Our pets need medicine but don't want to take it. A recent KLB marketing study revealed that only 10 percent of cat owners and 30 percent of dog owners succeed in medicating their pets correctly. What this means is that a lot of prescriptions sent home by the veterinarian end up in the cupboard rather than in the pet, and the pet owner is too embarrassed or hesitant to go back to the veterinarian and admit failure.

It's very important that a pet owner give medications, at precise intervals, for as long as the veterinarian has prescribed. Failure to do so can not only hinder the pet's recovery from a condition or illness, but medication-battles (cats under the bed, prying dog's mouths open) can have a negative emotional impact on the pet and the bond we share with them as well.

Seeing medicine clutched in your hand, pets are often as unwilling and fearful as young children are when it comes to taking wonder drugs. Many humans feel uncomfortable taking pills and don't like to push one down their pet's throat, perhaps for good reason. Pets can read human body language and if you feel guilty, they pick that up and respond as if being punished.

Instead, act jolly!

Luckily, pet medications are no longer just a "bitter pill to swallow." Prescriptions can now be disguised inside of tasty coverings, or can be compounded into tantalizing chewable tablets and savory liquids.

To get the meds out of the bottle and into the pet try these new products: