Having trouble giving pills to a dog before appointment, even though he takes pills everyday.

Anyone know any tips to give pills to a dog before appointment.

he knows when he's going to specifically take the anti anxiety pills (trazadone, gabapentin) before an appointment even though he takes gabapentin pills everyday in a smaller dose for his arthritis.

The last time we had an appointment I tried forcing it down him because we exhausted all other options of tricking him with food (give one without, one with, rinse and repeat, again, we do it everyday successfully)

And he ended up just spitting it out even though I held his head up high for 20 minutes, massaging his throat.. He would even gulp which is usually an indicator that he swallowed, but when i would check it was still there.

Any tips appreciated.