--- title: "Tips and tricks on how to give your dog a tablet" id: "4990" type: "post" slug: "how-to-give-your-dog-a-tablet" published_at: "2026-07-06T08:26:27+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-16T08:35:30+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/how-to-give-your-dog-a-tablet/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/how-to-give-your-dog-a-tablet.md" excerpt: "At some point, almost every dog owner will need to give their pet medication — whether it’s a parasite preventative, pain relief, or treatment for an ongoing health condition. For some dogs, this is straightforward. For others, it can feel..." taxonomy_category: - "Health & wellness" --- [Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/) [Health & wellness](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/health-and-wellness/) Tips and tricks on how to give your dog a tablet Health & wellness # Tips and tricks on how to give your dog a tablet Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team 6 Jul, 2026 - 5 min read At some point, almost every dog owner will need to give their pet medication — whether it’s a parasite preventative, pain relief, or treatment for an ongoing health condition. For some dogs, this is straightforward. For others, it can feel like a real challenge. If your dog has mastered the art of eating everything in their bowl except the tablet, or seems to have swallowed it only to spit it out later, this guide is for you. **Table of contents** - [How to give a tablet to your dog](#how-to-give-a-tablet-to-your-dog) - [Hiding a tablet in food](#hiding-a-tablet-in-food) - [What to do when your dog won’t take a tablet](#what-to-do-when-your-dog-wont-take-a-tablet) - [Choosing the right medication formulation](#choosing-the-right-medication-formulation) - [How pet insurance can help support your dog’s health](#how-pet-insurance-can-help-support-your-dogs-health) ## How to give a tablet to your dog Some medications require an empty stomach, and you may need to give your dog the tablet or pill without food or treats. The most direct method for giving a tablet involves placing it at the back of your dog’s mouth. Here’s how to do it: - Stay calm and confident. Dogs pick up on our body language, so approaching this calmly will help your dog feel more relaxed. - Gently hold one hand over the top of your dog’s muzzle and tilt their nose slightly upward to encourage their mouth to open. - With your other hand, place the tablet as far back on the tongue as possible. - Close your dog’s mouth and gently rub or blow on their nose to encourage swallowing. - Watch for your dog to lick their nose as this usually means the tablet has been swallowed. Keep an eye out to make sure they don’t spit it out when you’re not looking. - Reward your dog with a treat or praise immediately afterwards. If your dog needs time to get comfortable with the process, work through each step gradually, only moving on when they’re calm and relaxed. Your vet or vet nurse can also demonstrate the technique if you’d like to see it in person. ## Hiding a tablet in food For many dogs, disguising a tablet in food is the easiest approach. Always check with your vet before using any treat, particularly if your dog has a sensitive stomach or any dietary restrictions. However, not all medications can be hidden in food. Some medications need to be given on an empty stomach to be effective. For medications that can be given with food, some options include: - Using high-reward food with a strong aromatic odour, like canned wet food - A small spoonful of peanut butter (make sure it’s free from xylitol, which is toxic to dogs) - Plain yoghurt (free from artificial flavours, fruits, and added sugars) - A small amount of canned dog food, which can be rolled into a ball with the tablet inside - A soft piece of mild, plain cheese, or hidden in cottage cheese - Warm, shredded roast chicken - A piece of banana, slightly softened or mashed A useful trick: offer your dog a plain treat first, then the treat with the tablet hidden inside, then another plain treat straight after. Acting excited and relaxed about the treats often helps your dog eat them without inspecting too carefully. Be sure to keep human food to a minimum as much as possible. ## What to do when your dog won’t take a tablet If you’re consistently struggling to get your dog to take their tablet, there are a few other options worth trying: - Crush the tablet and mix it into food (check with your vet first, as not all tablets can be safely crushed). - Try a pet piller, a small device that deposits the tablet at the back of the throat, reducing the chance of it being spat out. Ask if your vet or a vet nurse can give you a demonstration on how to use this device. - If the medication can be given with food, try giving the tablet when your dog is hungrier, such as just before a meal. - Speak with your vet about alternative formulations as many medications are available as flavoured chews, liquids, or spot-on treatments. If none of these approaches are working, contact your vet. They may be able to give the medication at the clinic or organise a compounding pharmacy to reformulate it as a flavoured paste, liquid, or even a transdermal gel applied to the skin. ## Choosing the right medication formulation It’s worth knowing that many veterinary medications are now available in a range of formulations. If tablets are consistently difficult to administer, ask your vet whether the medication your dog needs comes in an alternative form. Parasite preventatives, for example, are often available as flavoured chews, spot-on liquids, and injectables, so there’s often a practical alternative. ## How pet insurance can help support your dog’s health Medication means your dog is already dealing with something — and vet costs can add up quickly, whether it’s an ongoing condition or an unexpected illness. Pet insurance can help manage those expenses, so you can focus on your dog’s recovery rather than the bill. And if you choose [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , your policy doesn’t just protect your pet — every policy helps support the RSPCA’s important animal welfare work across Australia. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click [here](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### **Disclaimer** As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. ## FAQs ### What’s the easiest way to give a dog a tablet? Gently open your dog’s mouth by holding one hand over the top of the muzzle and tilting their nose upward. Use your other hand to place the tablet as far back on the tongue as possible, close their mouth, and gently rub or blow on their nose while continuing to tilt their nose upwards. A visible gulp or lick of the nose usually signals the tablet has been swallowed. ### What food can I hide a tablet in for my dog? First, make sure the medication can be given with food. Common options include a small spoonful of peanut butter (check that it’s free from xylitol, which is toxic to dogs), plain yoghurt, canned dog food, or a soft piece of plain cheese. Offering a plain treat first, then the treat with the tablet, and then another plain treat can help your dog not notice the tablet. ### Can I crush my dog’s tablet? Some tablets can be crushed and mixed into food, but not all. Some medications lose their effectiveness or can be harmful if crushed. Always check with your vet before crushing any tablet. ### What if my dog spits out their tablet? If the medication can be given with food, try a different hiding method, a tastier treat, or give the tablet when your dog is hungrier. A pet piller (a small device that deposits the tablet at the back of the throat) can also help, particularly if the medication needs to be given on an empty stomach. If you’re consistently struggling, speak with your vet as many medications are available in alternative formulations. ### Can pet insurance help with the cost of my dog’s medication? Depending on your policy, pet insurance may help cover eligible medication costs related to accidents or illnesses. RSPCA Pet Insurance offers flexible cover, and every policy helps support the RSPCA’s important animal welfare work. As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs. [See more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/faqs/) ## Related blogs [Lumps and bumps on cats: what every pet parent should know Jul 2026 - 6 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/lumps-and-bumps/) [What to do when a pet passes away at home Jul 2026 - 6 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/when-a-pet-passes-away-at-home/) [Cat dental care: a helpful guide for pet owners Jul 2026 - 8 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/cat-dental-care/)