If you use your thumb and index finger to push the pill over the base of the tongue, your fingers will be inside the dog's mouth and you must work rapidly to avoid getting bit. Notice the dog's lip is still folded over the upper teeth to protect the hand from being bitten. There are several styles of pilling devices that can used to place a pill or capsule over the base of the tongue so that you do not have to place your fingers in the dog's mouth. See section on pilling a cat for details. The medication is quickly squirted into this pouch, the mouth is held closed and the neck stroked or the nose sharply blown on to encourage the dog to swallow.
Liquids are more likely to accidentally enter the windpipe compared to pills or capsules.
To avoid the dog inhaling liquid into the windpipe, DO NOT tilt the dog's head backward. If you find it difficult to give your dog a pill or capsule, speak to your veterinarian about suspending the pill or capsule into a liquid. Some medications can be suspending in liquid while others lose their effectiveness when placed in a suspension. Always talk to your veterinarian before altering the medication. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.