If your dog won’t take medicine, you know just how stressful and emotional it can be. You’re only trying to help them feel better, but every pill can turn into a struggle of hiding, coaxing, or even chasing them around the house.
Many medications come in unflavored tablets or oversized capsules that are hard to swallow and even harder to disguise. It’s no wonder some dogs develop a sixth sense for knowing when medicine is coming and do everything they can to avoid it.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fight this battle alone. With the right strategies and customized solutions, you can make medication time gentler and easier for both of you.
Administering medication to your dog isn’t always as easy as slipping a pill into their food bowl. The process can be surprisingly difficult—and it’s not because they’re being difficult on purpose.
If your dog refuses medication, it’s often their way of expressing discomfort or uncertainty. They can learn to avoid medications in ways that can make treatment challenging. Understanding these common behaviors is the first step in finding a solution that works for both of you.
Here are some ways a dog won’t take medicine:
Dogs may even stop eating altogether when they associate their meals with medicine. It's frustrating, but more importantly, it’s a signal to try something different.
It helps to understand why your dog might be refusing their medication in the first place. Once you know the “why,” you’re one step closer to finding the “how” that actually works.
Common reasons a dog won’t take medicine include:
There are a variety of strategies that may make medication time more manageable.
Having a second person around can be a huge help. While one person gently holds the dog or offers comfort, the other can administer the medication. Not only can this reduce stress for both you and your dog, but it’s also a safer option for everyone.
Your veterinarian is your best ally when your dog won’t take medicine. They can demonstrate how to safely and effectively give medication to your dog—or, if needed, administer it during office visits. They may also recommend better alternatives based on your dog’s temperament.
Positive reinforcement can go a long way. Rewarding your dog with treats, belly rubs, or playtime after taking their medication can create a positive association. Over time, they may not resist as much or at all.
If anxiety is a barrier, calming supplements may help. Options like Zylkene and melatonin are commonly used to promote relaxation in dogs and available at Mixlab. We also carry calming diffusers such as ADAPTIL® and FELIWAY® that release synthetic hormones to help ease stress in the environment. These options can take the edge off just enough to make medicine time more tolerable. Ask your veterinarian before adding supplements or diffusers to your dog’s routine.
Some medications can be crushed or split to make them easier to hide in food. However, this isn’t safe for all medications, so always check with your veterinarian before trying this strategy.
Commercial pill pockets are soft treats designed to hide pills inside. You can also use small bits of cheese, meat or peanut butter. Just make sure to keep a close eye on your dog—some become pros at eating the snack and spitting out the pill!
If, despite your best effort, these methods fall short, compounded medication is often a great solution. This approach customizes the form and flavor of your dog’s medication, making it easier and more enjoyable for them to take. Compounded medications require a prescription, so if you’re struggling to medicate your pet, talk to your veterinarian. They can help determine the best option and write a prescription tailored to your dog’s needs.
Compounded medications are prescribed by veterinarians and custom-made by licensed pharmacies, such as Mixlab. Unlike standard medications that are mass-produced in one-size-fits-all forms and doses, compounded meds are tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Here’s what makes them special:
Plus, you can trust the safety of Mixlab’s compounded medications for dogs. We follow FDA guidelines ensuring all medications are made from FDA-approved ingredients. We also adhere to state pharmacy laws and regulations for quality.
In addition, our PCAB® accreditation demonstrates our commitment to the highest industry standards. We even go beyond: our quality assurance standards are more than 3x stricter than industry norms, ensuring accurate dosing and top-tier purity. You can trust us to deliver nothing but the best for your dog.
Medication doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. At Mixlab, we offer a wide variety of forms and flavors to match your dog’s preferences and medical needs. Availability depends on the specific medication, but here are some of our options:
If you’re wondering how to get a dog to take medicine, customized forms can make a big difference. Mixlab offers a variety of options to ensure your dog gets the treatment they need in the way that works best for them.
If your dog won't take medicine, you need to try out our irresistible flavors! We offer 30+ vegan, hypoallergenic, dog-friendly flavors, all made with our proprietary MCT blend that’s free of allergens like meat, soy or nuts.
Our most popular flavors for dogs include:
Other tasty options: Piña Colada, Cherry, Raspberry, Vanilla, Butterscotch, Cheesecake, Turkey, Venison, Molasses, Apple, Salmon, Fish, Mango/Passion Fruit, Banana, Strawberry, Watermelon and more!
Your order is covered by our flavor guarantee. If your dog refuses medication because of the flavor, we’ll replace it free of charge within 7 days—no questions asked, as many times as it takes. And if they don’t like the form? We’ll switch it at a discount.
Compounded medications for dogs aren’t just convenient; they can truly transform your dog’s health journey. Here’s how:
If your dog won't take medicine, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Mixlab makes giving medication easier so you and your dog can finally get back to what matters most: living your happiest, healthiest lives together.
Our compounded medications for dogs are customized in form and flavor to fit their unique needs. With free, next-day delivery, you’ll receive your dog’s prescription medication directly at your doorstep—complete with everything you need to give it with confidence, from easy-to-read instructions to syringes and finger cots.
Ready to make medication time stress-free? Submit your prescription online or contact us to learn more. We’re here to help every step of the way.