Our initial directions for supplements we purchased when we were told Sampson had Degenerative Myleopathy was one dose, twice per day for the first week and then increase it to two doses twice per day.  I was slightly concerned as the Immuplex was over $60 a bottle and at that dosage we would be tearing through a bottle like an iguana through a head of lettuce. We would have figured it out though, because my boy is worth it.

After the diagnosis changed to a partial ACL tear, my vet said we could just continue the Immuplex and the Neurotrophin at the lower dosage, but increase the Canine Musculoskeletal Support as she felt this would be the supplement that would do him the most good.

So for those keeping track, Sampson was talking 1 Immuplex, 1 Neurotrophin, 1 Gaba Pentin, 1 Tramadol and 1 Carprofen two times each day.  That’s five pills per day at the low dose!

The Musculosketal Support is a powder which is sprinkled on his food and it must taste alright because he eats it with no problem.  (Thankfully he has finished the Gaba Pentin so our pill count drops to four.)

Anyone who has ever given a dog a pill knows, it’s not always easy. 

Once long, long ago I could hand Delilah her thyroid pill and she would swallow it, but I think she’s wised up to the fact there are other ways to take pills and it’s better to hold out for the good stuff.

Sampson on the other hand has always been very picky with what he eats.  Once the teller at the drive thru window gave him a Milk Bone which he politely took and then dropped it into my purse.

So the issue became, how do we get him to take all these pills?  I mean we could use peanut butter, BUT it’s fairly fattening and he’s on really limited exercise so he’s not burning as many calories on a daily basis.  I can’t imagine the size of a peanut butter ball that was full of five pills.

One of the pills, the Tramadol has a bad taste and my vet said some dogs will drool if it touches their tongue and some will stop taking it.  I can deal with the drool (I have labs after-all) but the refusal to take it is never pretty in my house.

You do the math.

One stubborn lab + one stubborn Mama = Bad Times.

Hubby came up with a great idea using Coconut Oil for the evening dose.  Since they are getting Coconut Oil anyway, he puts all the pills in the cap of the jar and then drops the Coconut Oil into the cover and wads the pills up.

Gulp, it’s gone.

The morning dose was slightly more problematic, until I had the BRILLIANT idea (if I do say so myself) to use some left over Ricotta cheese.

Typically Ricotta cheese is not the best thing to give your dog as it can be very high in fat and calories and some dogs don’t do well with dairy.

I however bought the no fat Ricotta cheese which has 40 calories for one quarter cup.  Don’t freak out I’m not giving the dogs 1/4 cup of Ricotta!

You guys, this stuff is SO EASY to use.  We use a cereal spoon.

Smear the spoon through the Ricotta. (It might look like a lot in the photo, but it’s barely 1/2 the spoon.)

Using your finger, spread the Ricotta and flatten it down, making a small hollow in the base of the spoon.

Add your pills.

Fold the Ricotta over the pills.

Roll it around if you’re concerned about the presentation.

Viola, five pills in one gulp.

Of course I would advise you to make sure you are giving this in small doses and you’re aware of what your dog can tolerate.  Some dogs will NOT tolerate dairy well and others may be able to handle little bits.  My dogs get yogurt or Keifer every day so I’m comfortable with small doses of Ricotta Cheese.

If you are unsure at all, always consult your vet!

Totally switching topics here, how many of you will be joining us tomorrow for the inaugural Barks and Bytes blog hop?  Did you remember we are having a giveaway for all participating blogs.

You can get your badge here, from my side bar or head on over to 2 Brown Dawgs and check out her badge.

Then come back tomorrow to add your link.