Key Points
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When choosing a pill pocket, keep in mind the calories and other ingredients.
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Pill pockets are ready to use and simple to administer.
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Pill wrap paste is a versatile option for medication that is too large for a regular pocket.
Medicine time at your house may literally be a "hard pill to swallow." Cats typically don't like people sticking things in their mouths. However, since they can't pick up a pill and pop it in their mouth on their own, that unpleasant task falls to the one with the opposable thumbs — you.
A pill pocket is a treat with a built-in pocket ideal for hiding medication and masking any unfavorable taste or smell, making pill-taking hassle-free. These simple but effective inventions significantly aid your pet's health care regimen.
This article provides information about pill pockets and examines three top choices to help you buy the best one. Consider the brands' ingredients, efficiency in hiding pills, and pets' acceptance of them in your decision-making process.
How To Choose The Right Pill Pockets
When choosing a pill pocket, consider your pet's dietary restrictions, preferred flavors, and the size and form of the medication the pocket needs to hold. Ingredients must be safe, digestible, and (ideally) all-natural. The product must also mask the pill flavor and smell, ensuring your pet swallows it without a fuss.
Holistic pet wellness expert and Veterinarians content manager Katelyn Son tells cat owners considering a pill pocket, "It is important to keep the number of calories a product contains in mind. Pet owners should also be mindful of things like fat, sodium bisulfate, and artificial flavors or preservatives."
If these pockets don't work, Son also suggests using low-fat, low-sodium cheese to wrap a pill for your cat. All-Star Veterinary Clinic in Westfield, Indiana, presents a short tutorial on giving a cat medication in a YouTube video posted on August 8, 2023. Having your vet assist you the first time you use the pill pocket is a good idea.
No two pets are alike, so it's great to have options. In this case, there are three great picks to make pilling pleasurable.
PILL POCKETS
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by FELINE GREENIES
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08/17/2024 06:26 pm GMT
Greenies Feline Pill Pockets
by FELINE GREENIES
Starting with the biggest name in pill pockets and dental treats, Greenies provides a simple solution for administering medication. They're easy to use and available everywhere. Greenies Feline Pill Pockets are treats designed for cats. They boast natural ingredients and are free of artificial preservatives, appealing to health-conscious pet owners. The active ingredients include wheat flour, chicken liver, and glycerin, known for their tastiness and nutritional value.
If your cat doesn't care for certain flavors, options include chicken, salmon, tuna and cheese, and catnip. Chicken is the primary ingredient in all flavors, so be sure your cat isn't allergic to that protein.
These pockets fold over pills and capsules of various sizes, effectively sealing the medicine inside. The pliable yet solid texture ensures no trace of the pill is visible or detectable. The flavorful smell covers the stale odor of the medication, which is especially helpful when dealing with tablets or liquids.
Most cats respond well to savory chicken or fish flavors, but many also love catnip. Based on customer reviews and testimonials, these pockets work well for administering pills to their felines. Depending on the size, you must mold and work the pockets around some medications. The pocket becomes like molding clay, easily shaped and sealed.
by Vetoquinol
Vetoquinol Pill Wrap Treats
If Greenies isn't an ideal match for your cat, try Vetoquinol Pill Wrap Treats. A pill pocket may work for some medications, but select pills may be too large. Vetoquinol Pill Wrap is a paste, allowing owners to pinch off as much as needed. Mold and wrap it around the tablet or capsule until you completely cover it. For liquid medication, mix with some paste to create a soft consistency. Mix it into your cat's wet food if they hesitate to eat it.
The main selling point of Vetoquinol is its ability to mask the flavor and smell of medication. Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell and may initially refuse to take a capsule. The taste probably makes them even more reluctant to take them in the future.
Customers say their cats come seeking their "treats" during medication time. Some owners put the wrapped pill on top of their cat's wet food to increase the likelihood it's eaten. Putting your cat on a feeding schedule can ensure they're hungry when it's time for medication.
by TOMLYN
TOMLYN Pill-Masker
TOMLYN has a long line of veterinary-approved, research-based products. TOMLYN Pill-Masker is no exception. Like Vetoquinol, TOMLYN Pill-Masker is a paste that molds around your cat's medication. It has a screw-on lid and doesn't dry out or crumble. Wrap it around pills or create a pocket for liquid drops. It's made for dogs and cats, which is excellent for a multi-pet household. If you have different pets on medications, you don't need separate products to help them take their pills.
The flavor options set this product apart from others. Choose from either bacon or peanut butter flavors for an appealing smell and taste. Customers point out that not all cats like the flavor of this paste, but it works well for others. Owners say it's more elastic than other pill pockets. One tub works for about 56 pills, depending on the size of the medication.
Reviewed and Down the Hatch
You want to care for your cat's health as best as possible, including ensuring they take their prescribed medication. To do that, you sometimes need a little help — like a pill pocket. If your cat has food allergies or sensitivities, consult your vet before deciding on a product. Check the ingredient label to see which one is right for your feline.
Giving medicine to your cat doesn't have to be a difficult chore, but it's necessary. If done right the first time, you create a positive association with your cat's medicine time by giving them a tasty treat that hides the medicine's taste. Your cat thanks you for it, and you can be assured you're doing your best as a diligent pet parent who cares about your feline's well-being.
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