There are many different opinions on the best way to give a Golden Retriever medicines. You may be one of the lucky owners who has a Golden that simply eats his medicines like they are a special treat, good for you. On the other hand, there are many owners out there who have gone to great lengths to administer medication to their Golden. Just as soon as you think it’s down the hatch, his mouth opens and on the floor the pill drops. Here are some tips to help you get through this routine smoothly. Remember you need to be firm yet gentle and follow these easy steps.

• Tilt your Golden’s head back to a 45 degree angle while standing behind him.
• Hold the top of his muzzle and using one hand place your thumb and fingers on each side of his canines.
• Carefully squeeze while pulling the top of his muzzle upward to open his mouth.
• Using your free hand, hold the pill between your thumb and index finger.
• With your three remaining free fingers, grasp his bottom jaw opening his mouth wide.
• Place the pill as far back in his mouth as you can on his tongue pushing it back towards his throat.
• Once the pill is in, close his mouth and keep it closed.
• Tilt your Golden’s head back slightly and stroke his throat downward to provoke him to swallow. You may even try blowing lightly into his nose.
• When the pill is swallowed, praise your Golden!

You can follow these same steps with liquid medicines, too. Simply use a plastic turkey baster, or something of the likes, and put it at the back of your Golden’s throat. Once you have given him the medicine, close his mouth and stroke his throat.

A sure bet and a time saver to to get your Golden Retriever to take his medicine, hide it in a dollop of peanut butter. It will be gone down the hatch in a matter of seconds and he’ll look to you for more.

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