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One of the things that new pet owners learn is that healthcare is just as important for the non-humans in the house as the rest of the family. Vet expenses can amount to quite a bit over the course of a year. While you don’t want to avoid taking your pet to the vet when it’s time for a checkup or there’s something wrong, the idea of saving money on medication is something to consider. One way you can lock in the best pricing for those pet medications is to find out if your local pharmacy works with dog pharmaceuticals.
Dogs sometimes have unique health needs that cannot be addressed by the medications that are already available. For example, a dog may need their dose adjusted because of their size. Maybe they simply refuse to take a bitter tasting mass produced medicine. For some pet owners, it is surprising to discover that special medications can be made for their dog at a compounding pharmacy. While it is natural to be concerned about the safety of anything that you give your dog, understanding the process for compounding dog pharmaceuticals will give you reassurance that your pet is getting the best treatment possible.
Who Knew You Could Fill Pet Prescriptions at the Pharmacy?
One reason that pet owners don’t fill pet prescriptions at the local pharmacy is because they have no idea the druggist accepts those types of orders. In fact, more pharmacies than ever are filling pet and dog pharmaceuticals. Many pharmacies now offer them right along with prescriptions required by their human customers.
Before assuming that you can only obtain pet medication from your vet or by ordering it online, ask your pharmacist. There’s a good chance that the answer will yes. If so, it will take no time to set up a separate account for the pet or possibly have the pet added to the account already established for you and your family. Prepare to provide basic information like the pet’s age, breed, and other essentials.
When setting up the account, ask what pet insurance plans the vet accepts. It would be a good idea to secure one of those plans if you don’t already have something in place. As with human prescription coverage, the benefits in the pet plan could save you a lot of money.
Determining When Compounding Is Necessary
It is important to work with your veterinarian any time your pet has a change in their health. Most pet owners choose to have a medication compounded after their veterinarian recommends that it is necessary. This can happen for several reasons. For instance, a dog may have a health condition for which there is not currently an FDA-approved medication.
Alternatively, your pet may have multiple medications to take daily. Putting them all into one dose simplifies the process of dispensing their medicine. This is especially effective when your pet needs several injections. Compounding can combine them into one or create a topical gel that is painless.
Understanding The Legal Requirements
Animals are protected by similar FDA regulations for medicine as humans. This means that a compounding pharmacist can only work with ingredients or medications that have already received FDA approval. This ensures that an animal will not take ingredients in any medication that may not be safe. It is also important to understand that only a licensed pharmacist who has been trained in the art and science of compounding can legally prepare medications for pets.
Making the Compounded Dog Pharmaceuticals
There are several ways of making compounded dog pharmaceuticals. In some instances, the pharmacist will mix two or more medications into one injection. This way, a dog does not have to handle additional pain. A compounding pharmacist may also crush a bitter pill and add beef or chicken flavoring to make it easier for you to give your dog their medicine.
An oral capsule can also turn into a liquid suspension for dogs that struggle with swallowing pills. You can also ask your compounding pharmacist to remove filler ingredients that trigger allergies in your pet.
Obtaining a Compounded Medication
The majority of pet owners talk to their vet to obtain compounded dog pharmaceuticals for their pet. Then, the veterinarian writes a prescription that you take to your local compounding pharmacy. If the pharmacist has a question about a medication or ingredient, then they will work closely with the veterinarian to make sure that your dog receives the best care possible. If your dog needs an over-the-counter medication, then your pharmacist can also modify this through compounding. They can modify and compound anything that uses FDA-approved ingredients.
How About the Cost?
One of the more important factors is how much you will pay for each pet medication. Even if you have pet insurance, the out of pocket cost associated with filling the prescriptions at the local pharmacy may be lower. There is no compromise in the quality of the medication. All you do accomplish is securing the medicine your pet needs. You do this without having to pay the higher fees assessed at veterinary clinics and many online pet pharmacies.
Knowing about the process of compounding dog pharmaceuticals gives you more options for taking care of your pet’s health. From treating uncommon illnesses to finally getting your dog to happily take their medication, you can work with your compounding pharmacist to find a solution to any problem that you encounter with your pet’s health care needs.