Administering medication to dogs can be difficult, especially when the medication must be given orally. Pill guns are a popular tool pet owners and veterinarians use to help make this process easier.
This blog post will discuss the best pill guns for dogs and what factors you should consider when choosing one.
Pill guns, also known as pill dispensers or pillars, are devices used to help pet owners and veterinarians administer oral medication to dogs. They are designed to hold pills or capsules and allow them to be easily inserted into a dog's mouth, ensuring that the medication is delivered to the back of the dog's throat, where it can be swallowed without being spat out.
Pill guns are available in different shapes and sizes and can be made of various materials, such as plastic or metal. Some pill guns come with soft tips, while others have a plunger mechanism to eject the pill into the dog's mouth.
Administering medication to dogs is crucial to their health and well-being. However, some dogs can be resistant to taking pills, making the process frustrating and stressful for both the dog and the owner. Pill guns help make this process easier and less stressful by allowing for a quick and easy way to deliver the medication.
In addition, pill guns can help ensure the medication is delivered accurately and consistently, which is especially important when dealing with certain medical conditions requiring precise dosages.
Pill guns are essential for pet owners and veterinarians when administering oral medication to dogs.
In the following sections, we will discuss the factors you should consider when choosing a dog pill gun and provide a list of the top 4 pill guns for dogs.
How We've Made Our Selection
Finding a pill gun for dogs that works right for your pet is hard. You want the best for your fur baby, but it's hard to know which is the right choice.
Most pill guns are made with cheap materials and can actually hurt your beloved pup - not something you want to take risks on! And if it doesn't work properly, all of your efforts will be in vain.
Our editors have searched through countless products to find the best pill gun for dogs that meets our standards. We ensure every product is reliable, safe, and easy to use so that you can provide only the best care for your pup!
Top 3.5 Best Pill Guns for Dogs
1. Butler Sales Bullseye Pill Gun
The Butler Sales Bullseye Pill Gun is a great product for pet owners who need to administer medication to their dogs or cats. This pill gun is designed to hold multiple tablets at once, making it easier to give pets their medication without having to reload the pill gun with multiple pills several times.
The pill gun is made of high-quality, durable plastic and is easy to clean. It also comes in a one or 2-pack, perfect for pet owners with multiple pets or needing a backup pet pill gun.
One of the best features of the Butler Sales Bullseye Pillgun is its accuracy. The pill gun has a bullseye design that helps ensure that the medication is delivered directly to the back of the pet's throat, where it can be swallowed easily. This feature is especially helpful for pets who are resistant to taking medication, as it reduces the chances of the medication being spat out.
The pill gun is also easy to use. Simply load the medication into the pill gun, position it at the back of the pet's mouth, and push the plunger to dispense the medication. The pill gun is designed to be gentle on the pet's mouth, which reduces the chances of injury or discomfort.
What We Like
- It can hold multiple pills at once.
- 1 or 2 packs.
- Easy to use.
2. Vet-Worthy Pet Pill Gun
Vet Worthy's pill gun may just be your new best friend when it comes to medicating your dog! This pet pill dispenser from Vet Worthy is perfect for medicating dogs, cats, and other small pets. It's lightweight and made from durable plastic – just what you need for longer-lasting use!
Thanks to the ergonomically shaped handle, it's comfortable to use and makes the tedious task of medicating your pet much faster and easier. You'll love how convenient it is to have a reliable pill dispenser at home! Perfect for dispatching capsules and tablets, this product will make your life that much easier.
What We Like
- Perfect for all dogs and cats.
- Easy to use.
- Durable plastic and lightweight.
3. Jorgensen Pet Piller
Make medication time for your furry friend a breeze with Jorgensen's Pet Piller!
This intuitive device is the perfect solution for pet owners who want to safely and reliably give pills or tabs to their beloved four-legged companions. And speaking of safety, this pill shooter also has a permanently attached tip, so you don't have to worry about accidentally sending it down into your pup's throat!
With its sturdy plastic shaft and revolutionary soft rubber tip, this pill pusher provides an even more secure grip – ensuring your tab won't slip away.
Not only that, but it's gentle on your pet's mouth and easy to clean afterward. A great recommendation made by a consumer is to coat the pill dispenser with coconut oil for easy application in the dog's mouth!
This pill gun provides the peace of mind you need when caring for your pet daily with Jorgensen's Pet Piller. It's the perfect solution for keeping your pet healthy, happy, and safe!
What We Like
- Works with all breeds of dogs.
- Soft rubber tip that is permanently attached.
- Works with pills or tablets.
4. Buddy Budder, Bark Bistro Company: Ruff Ruff Raw, 100% Natural Dog Peanut Butter
This isn't a pill gun, but we love this alternative!
Introducing Buddy Budder – all-natural peanut butter for your pup that you can both enjoy!
This special peanut butter is made with just two ingredients – peanuts and honey. That's it! There isn't any high fructose corn syrup, stabilizers, xylitol, artificial sugar, or salts to worry about. Plus, the ingredients are all high quality and regionally sourced – so you know they're the best!
You can store it in the fridge or freezer and use it as an easy way to stuff inside the dog's medication.
Enjoy treats made with love by a company that takes pride in their work. With Buddy Budder peanut butter, you can delight in all the happiness without hassle.
Disclaimer: Some dogs will not like the taste. Try regular peanut butter, and remember to place it in the fridge or freezer to make it more solid for a pill.
What We Like
- Only two natural ingredients: peanut and honey.
- Works for all-size pills because you can use as much or as little peanut butter as necessary.
- Place in the freezer for a hardened pill pocket.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pill Gun
When choosing a pill gun for your dog, there are several factors to consider. Below are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Size of the Pill Gun
The size of the pill gun is important because it can affect how easy it is to administer medication to your dog. If the pill gun is too large, it may be difficult to maneuver in your dog's mouth, especially if your dog is small or has a narrow mouth.
On the other hand, if the pill gun is too small, it may not be able to hold larger pills or capsules, making the process more difficult. Therefore, it's important to choose an appropriately sized pill gun for your dog and the proper dosage of medication you need to administer.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is another important factor to consider when choosing a pill gun for your dog. Look for a pill gun that is easy to load and that has a simple mechanism for dispensing the pill. You should also consider whether the pill gun comes with clear instructions or if there are online resources available to help you learn how to use it.
Material
Pill guns are made from a variety of materials, including plastic and metal. Plastic pill guns are generally more affordable and lightweight, but they may not be as durable as metal pill guns. Metal pill guns, on the other hand, are more durable and long-lasting, but they can also be heavier and more expensive.
Consider the material of the pill gun based on your dog's needs and your budget. If your dog needs frequent medication, you may want to invest in a more durable pill gun made from metal. However, if your dog only needs medication occasionally, a plastic pill gun may be sufficient.
Price
The price of the pill gun is also an important consideration. Pill guns are available at a wide range of price points, so it's important to find one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn't always guarantee better quality or ease of use, so be sure to read reviews and consider all the factors before making a purchase.
When choosing a pill gun for your dog, consider the size of the pill gun, its ease of use, the material it's made from, and its price point. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a pill gun that will help make administering medication to your dog as stress-free and easy as possible.
How to Use a Pill Gun
Administering medication to your dog using a pill gun can seem daunting at first, but with the right technique and some practice, it can become a routine part of your pet care regimen. Below are some steps, tips, and precautions to keep in mind when using a pill gun.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Load the pill gun: Open the pill gun and place the pill or capsule at the end of the barrel. Optional: coat the pill gun in coconut oil.
- Position your dog: Hold your dog still and position the pill gun at the back of its mouth, behind the tongue.
- Dispense the pill: Push the plunger or trigger on the pill gun to dispense the pill or capsule. Make sure to do it quickly so that your dog does not have a chance to spit it out.
- Check that the medication was swallowed: Watch your dog to ensure that they swallow the pill. You can also gently rub their throat or blow on their nose to encourage swallowing.
- Clean the pill gun: Clean the pill gun thoroughly after each use with warm water and soap.
Tips and Tricks
- To make it easier for your dog to swallow the pill, you can offer them a small amount of water to drink immediately after giving them the medication.
- Suppose your dog is particularly resistant to taking pills. Before using the pill gun, you can try disguising it in a small amount of soft food, such as cheese, peanut butter, or even coconut oil.
- Practice with the pill gun before you need to administer medication to your dog so that you can become familiar with its use and get comfortable using it.
Safety Precautions
- Always read the instructions that come with the pill gun carefully before use.
- Make sure to use the appropriate size pill gun for your dog and the medication you are administering.
- Never force your dog to take medication, as this can cause injury or make them more resistant to future attempts.
- If you are having difficulty administering medication to your dog using a pill gun, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
By following these steps, tips, and precautions, you can ensure that administering medication to your dog using a pill gun is safe and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pill gun for dogs?
A pill gun for dogs or dog pill shooters is a device used to help administer oral medication to dogs. It is designed to hold pills or capsules. It allows them to be easily inserted into a dog's mouth, ensuring that the medication is delivered to the back of the throat, where it can be swallowed without being spat out.
Is using a pill gun safe for my dog?
Yes, a pill gun can be a safe and effective way to administer medication to your dog, as long as it is done correctly. It's important to choose the appropriate size pill gun for your dog and the medication you are administering and to always follow the instructions carefully. If you have any concerns or difficulties, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
When searching for the best pill gun, if the soft tip can be taken on and off, ensure the tip is entirely sleeved on the best dog pill shooter until it cannot be sleeved in. It is crucial to note that the soft tip should not be put into the back of the pet's throat to prevent it from getting stuck.
How do I choose the right size pill gun for my dog?
When choosing a pill gun for your dog, consider the size of its mouth and the size of the medication you need to administer. Depending on the pill shooter you have, large or small pills may not be suited for the pet pill shooter.
Can I use a pill gun for all types of medication?
Pill guns can be used for many types of medication, including pills and capsules. However, some medications may not be suitable for use with a pill gun, such as liquid medications such as liquids or gels. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure that the medication you are administering is appropriate for use with a pill gun.
What if my dog refuses to take the medication with a pill gun?
Some dogs may be resistant to taking medication, even with the help of a pill gun. If your dog has difficulty, you can try disguising the medication in a small amount of soft food, such as cheese or peanut butter, before using the pill gun. Alternatively, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about other options for administering medication, such as a liquid form or injection.
Final Thoughts
Administering medication to our furry friends can be a daunting task. Thankfully, various pet pill guns, pill dispensers, and pill treats make the process much easier and stress-free. When choosing a product, it's essential to consider factors such as the size of the pill popper gun, ease of use, and material.
For pet owners who prefer a treat-based approach, regular peanut butter or Buddy Budder's peanut butter for dogs are great options.
No matter what product you choose, it's important to follow the instructions carefully and ensure the safety of your pets. With the right product and approach, administering medication to our furry friends can become much easier and stress-free.
Thanks for reading!
Items reviewed:
1. Butler Sales Bullseye Pill Gun
4. Buddy Budder, Bark Bistro Company: Ruff Ruff Raw, 100% Natural Dog Peanut Butter
