Even with the best of care, most dogs experience illness at some point in their lives. When that happens, they'll more than likely have to take pills or liquid medications or be treated with drops or ointments for their eyes or ears. Knowing the best way to give a pill, get liquids down the throat, or apply topical medications will help ensure that your pug gets well soon.

The most important thing to know about giving medication is that your pug needs all of it, even if he seems to be better before the medication is used up. To ensure a complete recovery, give all of the medication prescribed instead of saving it “for the next time.”

Pills

Mary Poppins had it right when she sang that “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” The easiest way to give a pill is to hide it inside something yummy. Cream cheese, peanut butter, canned dog food, soft cheese, and liverwurst all qualify — in a pug's mind — as “a spoonful of sugar.” Most pugs swallow doctored food so quickly they don't even notice the pill going down. Before you try this method, check with the veterinarian to make sure it's okay to give the pill with food. Some medications work best on an empty stomach.

If your pug turns up his nose at the “Trojan pill” or must take his medicine without food, you'll need to make a bit more of an effort. Holding the pill in your dominant hand, gently pry the mouth open by using one thumb to press upward on the roof of the mouth and the other to press down on the lower jaw. Slip the pill in and place it on the back of the tongue. Close the mouth and rub the throat to encourage swallowing. If your pug licks his nose, that means he's swallowed the pill. Pugs are champion pill-fakers, capable of hiding a pill in the side of the mouth, appearing to swallow two or three times and then spitting the pill out later, so don't be fooled.

Liquids

When your pug needs liquid medications, a plastic syringe (the kind without a needle) or eyedropper is your best friend. Draw the required amount of medicine into the syringe and place the delivery end into the pouch formed by the cheeks. Hold the lips closed with your fingers, and slowly press the plunger to dispense the liquid.

If you aren't able to get the medicine into your pug this way, ask your veterinarian if you can mix the medicine with the dog's food. This method has drawbacks, however. Many dogs are suspicious of food that tastes or smells unusual. It's also a less accurate way of giving medication, because you can't be sure the dog takes in all of it. Using a syringe to give medicine to a squirming pug can be difficult, but it's a good skill to master.

Eye Drops and Ointments

A pug playing outdoors may suffer an eye injury from running through foliage or underbrush, so it's important to know how to administer eye drops and ointments. Eye drops are usually dispensed straight from the bottle. Hold the bottle in one hand, and tilt the dog's muzzle upward with the other. Squeeze the required number of drops into the eye. Try not to touch the applicator tip to the eye.

To apply ointment, hold the head still with one hand, using your thumb to pull the lower eyelid down. With the ointment applicator in your dominant hand, slowly squeeze out a line of ointment. Release the eyelid and close the eye, gently rubbing the surface to distribute the ointment. If possible, have someone help you hold the dog so you don't poke him in the eye.

Ear Drops and Ointments

Ear medications often come in plastic bottles with long, narrow applicators to help ensure that the medicine gets deep into the ear. To avoid spreading infection, use separate applicators if you're treating more than one dog. It may cost a little more upfront, but you'll save time and money by not having to treat repeated infections.

Hold the head still, insert the applicator into the ear, and dispense the appropriate amount. Your pug will try to shake his head, but don't let him. Massage the cartilage at the base of the ear to make sure the medication is well distributed. Then he can shake all he wants.