What is a recommended technique to help a dog swallow a pill?

Tilting a dog's nose to the ceiling is a recommended technique to help a dog swallow a pill because it encourages the dog to naturally lift its head, which can make the swallowing reflex more likely to occur. When the dog's head is tilted upward, gravity assists in guiding the pill down the throat, and it can help the dog instinctively swallow as it senses the pill at the back of its mouth. This method can make the process smoother for both the dog and the person administering the medication.

Although other techniques may be used, such as mixing the pill with food, holding the mouth open, or giving a treat first, they do not effectively capitalize on the dog’s natural swallowing instincts in the same way that tilting the head does.