let’s break down the best ways to actually get that tablet into your furry friend.
1. Offer It as a Treat
Pharmaceutical companies know the struggle — which is why many worming tablets are designed to be tasty. Some dogs will actually eat the pill like it’s a treat, especially if it’s flavored with beef, chicken, or liver.
Pro tip: Try giving the tablet when your dog is hungry. Offering it just before mealtime might improve your chances — they might be less picky and more eager to munch on anything you offer.
2. Hide It in Food
This is by far the most popular (and often most effective) method. The key is choosing the right kind of food to mask both the taste and the smell of the tablet.
a. Use a Strong-Smelling Treat
A piece of sausage, cheese, or peanut butter works great. Here’s how you can do it:
- Give your dog one regular treat first
- Then sneak the tablet inside a second treat and give it right after
- Follow up with another “normal” treat as a reward
You can also try store-bought pill pockets, soft treats made specifically for hiding tablets. Dogs usually won’t suspect a thing!
b. Mix It into Their Meal
Some dogs are too smart — they’ll eat around the tablet and leave it behind. To outsmart them, try this trick:
- Wait until your dog is hungry
- Mix the tablet into a small portion of their meal
- Let them eat that portion first
- Once they’ve swallowed it, serve the rest of their food
This method works because dogs tend to eat faster and less carefully when they’re really hungry.
3. Direct Tabletting (For Confident Owners)
Some dogs just can’t be tricked. If that’s your pup, you may have to give the tablet directly into their mouth. It sounds intimidating, but when done properly, it’s fast and effective.
Here’s a safe step-by-step guide:
How to Give a Dog a Tablet Directly
- Choose a quiet moment when your dog is calm.
- Have them sit, preferably with their back against a corner or wall (this prevents backing away).
- Gently hold their upper jaw with one hand.
- With the other hand, lower their bottom jaw and place the tablet at the back of the tongue.
- Close their mouth and rub their throat or blow gently on their nose to encourage swallowing.
Important: If you don’t get the tablet far enough back, they might spit it out. Wait for the tell-tale tongue movement to confirm they’ve swallowed it. Always have a treat ready as a reward!
If your dog tends to get aggressive or you’re unsure, do not attempt this method on your own. Consult your vet for safer alternatives.
4. What If They Spit It Out?
Don’t worry — it happens! If your dog spits out the tablet:
- Stay calm. Don’t yell or punish them (this only makes future attempts harder).
- Try again with a different method. Maybe use a different treat or wait until they’re hungrier.
- If they continuously refuse it, talk to your vet. Some worming meds come in liquid or topical forms that might work better.
5. Make It Part of the Routine
Dogs love routine. If worming tablets are part of their usual treat or meal routine, they’re less likely to get suspicious. Try to give the tablet at the same time every few months, paired with something they love (like playtime or walkies afterward).
Final Thoughts: Keep It Stress-Free
Giving your dog a worming tablet doesn’t have to be a drama. Whether it’s hiding it in food, using flavored tablets, or doing the direct method like a pro, the key is staying calm and making it feel like just another part of the day.
Keep treats ready, don’t rush it, and always celebrate the win — even if it took three tries!
What do you think? Let’s make worming time a breeze, not a battle.
