Updated 03/01/2008 05:00 AM
Medications for your pets
As pet parents our job is to provide the best care possible for our companion animals and that includes every aspect of health care, even prescription medications our pet need. Prescription drugs you may have to get from your neighborhood pharmacy. Today we'll learn more about the pharmacy and medications for your pet in this edition of Pet Pointers.
These days' pet parents can help our pets live longer happier lives by providing top notch health care. We take our pets to Veterinarians more than ever before and Vets are giving us more choices in caring for our pets with options that now include prescription medications.
It's not uncommon for a vet to prescribe human anti inflammatory meds for pets with arthritis, stomach upset in horses to be treated with Prilosec or anti anxiety meds like Xanax to be prescribed for dogs with severe separation anxiety. There are about 300 human drugs now approved for use in pets. Some have different names and dosages but are basically, in many cases the same drug.
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Some prescriptions can cost as much as $100 each and if you are dealing with a chronic illness this can really add up. Asking your pharmacist for generics is a way to cut down on the cost without sacrificing your pet's health. Shop around, many big chain stores with pharmacies like K-Mart, Wal-Mart and Target, offer deep discounts on some generic drugs. You could save hundreds of dollars and more importantly provide the medication your pet needs without breaking the bank.
Never try and diagnose a problem yourself. If your pet is vomiting, is very sleepy, seems agitated, or you've noticed any changes in their bathroom habits it may be a sign they are sick and you need a vets help. Never ever give your pet human drugs unless directed by your vet. Some human drugs can be deadly.
Always ask about side effects, reactions or behavioral issues to look for in case your pet has an adverse reaction to any prescribed medication.
If you have pet health insurance or are thinking about get it for your pet, ask the provider about prescription drug coverage and make sure it's in your plan.