Source: Health News Digest

A survey of 1,220 U.S. pet owners revealed that nearly three-quarters of them aren't always successful in giving medication to their pets. Seven percent admitted that their inability to medicate their pets led to an extended or ongoing health issue with their pets-that's almost 5 million U.S. dogs and cats. 

Pets have an acute sense of smell and can detect the ingredients in medication, which often sends them running. Cats are especially finicky about smells and tastes. This often creates problems for even the savviest pet owner when giving medication to pets.

But pill time can be treat time with solutions such as GREENIES® PILL POCKETS® Treats. These are soft, edible dog and cat treats that have a hollow core. Pet owners place medication inside the treat, pinch it shut with the fingers that have not touched the medication and feed it to their pet. The beef-, chicken- and salmon-flavored treats conceal the smell and taste of medication. And for the millions of pets who suffer from food allergies, there's GREENIES® PILL POCKETS® Allergy Formula Treats, combining a novel protein of duck with peas, an easily digestible carbohydrate source. 

"Pet owners understand that missing even one dose of medication affects their pet's health, and that causes them concern. They often resort to human foods such as peanut butter, cheese and hot dogs in an effort to get the pet to take medication," said Dr. Marty Becker, veterinarian and well-known "spokesperson" for pets. "Not only are human foods unhealthy for pets, they're not a reliable delivery method, as pets will often eat around medication disguised in human food, leaving the pill intact.

"Giving medication can be stressful for both the pet and the pet owner, even when you're successful in getting the medicine past the pet's teeth," said Dr. Becker. "Your veterinarian can recommend methods and products such as GREENIES® PILL POCKETS® Treats that are pet healthy, effective and put the 'treat' in treatment." 

GREENIES® PILL POCKETS® Treats are available at pet products retailers and many veterinary clinics.