Every dog owner knows the struggle of getting a stubborn pup to swallow a pill. Whether the dog spits it out, eats around it, or simply refuses to cooperate, medicating a pet can turn into a daily battle of wills. One owner, however, figured out a surprisingly clever workaround, and her video is now winning over the internet in a big way. A French bulldog owner named Ashley shared her method on TikTok, and the clip has since racked up nearly 17 million views.
Her technique relies on something dog owners might not immediately think of: reverse psychology. In the video, Ashley pretends to accidentally drop the pill, crying out dramatically “oh no, oh no,” as if she’s lost something precious. Her French bulldog, convinced he’s getting away with stealing a forbidden item, immediately rushes over and swallows it whole. It’s a simple trick, but the dog’s enthusiasm makes it almost impossible not to laugh.
The video was posted with the caption “Some dogs are picky. My French bulldog will literally eat anything,” and it quickly became a sensation, collecting more than 2.3 million likes. Commenters flooded the post to praise Ashley’s creative approach, with many calling her a genius and pledging to try the same method on their own dogs. One of the most popular comments, which earned over 327,000 likes itself, simply read “Reverse psychology at work.” Another French bulldog owner chimed in with a story of their own success, writing “I convinced my girl that her allergy pills are treats. She gets so excited when she hears the pill bottle.”
@withashleyz Some dogs are picky. My Frenchie will eat literally anything. #dogsoftiktok #funnypets #dogreaction #foodlovingdog #frenchiesoftiktok ♬ original sound – Ashley Z
While the trick is undeniably funny, there is real science behind why dogs sometimes resist their medication. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), humans have roughly five to six million scent receptors in their noses, while dogs, depending on the breed, can have up to 100 million, as reported by Newsweek. That extraordinary sense of smell means that even a dog known for eating anything off the floor can detect when something foreign has been tucked into their food, which is exactly what makes Ashley’s distraction technique so effective in bypassing that instinct.
For pet owners who are still struggling to get pills into their dogs, the UK-based animal welfare charity Dogs Trust has published several practical guidelines to make the process easier and less stressful for both the owner and the animal. They recommend always reading the packaging instructions first, and consulting a vet if there is any confusion about the dosage or preparation. The easiest route is often hiding the tablet inside a favorite treat, such as a small piece of sausage, cheese, or even a carrot, though owners should always check for known food allergies and make sure the chosen food is not toxic to dogs.
It is also worth verifying with a vet whether a specific medication can be given with food at all, since some pills must be taken on an empty stomach, though in most cases a small treat does not cause problems. Dogs Trust also warns that tablets should never be crushed or split without first asking a veterinarian, since some medications must be swallowed whole to work correctly. If a partial dose is needed, pill cutters or splitters are available to make that easier. Throughout the whole process, experts stress the importance of watching the dog’s body language and stopping if the animal shows signs of distress, so that the experience remains as calm as possible for everyone involved.
French bulldogs, the breed featured in Ashley’s viral video, are known for their curious, food-motivated personalities, which likely contributed to how smoothly the trick worked. The breed was developed in England and later popularized in France in the 1800s, eventually becoming one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are compact, affectionate dogs with short snouts, which also means they can be more prone to certain respiratory and health conditions, sometimes requiring regular medication. Their reputation for eating enthusiastically and without much discrimination is well known among the breed’s fans, which makes the idea of tricking one with a “dropped” pill feel entirely believable to anyone who has spent time around them.
Giving medication to pets is a topic that veterinarians and pet owners have navigated for generations, and the range of strategies people have developed reflects just how creative animal lovers can be when it comes to the comfort and health of their companions. Pill pockets, specially designed treats with a hollow center, became a popular commercial solution for this exact problem and are widely available in pet stores. Some compounding pharmacies also offer the option of having pet medications flavored with chicken, beef, or other animal-friendly tastes to make them more appealing.
If you have your own funny or creative method for getting your dog to take their medicine, share it in the comments.
