We appreciate that pets can be difficult to medicate and that their tastes are selective. As pharmacists, we also understand the importance of complying with your veterinarian's instructions to ensure the health of your pet. Giving your pet Gourmeds--our medicated, flavored, chewable tablets--may help increase compliance and decrease the stress that comes with administering medication to a reluctant patient.

But even with the great Gourmeds taste, some pets will still resist taking their medicine. Don't worry--you are not the first pet owner whose dog or cat is finicky and reluctant to take their medication! Other pet owners (including members of our staff!) who have treated their pets with Gourmeds offered these hints on how you can ease administration and increase compliance:

• G ive your pet their medication during their favorite time of the day, such as playtime or dinner time. They may begin to look forward to getting their medicine if it is related to something else they enjoy.
• O nce you give your pet their medication, participate in their favorite activity with them, such as brushing their coat, playing fetch or snuggling. This may help them associate getting their medication with a favorable activity.
• U se lots of praise to commend your pet once they successfully take their medication.
• R elax! Pets feed off their owners' emotions and body language. If you are tense and nervous about medicating your pet, chances are your pet will sense it and become skittish and anxious, too. Then it will be that much harder to give them their medication.
• M ix the medication into their bowl during their regular feeding time. Make sure they eat all of their food so you can ensure they ingested all of their medication.
• E nvelop the medication in a piece of cheese or in another one of your pet's favorite snacks. They will be so excited to get a treat, they may not notice the medicine inside!
• D on't get frustrated if your pet doesn't take the medication on the first try. Pets, like people, can be a bit resistant to change. It may take a few tries before your pet takes their medication without a struggle.
• S ome pet owners give their pet treats daily. If you are one of these owners, try giving your pet their medication during “treat time.” This may help your pet to see the Gourmed as a treat rather than as medication.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care Specialists at 877.594.1164. Your veterinarian may also have some tips on the best way to give your pet their medication.

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

All materials presented on this site are for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or pharmacist with any questions you may have regarding your pet's medication.