Veterinarians give pills the way a slick salesman works a Veg-O-Matic on TV. It looks quicker and easier than it is. But with a little practice, you too can pill like a pro.
The key is to be calm, confident and quick. Ask your veterinarian for tricks to improve your technique. Wrapping cats in a towel and holding a small pet like a football help restrain Fluffy while you get the job done. Coating pills in a little butter improves the taste and helps them slide down better. After the pill goes in, a rub of the throat or a blow across the nose will help your patient swallow it.
Of course, some chowhounds will wolf down almost anything hidden in liverwurst, peanut butter or cheese, so you don’t have to worry about pilling by hand. But make sure the meds get down the throat, not spit out on the carpet, or behind the couch … or in your slipper.