To successfully use a pill popper, you should always check the directions that came with the product. While most pill poppers are designed to be used similarly, you should always check with exactly how the designers intended their specific product to be used.
However, if no directions were included, here is a quick overview of what to do:
Insert the pill into the popper. First, add the pill to the popper by inserting it into the split rubber end. You do not remove the plunger and insert it into that end. Instead, you insert the capsule into the end that goes into your dog’s mouth.
Slide the pill popper into your animal’s mouth. Instead of trying to go through the front of their mouth, it is often easies to insert it into the side of their mouth and then get the tip behind their back teeth. This provides access to the back of their throat without needing to open their mouth wide.
Push the plunger. Keep in mind that most pill poppers don’t shoot out the pill. Instead, it just slides off the end. Therefore, be careful to only push the plunger when it is in the exact position you want it.
Withdraw the plunger. Close your dog’s mouth as quickly as possible. Watch for them to spit the pill back out. However, if you have used the pill plunger correctly, they shouldn’t cough the pill back up.