Vet shares clever ‘forbidden fall’ trick to help dogs swallow pill effortlessly

Administering medication to pets can often be a challenging task. However, a simple trick has been circulating online that could make giving medicine to dogs a less stressful experience.

Veterinarian MaríaVetiCan has shared four methods on TikTok to help pet owners.

One popular method involves hiding the pill in a piece of ham or cheese. Using soft foods like these can distract the pet with a treat while they unknowingly consume their medication.

If this doesn’t work, María suggests using a bowl of crisps or another snack the dog enjoys. However, it’s often not recommended giving your dogs crisps due to the salt content. If you find a healthy snack your dog will enjoy, you should have a “stress-free experience”

“A popular way to get your pooch to swallow the pill to hide it in a piece of ham or cheese. By using soft foods like this can be a hidden way for the pet to take the medication with them focusing on the treat,” María said.

According to María, the trick is to try and make the snack accidentally fall to the floor. By the dog seeing something “forbidden” fall will prompt the pet to quickly eat it, swallowing the hidden pill without noticing, according to María.

The traditional method of placing the medication directly into the dog’s mouth is still effective for more difficult cases.

María explains: “We place it at the back of their mouth, close their muzzle, and massage their throat until they swallow.”

However, this method depends on the owner’s confidence and the dog’s willingness. An alternative solution is to prepare the pill in liquid form.

Owners can crush the pill between two spoons, dilute it in a small amount of water, and administer it through the side of the dog’s mouth using a syringe, as explained by María.

If you struggle to give your dog medicine, it’s important to speak to your local vet, who will be able to help you.

It comes as dog owners have been issued a stark warning about their furry friends licking their faces. A leading gastroenterologist known as The Gut Doc on TikTok recently highlighted the hidden dangers, stating: “From a gastroenterologist: Did you know that letting a dog lick your face or near an open wound can expose you to Capnocytophaga, a bacteria that can cause a flesh-eating disease, sepsis, and even limb amputation?”.

Capnocytophaga, typically found in the mouths of mammals, is associated with periodontal diseases and dog bite infections.

While Capnocytophaga infections are relatively rare in the UK, with a reported incidence rate of 0.67 cases per million people, animal owners should be aware of this potential risk.

Furthermore, The Gut Doc warned: “People with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk, including those with diabetes, liver disease, or cancer.”

He advises those at greater risk to avoid dogs licking them and to wash any licked skin promptly with soap and water.