Tag: pet medications

A better understanding of compound medication for animal use is helpful. Read all the details here.

If you are a pet owner then you are probably on the lookout for the safest and best treatment options for your pets. Today, we are going to discuss drug compounding and how it is one of the best options for your furry friends.

But first, let’s discuss what compounding is?

Drug compounding is essentially a process of mixing, altering, and combining the ingredients of a certain medication/medications to fit the needs of the individual animal/person. These drugs play a very important role in veterinary medicine. Compounded drugs for animals are made by veterinarians and pharmacists. The FDA only approves compounding drugs for meds when the active ingredient is approved by Food and Drug Administration.

Some Reservations

In the meds, a bulk drug substance is used for compounded medication, it becomes an active ingredient in the finalized form. However, it is important to note that animal drugs compounded from bulk substances are not approved by FDA and are not reviewed for safety and efficacy. If you wish to use a compounding drug for a food-producing animal; chicken, cows, etc, please note that FDA has yet to review evidence supporting conditions of use that protect against the drug residues. It is important to be notified that there is no medically appropriate drug approved by FDA for minor species to treat animals. However, an animal drug compounded from drug substances is sometimes a medically necessary treatment.

How is Compounding for Pharmacists Regulated?

It’s regulated by both the US FDA and state governments. FDA regulates compounding as a subpart of the Extralabel Drug Use rules. It generally defers day-to-day regulation of compounding by pharmacists and veterinarians. The state boards of pharmacy overview the pharmacy practices within states and state veterinary medical boards oversee the practice of all veterinary meds including prescriptions.

Common Forms of Compound Medication for Pets

Besides pet medication for transdermal delivery, compounding pharmacists are able to convert the medications into many different forms that include but are not limited to:

Chewable Pet Treats – Compounded pet medication can allow you to serve medication in the form of a tasty treat. It makes the medication administration simple and painless. Moreover, a compounding pharmacist will add flavor to medication which makes the entire process easier.

Custom Strength Medications – Oftentimes, a commercial medication will either be too strong or weak. A compounding pharmacist will adjust the strength of your medications to suit the needs of your pet.

Sugar-Free Medication for Diabetic Pets – Compounding pharmacists are well trained for diabetic pets. The sugar-free version of any compounding medications are available if that is the unique requirement of your pet.

Transdermal PLO Gels – You can also get compounding meds in gel forms. When the compounding medication is produced in this form, the gel can be rubbed gently into the skin and gets absorbed easily into the bloodstream.

Transdermal Medication – The topical treatment is made by suspending an active ingredient of a particular medication and converting it into a gel/cream. The transdermal medication can be rubbed into the hairless area of the pet such as the inner ear, where the active ingredient can be instantly absorbed. This type of medication is ideal for pets that simply refuse to take the pills.

Oral Capsules – Oral capsules combine several ingredients and create a new form of medication. The capsules are easier to be swallowed by pets as compared to other types of medications.

Flavored Suspensions – Flavors make medications more palatable for the pet. Popular flavors for enhancing the use of pet medications include chicken, fish, banana, peanut butter, and beef.

Compounded Tablets and Chewable Forms – They come in flavored forms that are designed to dissolve on the tongue. It is ideal for pets who are too sick to swallow. Softer chews are easy to administer than the pills as compared to treats.

Types of Conditions Compounded Medications Can Treat

Certain medications are available in the form of compounding. Here are some of the most commonly used drugs and their possible treatments:

Cisapride – It is used to treat GI motility disorders in animals; dogs and cats. Compounded drugs can be included in the form of an oral capsule, transdermal forms, and oral suspension.

Methimazole – It is used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. Many pet parents find compounded transdermal creams and oral suspensions easier to administer than oral tablets. Due to its bitter taste, many pets reject metronidazole pills into capsules, flavored suspensions, and chewable tablets.

Prednisolone – It is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat a variety of pet conditions such as autoimmune disorders and allergies. Most diseases that require prednisolone treatment are chronic. Compounding allows for easier, long-term dosing.

Potassium Bromide – It is an anti-seizure medication that helps manage canine and feline epilepsy. Potassium Bromide is available in the form of tablets and liquid suspension is easier to administer as compared to the tablet forms.

Final Takeaway

Compounding is reserved for cases where existing drug options are not successful or suited to the individual needs of the pet. It is a life-saving option for pets that is difficult to medicate or when other treatment options fail.

It is important to know that compounded drugs are offered by prescription only and must be approved by a veterinarian and a pharmacist. They are not generic drugs that are approved by FDA.

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved because the drug is essentially changed to a different form. For instance, a gel is converted to a tablet or an oral suspension or vice versa. They are not monitored by FDA. Hence, the potency, safety, and efficacy can vary drastically. The best approach is to discuss your compounding options with a veterinarian who understands the unique needs of the pet and the device to create a great action plan. We hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you have any questions, leave them down in the comments section below and we will get back to you.

Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for informational purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice.

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When caring for sick pets, it’s always best to gain the best information and tips for a speedy recovery. Here is what to know.

Do you know what is the hardest part of being a pet owner? Well, it’s seeing them sick. When your furry friend is unwell, there is nothing more heart-wrenching to see them in pain. A little bit of care goes a long way when it comes to reviving your furry friend to health.

The right tips combined with care and medical care can make a world of a difference. So, stop feeling helpless, and let’s get your pet back to health.

In this article, we will discuss our top tips to take care of your bellowed pet. Without further ado, let’s get going.

Keep Your Furry Friend Clean

Lack of cleanliness can lead to the formation of germs which can worsen the health of your pets. We get that it is very difficult to groom a sick pet but it is necessary. You might not be able to give them a proper bath but you can clean them. You can give them a sponge bath instead. Use damp cotton balls to clean the mouth, ears, and eyes.

Also, be extremely careful of their toileting needs. Always get bedding that wicks the urine away. Vetbed and puppy pads work amazingly well. Use a Sudocrem and Vaseline over their delicate parts. If your pet finds it difficult to walk, give them the option to use an indoor toilet.

Keep a puppy pad or a litter tray near them at all times. This will help minimize the cleanup. Never scold your pet for having an accident in the house. Let them heal at their own pace.

Provide Beneficial Bedding

If your animal is mostly resting, he/she will be prone to developing bed sores or worse. Make sure that you are changing their laying positions after every hour. It prevents the pooling of blood (which can be hazardous and create serious complications like hypostatic pneumonia). Vetbed is ideal for your pets as it cushions the joints and prevents moisture from trapping. A deep bedding layer also helps your pet stay comfortable.

Make sure you put the water bowl of your pet within reach. Allow them to rest as much as possible and having water nearby will encourage them to drink more, thereby reducing the risk of hydration.

Pay Attention to Food Choices

The first thing you need to do is consult your vet regarding the food choices of your pet. Make sure you get a list of prohibited foods from your vet to avoid any digestive problems. Make the portions smaller and feed them little by little but often. If your pet is refusing to eat, the following tips can help:

• Warm-up their food ever so slightly (it should be slightly warm, not hot).
• Offer foods that smell really good and fragrant.
• Hand feed them if they refuse to eat.
• Include colorful and unique looking foods in their diet if possible (it sparks their interest).
• Try new foods which you haven’t fed them before.

Sick animals can develop food aversions. Make sure you are not forcing them to eat something they really do not want to. If your pet is facing digestive issues, ask your vet to recommend certain medications that can help. You have to be very patient with your furry friend during this time frame.

Attend to Their Medical Needs

Follow all the instructions given by your vet religiously. Three tablets a day means you have to feed your pet one tablet every eight hours. Make sure you have set reminders on your phone so you don’t forget any of the doses.

If your pet already has a poor appetite, hiding pills in food is a bummer. They will lose interest in eating and you will have an even harder time while feeding them. Learn the skill of popping a pill in their mouth and use a syringe to add the water to their mouth afterward.

If you are having trouble doing it yourself, ask your vet to help you out in this regard. Some vets also offer at-home assistant visits. Take advantage of the services.

Compounding Medications for Pets

One of the best ways you can make sure that your pet takes the meds is by opting for compounding medications. Compound pharmacists are able to modify the medicine in a way that suits your pet. For instance, they can make the medication taste sweet, turn the pill into a liquid, or an injectable. Essentially, they will transform the prescribed medication into something that is bearable for your pet.

You can always ask your vet to recommend you a great compounding pharmacy or look for the one yourself near your home. This is one of the best tips to make sure your pet gets back to health as quickly as possible.

Some top benefits of compounding medications for a pet includes:

• It stops the force-feeding of pills.
• Customized dosages as per your pet needs.
• Addresses unique health challenges of the pet.
• Ability to access discontinued medications.

Maintain Your Pet’s Quality of Life

If your pet is old or dealing with a terminal illness, you will have to give them special care in order to maintain their quality of life. Spend time on their grooming, cuddling with them, and play with them. Just like humans, pets also thrive off the care. Make sure you are giving them all the love and cuddles.

If possible, get the pet out for a walk or simply allow them to breathe in the fresh air in a nearby park. Sometimes, it means putting your pet in a buggy. Do what is necessary for their wellbeing and happiness.

There is no substitute for love and care. Now is the time when your pet needs you the most.

Final Thoughts

Overseeing sick pets is heart-wrenching. But there are things you can do to revive their health and add a little speckle of joy into their life. The tips mentioned in this article will surely work in your favor. If you have any questions or confusions, feel free to connect with us and we would love to help you out.

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When your little feline family member gets sick, it’s essential to get them the medication they need to heal properly, but this can be a difficult task. Here is how to give a cat medicine, even if they are being difficult.

There are some interesting stats and facts about cats you may not know. For example, domesticated cats first came to America in the 1600s when they were put on ships traveling from Europe. The idea was to have the cats kill the rodents on the boat. Today, cats are family members to nearly 43 million people.

Cat owners spend a lot of money on their pets. Just last year, the total Americans spent on food, supplies, veterinarian care, and grooming totaled 99 billion dollars.

Unfortunately, cats get sick. Just like humans and other pets, they are susceptible to viruses, infections, and diseases. You must know when it’s time to seek help for your sick cat and how to give a cat medicine if needed.

When to Visit a Vet

Some cats show obvious symptoms to signal they need to visit a vet. Examples include signs of distress, which can be any abnormal behavior, like:

• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive sneezing
• Overwhelming fatigue

Additional signs of distress include dragging the back legs, unusual lumps or growths, discharge from the eyes or nose, and changes in the way they use the litter box. If your cat has been in a fight or accident and has obvious signs of injury, take them to the vet for evaluation.

Your veterinarian will likely prescribe medication to treat your cat’s ailments. Make sure your vet explains how to give a cat medicine so that they can get the proper care they need.

How to Give Medicine to a Cat: 3 Tips

As you may already know, not all cats like taking medication. Some even hate it and make it difficult to administer. Here are some tips on how to give a problematic cat oral medicine.

• When possible, get help. While one person holds the cat’s mouth open, the other person places the medicine towards the back of the cat’s throat. Then release the cat’s mouth and let it swallow the medicine. Follow it up with a treat of something delicious. Putting the medicine at the back of the throat bypasses taste buds, so if the medicine is bitter, the cat won’t know it and spit it out. Use this tip for any medication, including pills or liquids.
• Hide the medicine in a treat. This tip may work for some cats and not others. Cats chew their foods, unlike dogs, who sometimes gulp down treats. If you hide a pill in a treat and your cat bites into it, they may not eat it.
• Mix the medicine with canned cat food. This can also be risky if the drug changes the flavor of the canned food. You may want to try a small sample mixture first to avoid wasting a dose.

Each condition may require a different medication. It’s essential to understand how to give a cat medicine, and how that process will change depending on the type of medication.

Types of Cat Medications

Antibiotics are a commonly prescribed medication for cat health problems like urinary tract infections and diseases. If you see your cat straining to pee or licking themselves a lot, it could mean they have kidney stones or blockages. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections.

Anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed for conditions like arthritis that is affecting your cat. Steroids are often the anti-inflammatories chosen by vets.

Flea and tick medicines, pain relievers, joint support, dewormer, and allergies are a few more reasons a cat may need prescribed medicine.

Filling the Prescription

There are no pet pharmacies that prescribe only pet medications. You must find a pharmacist in your area that can fill both human and pet prescriptions. Because medicine for your cat is often the same for humans, only modified in dose, many local pharmacists will be able to assist you.

The problem with regular prescriptions is that they are created to meet the needs of the masses. They are mass-manufactured in specific doses, forms and with specific active and inactive ingredients. Your cat may not be like all other cats. They may have an allergy to an inactive ingredient.

Your cat may be too small for the minimum dose or too big for the maximum dose, making it hard to properly medicate and preventing them from receiving the full effects of the medicine.

To ensure your pet is getting the medicine’s benefits, look into a veterinary compounding pharmacy.

What Is Compounded Cat Medicine?

Compounding pet medication is a process used by pharmacists to make medicine from scratch based on your cat’s personal needs and preferences. Your pharmacist will use your cat’s medical records and feedback from you to create the correct dose in the most favorable form, so it becomes easier and safer to administer.

If your cat loves beef flavoring, your pharmacist can make the medicine taste like beef. Similarly, if it is easier for you to give your cat liquid medication, they can create medication that uses a dosing syringe. If your cat has allergies to specific binding agents, your pharmacist can find ones more suitable.

Compounding can personalize the medicine even further using custom, adjustable strength, and sugar-free for pets with blood sugar issues like diabetes.

Fortunately for your cat, many types of compounded cat medications meet all your cat’s unique needs.

Types of Compounded Cat Medications

Compounded cat medicines come in various formats, including:

• Topical gels and creams
• Pills
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Liquid
• Injectables
• Chewable pet treats
• Transdermal patches

Compounded medicines for pets are not the only benefit of using a compounding vet pharmacy.

Benefits of Compounding Vet Pharmacy

Working with a compounding pharmacy gives you more medication options, including access to commercial medicines no longer available at big chain pharmacies. Compounding can often cost less and protect against allergic reactions.

Finally, you get to know your pet’s pharmacist, who is eager to build a relationship with pet owners and answer questions about prescriptions. Compounding pharmacists are accessible and welcome meeting the cat for which they are creating medicine.

In a time where we seem disconnected from others, whether due to a pandemic or just being busy with life, it’s nice to work with a pharmacist who takes time to get to know you and your cat.

In the United States, as many as one third of household dogs and cats take supplements, but does your furry family member need pet supplements and vitamins?

Are you a pet owner? Is your pet a family member, one you would do anything for, like buy supplements and vitamins to improve their health?

You are not alone, especially if your pet is a dog or cat. Research shows that nearly one-third of American households use supplements for dogs and one-fifth for cats. No wonder the vitamin and supplement industry for pets is in the billions.

The health of pets has indeed changed over the years. Many dogs and cats are overweight and do not get enough exercise. Some are underweight due to thyroid issues. Other pets have developed anxiety issues and are prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

There seems to be an increase in pet medical problems. A recent survey found some of the top issues for dogs include:

• Ear infections
• Allergies
• Digestive issues
• Arthritis

For cats, some of the top problems were:

• Urinary tract issues
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes
• Renal failure
• Vomiting

With problems like these, it’s no wonder why so many pets suddenly need nutritional support. However, you still may question if your pet needs vitamins or supplements. You may ask why isn’t their food good enough, are there risks, do they work, and which ones should you choose?

We get questions like these from pet owners often, and we want to share the answers with you. Keep reading to learn almost everything you need to know about pet supplements and vitamins. Let’s start with how to determine if your pet needs support for its health.

Does Your Pet Need Vitamins or Supplements?

Many families love to give their pets extra treats and sweets and scraps that may not be the healthiest for them. But maybe their pet food isn’t either. Pet companies make many promises for marketing purposes, but how you feed your pet may not match their promises. A serving for a great dane is not good when you have a chihuahua.

Also, consider how much exercise your pet is getting. For example, does it only go outside when it’s time to go potty? Exercise is a vital aid in digestion.

The best way to determine if your pet needs vitamins and supplements is to pay attention to the signs they give you. For example, scratching, itching, licking, and rubbing in excess is a sign something is wrong. Also, how do they look? Do they have a shiny coat, or do they have patches of hair missing?

If you notice abnormal behaviors or appearance, talk with your doctor to determine if it is a medical issue. If so, then you likely need to start giving your pet a vitamin or supplement.

You will quickly learn there are many options on the market.

Types of Pet Supplements

You’ve likely seen the recent surge in CBD products for humans. Well, they are available for pets too. One survey found that two-thirds of the veterinarians surveyed were asked about CBD for pets at least once a month.

Before you ask your vet about CBD, check out the basics first. Examples of Vitamins and supplements include:

• Vitamins A, C, D, E
• Choline
• Fish oil
• Glucosamine
• Probiotics

Each vitamin and supplement provide a different, yet specific, function to improve health.

For example, for a shinier coat, choose Vitamin C. Vitamin A helps with vision, vitamin B aids in metabolism, vitamin D acts as the sun and strengthens bones and muscles, and choline supports brain and liver function. Both supplements and vitamins provide the same benefits to pets as they do to humans.

Supplements for pets are regulated by the FDA and come in a variety of forms. But does that mean it’s safe to share your vitamins or give your pet a dose you think it needs?

Are Vitamins and Supplements Safe for Pets?

While humans and pets need the same nutrients, you cannot share vitamins and supplements with your pets. The amount your pet needs is much less than what you need. Taking too much of a good thing can be harmful.

Purchase pet vitamins and supplements packaged for pets. Before making any purchases, talk to your veterinarian and your local pharmacist.

You may be surprised to learn your pharmacist can create custom-made vitamins and supplements from scratch in their clinic. It’s called compounded pet vitamins and supplements.

What Are Compounded Vitamins and Supplements?

When you go to the pet store to buy vitamins and supplements, you are buying products mass-produced to meet the needs of every pet in a particular category. For example, you may purchase allergy medicine for “large dogs who weigh over 75 pounds”. This means a dog can weigh 76 or 176 pounds, and the effects will be the same. But, they won’t be the same.

Metabolism, exercise, diet, breed, allergies, and many other factors determine how a vitamin or supplement will work.

Your local pharmacist, like Burt’s Pharmacy, can customize vitamins and supplements based on your pet’s medical and personal needs. You can get your pet a specialized multi-vitamin that includes only the vitamins needed, no extras.

If your pet refuses to swallow pills, no matter how many times you’ve tried hiding them in sweets or peanut butter, then your pharmacist can create a liquid multi-vitamin and supplement. They can even add unique flavorings or scents to make dosing easier.

Pharmacists can even take the prescription ordered by your veterinarian and compound the medicine to meet your preferences. Compounding pet medications also ensures each dose contains the exact amount of needed nutrients for your pet.

Steps for Getting Started

If you think your pet could benefit from vitamins and supplements, take steps to ensure their safety in the process.

Always talk to your veterinarian and pharmacist. Get advice on the types and brands available, as well as if compounding is the best option. If you decide against compounding, choose products formulated from reputable brands. Check reviews, recalls, and compliances.

Finally, continue to pay attention to and document any noticeable changes, good or bad. Likely, your pet will benefit significantly from vitamins and supplements, and together, you can grow old gracefully.

Like humans, dogs can suffer from short-term or long-term pain. To help your furry family member, pain medications for dogs can help – here’s what to know about a dog in pain.

Discovering that your beloved dog is in pain may take awhile. Your furry pals are often so happy to see you, and so eager to please, that outward symptoms of their suffering may be minimized. It is almost as if they don’t want to bother you with their own concerns, and will attempt to hide the fact that they aren’t feeling well.

Is Your Dog in Pain? 

Determining that there is something wrong can depend upon your noticing of subtle clues that indicate something isn’t quite right with your dog’s behavior. Some of the signs that indicate your dog is in some measure of pain include the following:

Loss of Appetite: There are several reasons that a dog may refuse to eat for a period of time. For picky eaters, changing the food brand or bowl presentation can be enough to put off an appetite for a bit. Your dog may also not be falling in line with eating the amount of food suggested by general instructions, and will simply be following his or her own instinct when it comes to food intake. A dog who is in some sort of pain, however, will often stop eating for an alarming amount of time. A refusal to eat that comes out of the blue can indicate tooth pain, stomach pain, or worse.

Decreased Energy: Dog breeds vary in energy levels, and the age of your dog will often vary those levels even further. An attentive dog owner will come to know the energy levels that are normal for a particular dog, and can tell when there is a decrease in activity. In the absence of direct sources of your dog’s lethargy – such as a recent romp in the park or a vigorous ball-chasing session in the back yard – the lack of energy can indicate that your dog is in some sort of physical turmoil.

Tail-Tucking: One of the most pitiful things to observe on a dog is the old tail-tuck. While this can be a normal sign of submission or worry in a new dog, your typical family pet will have long progressed past this stage. If you notice that the wagging tail that usually greets you at the door is drooped or tucked, this may be your dog’s way of communicating that he or she is in pain.

Yelps or Whimpers: A more obvious sign of a dog in pain is when your dog lets out a spontaneous noise when being petted or brushed, or when attempting to go about his or her daily business. These vocalizations are likely indicating that there is a localized source of pain, that is activating those nerve endings during certain activities.

Snapping or Biting: Dogs don’t snap or bite because they are mean. Biting behavior serves a very specific purpose for a canine, and typically stems from a desire to protect. In the case of a dog who is in pain, this biting behavior can be the instinctual way that your dog is attempting to avoid having you come into direct contact with the painful area.

Excessive  Chewing or Licking: Dogs don’t have working hands, so their mouths have to fill in the gaps. Just as a human will attempt to rub out a sore back or pick at a splinter in the finger, a dog will do what it can to try to get at the source of his or her pain. If you notice that your dog repeatedly licks or chews at a specific area on his or her body, investigate the issue further.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Medication for Dogs

Once you have determined that your canine is experiencing pain, the next step will be to decide how to approach the issue. While many pet owners will immediately go to the phone to schedule a vet appointment , there still remains the problem of your pet being uncomfortable in the meantime. It may be tempting to crush up a pain reliever that is designed for human consumption – such as acetametaphin or ibuprofin – and coax your dog to consume it for short-term relief.

Avoid this temptation, as the pain relievers that work for people can be very harmful to pets. Even a small amount of these medications can be toxic and deadly. The side effects of canine consumption of these types of human drugs include liver failure, intestinal bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. It’s important to give your canine specific medication for dogs rather than medicine for humans.

Homeopathic Options

While waiting for the vet, there are some homeopathic remedies that can help to relieve your dog’s pain without creating further health risks. Several of these vitamins and herbs may already be found in your cupboard and medicine cabinet, as, unlike the aforementioned pain relievers, these remedies are cross-species compatible. Consider dusting your pet’s food or hiding one of the following supplements in a treat when looking to ease your dog’s suffering. Remember to always do your research into the specific supplements that you are considering, as there are even certain natural things which can be toxic for dogs.

Ginger: Ginger is one of the supplements that is generally considered to be safe for pets. It can help to relieve discomfort associated with stomach and intestinal issues, and can reduce the painful inflammation associated with arthritis.

St. John’s Wort: This plant has been hailed as a remedy for emotional distress for several decades. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help to shore up your dog’s immune system during recovery from a painful infection.

Devil’s Claw: In spite of the creepy name, Devil’s Claw is a very useful plant. It can help to reduce the painful swelling and inflammation of joints, and can be useful in relieving pain for dogs which are suffering from long-term, degenerative, conditions.

 Conclusion

Once arriving for your veterinary appointment, your vet will be able to determine the source of your dog’s pain and prescribe a fitting medication. Along with appropriate pain relief medication, your vet may also suggest increasing your dog’s comfort through application of holistic treatments, such as massage, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy.

In addition, compounded pet medications are available for your dog in pain. Finding the right medication, in the right dose and delivery method is imperative to ensure that your fluffy friend can stay healthy and out of pain.