When will a veterinarian prescribe my dog medication?
A veterinarian will prescribe medications for your dog if they determine that it is necessary for your pet’s health. Some common conditions that warrant medication include infection, illness, injury, surgery, chronic disease conditions, behavioral issues, and parasite prevention.
What conditions can medication for dogs help address?
Medications are prescribed for a number of different conditions in dogs including allergies, arthritis, behavioral conditions, heart disease, infection, pain, and more.
What are commonly used medications for my dog, and when would the veterinarian recommend them?
- Antibiotics - antibiotics are a class of drugs used when your dog has an infection.
- Antiparasitics - antiparasitics are used to treat parasites such as internal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms, and external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites.
- Antifungal - antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections including yeast and ringworm
- Behavior modifying and sedative medications - there are many behavior modifying and sedative medications including antidepressants and antianxiety medications. These are used to treat specific behavior conditions after a thorough consultation.
- Chemotherapeutics - chemotherapeutics are recommended for the treatment of many different cancers. They are typically prescribed after a consultation with a veterinary oncologist.
- Pain relievers, opioids, NSAIDs - There are multiple medications that are prescribed to control pain, inflammation, and improve quality of life. They can be used during surgery recovery, in times of acute injury, chronic pain, and managing osteoarthritis.
- Steroids - steroids are considered an effective medical option during an acute allergic reaction, managing allergic skin disease, and for acute inflammation.
What are some of the side effects and adverse reactions my dog could experience from these medications?
Side effects, or adverse reactions, are different for each medication. They can include vomiting, diarrhea, changes to appetite, changes to thirst, and more. Be sure you know what to look for when your dog is prescribed medication.
Will all dog medications require a prescription?
Not necessarily. There are over-the-counter medications and supplements that you can purchase without a veterinarian’s approval. However, prescription medications do require a veterinarian’s authority.
Do I have to bring my dog into the vet’s office in order to have a prescription written?
State law requires that a veterinarian must have a valid VCPR (Veterinary Client Patient Relationship) in order to prescribe any prescription medication or write a prescription. This means that, at minimum, your veterinarian has seen and evaluated your pet, including a full physical examination within the last 12 months. However, new symptoms require a new evaluation in order to be prescribed medication.
Where can I get my pet's prescriptions filled?
Your veterinarian maintains a well-stocked pharmacy that includes most of the medications they will prescribe on a regular basis. Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital also has an online pharmacy that ships medications directly to your home. Many human pharmacies also carry a wide range of medications, including those safe for use in pets.
How should I navigate drug interactions when my dog is on more than one medication?
It is very important to ensure your veterinarian has a thorough and accurate list of the medications (including dosage and frequency) that you are currently giving your pet. This is why we ask specific questions about medication and supplement use at each visit. If you have concerns about a new medication interacting with those your pet is currently taking, please ask your veterinarian for clarification.
Do I have to follow the exact dosage instructions my veterinarian or the pharmacy gives me?
Yes. Your veterinarian has prescribed a medication specific for your pet’s needs. It is very important that you follow directions. This can be especially important for certain medications, which have sensitive timelines and dosing requirements.
If my dog is feeling better, do I have to finish the entire course of medication?
This depends on the type of medication that is being administered. In the case of antibiotics, the full prescribed course of medication should be administered to reduce the risk of recurrence of infection and the development of antibiotic resistance. Other medications are intended to be given life-long to control chronic diseases. If you have questions about your pet's medication, it is important to discuss this with your veterinarian.
What happens if I miss a dose of my dog’s medicine?
If you miss a dose of your dog’s medication, give it as soon as you can.
How can I get my dog to take oral medicine?
Getting a dog to take oral medications can be tricky, but here are some effective methods to try:
- Hide medication in food - Pill Pockets, canned dog food or soft treats like cheese can be a good way to hide medication and get your dog to eat it Use a pill dispenser or syringe - a pill popper helps place the pill directly in the back of the throat.
- Liquid medications - can be administered using a syringe and gently squirting the medication in the corner of the cheek
- The sneaky treat method - Give a few treats in a row, with the pill hidden in one of them. As your dog gets into a rhythm of eating and may swallow the pill without even noticing
- Manual administration -
- Hold your dog’s muzzle, tilt their head up, and open the mouth.
- Place the pill far back on the tongue.
- Close the mouth and gently rub the throat or blow on their nose to encourage swallowing.
- Try a compounded or flavor option - While there are some rules around compounding medications, many of them can be compounded into flavored chews or liquids by a veterinary pharmacy.
What should I do if my dog is refusing to take medication?
If your dog refuses to take medication you can try changing the food hiding method or asking your veterinarian if another formulation is available.
Can I give my dog medicine meant for humans?
Many of the medications we use on dogs are the same as those prescribed for humans. However, dose and frequency may vary.
What's the difference between the brand name, trade name and generic name of a medication?
Trade and brand names are specific to the company that produced the medication, whereas the generic name is the name of the drug itself.
Is it safe to buy my dog’s medicine online?
Buying your dog’s medication online can be safe, but you need to be cautious to ensure you’re getting a legitimate, high-quality product. Make sure the pharmacy is a Veterinary-Verified Internet Practice Site and is certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Legitimate pharmacies will require a veterinarian’s prescription for prescription medication.
Red flags to watch out for include:
- Not requiring a prescription
- Unusually low prices
- Lack of contact information
- Foreign websites
We partner with an online pharmacy that links directly to our medical records to ensure the safety, accuracy, and effectiveness of the medication your pet needs.
Are there any natural alternatives to medications I can use instead?
There are some natural alternatives to traditional medications that may help with certain conditions, but they are often not a complete substitute for what your veterinarian is prescribing. It is important to speak with your veterinarian before using them to ensure they are safe and effective for your dog’s specific needs.
What can I do if I’m worried about giving my dog medication?
Talk to your veterinarian. Be sure you understand the purpose of the medication and your dogs condition. Ask questions about expected and possible side effects so that you know what to look for. Ensure you understand the dose and frequency you need to give the medication and whether or not it needs to be given with food.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (503) 968-2911, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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