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Responsible pet ownership comes with seeking vet care whenever you believe your companion is sick. Often, vets will prescribe the same medications to treat animal conditions as they prescribe for human conditions. Filling those prescriptions at a human pharmacy rather than at your vet’s office can help you to save money while accessing the same pharmaceutical-grade medications.
Unfortunately, many pet owners question buying pet meds from a pharmacy out of a lack of understanding. They may feel that they won’t have support if they have questions, or they may wonder if the quality of the medication is the same.
The good news is that your pharmacy does sell the exact same pet meds as your vet (just at a cheaper price). The quality is identical, and if you have questions, your pharmacist can likely address them over the phone.
Some of the questions your pharmacist hears about pet meds are more common than others. We’ve listed these questions here for easy access.
How Do I Apply Flea and Tick Preventatives?
Because flea and tick preventatives are so common, this is easily one of the most common pet medication questions. The most effective treatments are topical and by prescription only. Grocery and dollar store versions are not safe, and shouldn’t be given to your pet without a vet’s advice.
Most flea and tick preventatives come in a small tube of clear or cloudy fluid. This includes Frontline Plus, Revolution, and Advantage I and II. They begin working immediately after application, and in most cases, will protect your pet for up to 30 days.
How to Use
- Begin by reading the package instructions thoroughly. Verify that you have the correct dose for your pet’s size, then pull the lid off of one tube. Most tubes will need the end snipped off or twisted off using the cap to fully open the tube.
- Sit your pet down (with help, if needed) and remove his or her collar.
- Aim the tip of the tube at the back of the neck where it’s most difficult for your pet to lick or scratch, pushing the hair or fur out of the way.
- Gently squeeze the tube until all of the product reaches the skin.
- For particularly large dogs, many packages recommend spreading the medication in several spots down the spine. If so, gently squeeze a drop out at the neck, at the shoulders, at three points down the spine, and then at the base of the tail.
- You’re done!
How Can I Give My Dog or Cat a Pill?
While humans can rationalize the need to take a pill, your pet can’t, and their natural instincts often make them reject the medication because it tastes bad. In the wild, this is a self-protective feature; if it tastes bad, it’s probably bad for them, too.
Unfortunately, natural instincts don’t make it any easier for pet parents to give that daily dose of feline thyroid medication or canine antibiotic.
To pill a resistant cat or dog, have a friend sit on the floor with the animal’s back to their chest. If you’re alone, snuggle your pet back into you.
Start with plenty of pets and comfort; make it as stressless as possible before you start. If your dog or cat is anxious, let her go and try again in a few minutes. Once the animal is comfortable, proceed.
Tilt your pet’s head upward gently. With the pill in one hand and your other hand around the bottom of the jaw, gently pull his mouth open. Quickly place the pill as far back on the tongue as you can, close the jaw, and gently hold the mouth closed for around 30 seconds to a minute. Rub the base of the throat until you feel them swallow.
If your dog or cat struggles with getting the pill down, you can try chasing the pill with a syringe full of water or bone broth. Or, use a pill syringe to gain access to the back of the throat. This is especially helpful for very fearful or aggressive animals.
My Pet Won’t Accept Her Medication. What Can I Do?
You’ve tried pilling. You’ve tried hiding the pill in tasty treats. You’ve even tried burying the pill in peanut butter, all to no avail. What can you do to get your resistant pet to take her medication?
First, don’t panic. Pets who resist medications are exceptionally common. Set the medication down, let your pet go, and call in to the vet or pharmacy to get quick help over the phone. Your approach will depend largely on what medication your pet is on and at what dose, but pet parents often find these strategies helpful:
- Hide the pill in a food with a different flavor (e.g. savory to sweet or vice versa)
- Change the texture of the food you hide the pill in (e.g. blend it rather than chopping)
- Ask your veterinarian or pharmacist if you can crush the pill or mix the liquid in food
- Ask for a different form of medication via compounding (e.g. a liquid vs. a pill)
- Request a different medication altogether if all else fails
Some pet meds, like antibiotics and steroids, can be given by injection instead of pill or liquid. If your pet absolutely won’t take them via pill/liquid, getting the medication into them in any way possible is more important than continuing to struggle. Don’t be afraid to ask for changes or assistance!
I Gave My Pet Too Much/Too Little Medication. Help!
Because pets take so little medication compared to humans, it’s exceptionally easy to get the dose wrong at home. This is why many pharmacies and veterinary offices now put liquids in easy-to-use oral syringes rather than sending home the bottle of liquid itself. All you have to do is give the syringe at the right time and you’re done.
If you do accidentally give your pet too much or too little medication, whether it be an accidental double dose or a resistant pet that spits out half of the dose, don’t attempt to correct the dose on your own.
Most pet meds are prescribed in doses that consider minor misjudgements like these. Most pets will be fine, and will suffer little more than nausea or dizziness if anything. However, there are certain medications (like beta blockers, narcotic painkillers, sedatives, and pet insulin) that can cause serious and potentially fatal side effects at the incorrect dose.
To correct a dose issue, stop and telephone the vet or pharmacy immediately for medication-specific advice. If you can’t get through to the vet or pharmacy immediately, you can contact Poison Control for temporary advice at (800) 222-1222.
My Pet is On Multiple Pet Meds. Will They Interact?
Just as human medications can be contraindicated, so, too, can your pet’s medications. Giving the wrong pet meds together can interfere with treatment outcomes or even cause your pet to become extremely sick. If you are prescribed a medication for your pet, be sure to tell your pharmacist everything else your companion is taking; he or she will evaluate both substances for interactions, reducing the risk of negative side effects.
Think your pet is experiencing an interaction right now? Contact your vet or visit the nearest animal emergency hospital right away. Fast intervention is often all that’s required to prevent further harm.
My Pet Ate a Topical Medication. Is It Poisonous?
It’s no secret that some pets will eat anything in sight. From dogs digging in the cat’s litterbox to that fresh cake you left sitting on the counter, if it’s available, your companion animal’s curiosity may get the best of her until you tuck it neatly away. This innate desire to taste everything also applies to topical medications like steroids, antihistamines, antifungals, and antibiotics, too.
Most topical medications for pets are formulated to reduce side effects if they’re ingested. Though you should dissuade your pet from licking the application area for a few hours after application, a lick or two isn’t likely to cause any harm along the way.
The risk of side effects rises with the amount your pet ingests, so if your pup eats an entire tube of antibiotic ointment, a visit to the vet may become necessary. Likewise if your cat eats an entire tube of steroid cream. Look for symptoms of gastrointestinal upset like nausea, diarrhea, or drooling. Also watch for convulsions and trembling, especially in felines; this is a symptom of neurotoxicity and must be addressed immediately.
Keep Your Pet Healthy!
Your pet deserves the same level of health care and treatment as you do when you’re sick. By making your local pharmacy a valuable part of your veterinary care team, you gain more support than ever in achieving wellness for your companion animal friend. When in doubt, call your vet or pharmacy for more information!