Ok, I skimmed the replies and I think it's all been covered. But I have to reiterate how great the Pill Pockets are. I have seen the most stubborn pets chow those down and look for more.
They are especially a lifesaver if you are on chronic/daily meds. If the pill is larger, do sections. You want to make sure you don't leave traces of a cut *BITTER* pills ON the outside of the pill pocket (cats are notorious for THAT discovery) though some won't even care.
Now, I have pilled a range of animals over the years. It's almost a point of pride thing " I WILL pill my cat, dangit!"
But it's backfired on me too. The trick with the pill is getting it down in one fell swoop at a good tilt of the head, down at the "V" of the back of the throat (or as far back as you can shoot). Once in, before you can blink, you clamp (gently but firmly) shut their jaw and massage their throat to encourage swallow. If the cat can get his gums/teeth on the pill, you lost that round. He/she will slide it out faster than a NY second. A 2nd try is rarely allowed
With liquids, that same approach isn't best because a fast sloosh of fluid can cause a pet to gag and choke some right back up. Resulting in botched attempt, and very low odds on a 2nd attempt. With a liquid, you want to be a 'sidewinder'. Go from the side at an even pass.
In both cases I am on the floor on my knees, pet anchord firmly between my legs so they cant' creep backward, one arm fastened around their body. Towels are great for some, but I find they can get in the way.
Before you every crush a med, ask the lab/vet. Some meds lose efficacy based on absorption, and also, some crushed meds aren't always fully ingested (you know how it goes, you break up a pill, put it in wet food, the cat refused to eat the food, or leaves a portion!)
That all said, again--Pill Pockets. When they work, THEY WORK. No stress. Amazing burden off pet parents (and pets!). Especially for those more bitter meds.
http://www.greenies.com/en_US/produc...l_pockets.asp?
They are especially a lifesaver if you are on chronic/daily meds. If the pill is larger, do sections. You want to make sure you don't leave traces of a cut *BITTER* pills ON the outside of the pill pocket (cats are notorious for THAT discovery) though some won't even care.
Now, I have pilled a range of animals over the years. It's almost a point of pride thing " I WILL pill my cat, dangit!"
With liquids, that same approach isn't best because a fast sloosh of fluid can cause a pet to gag and choke some right back up. Resulting in botched attempt, and very low odds on a 2nd attempt. With a liquid, you want to be a 'sidewinder'. Go from the side at an even pass.
In both cases I am on the floor on my knees, pet anchord firmly between my legs so they cant' creep backward, one arm fastened around their body. Towels are great for some, but I find they can get in the way.
Before you every crush a med, ask the lab/vet. Some meds lose efficacy based on absorption, and also, some crushed meds aren't always fully ingested (you know how it goes, you break up a pill, put it in wet food, the cat refused to eat the food, or leaves a portion!)
That all said, again--Pill Pockets. When they work, THEY WORK. No stress. Amazing burden off pet parents (and pets!). Especially for those more bitter meds.
http://www.greenies.com/en_US/produc...l_pockets.asp?