Teach Labrador Retrievers To Take Medicine

By Richard Cussons
Though Labrador Retrievers are not humans, there are many ways in which they can be compared to humans. They need food, exercise and regular grooming and cleaning to maintain their good health. There are also health issues that could pose threat to their health condition and could even threaten their lives.

It could be so sad seeing your playful Labrador Retrievers weak, lonely and sick. Fortunately, treatment of various dog diseases is not a big problem anymore. Because of the advancement of modern medicine, there are now a lot of medications specially formulated to treat several diseases affecting your canine friend. So just like humans, dogs need to take medicines too if necessary.

However, giving of medicine, even in the form of a pill can be big trouble to many dog owners. Lucky if your vet prescribed a pill that has a flavor. Giving this type of medicine is not a problem anymore. But some medicines have a bitter taste, humans neither dogs would love to take it.

If trapped in this situation, most dog owners would usually trick their dogs by hiding the bitter medicine in the foods, specifically in the dog's favorite food treat. You can either mix the tablet in the food or bury it in a meat ball. But make sure that the dog is not separating the treat from the medicine, eating only the treat and spitting the tablet out. Lucky for you if this trick works!

Another way of getting him to take medicine is to dissolve the tablet into a mixture of water and sugar. Put the mixture into his mouth through a syringe.

If you find the stated methods ineffective, go to your dog and command him to sit. When he is sitting, gently open his mouth and put the tablet as far back into your dog's mouth that you are able. Then close his mouth and rub his throat. When the dog swallows, then the tablet is taken. But to be extra sure, wait around a bit because some dogs can keep the tablet in their mouth for a while and will spit it out when you're gone. If your dog tries to get away from you when you go to open his mouth, try to hold him between your knees.

Giving of medicine may not be fun for you much more for your dog but if it is the only way to save him, then it is worth all the efforts.

About the author:
Richard Cussons writes information articles on different breed of dog such as Labrador Retrievers. For more Labrador training tips, check out labradorsavvy.com.

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