Pet Pharmacy – Understand What Pet Medicine is Available with Pet Prescriptions (Not Available from Pet Shops).

Pet dogs and cats do get sick and when they do, we take them to a vet. Sometimes a veterinarian will have the required medicine in the form of tablets or liquid to treat the pet’s condition. However, just like when us humans visit a doctor, most of the time a prescription is written and we then take that to a pharmacy, where a pharmacist sells us the prescribed medicine, which is not available to be purchased off scripts from a supermarket.

This article discusses the role a pet pharmacy has with pharmacists filling pet prescriptions written by vets and the range of pet medicine available outside of the scope found for sale at pet shops across Australia.

Fortunately, despite what they lick on the ground, healthy pet dogs and cats don’t get sick often. This is because their saliva has a higher PH, contains helpful bacteria that allows them to ingest bacteria’s that would make humans sick, and they don’t contract most of the illnesses that humans come down sick with.

There are times though when your pet may become sick and needs a vet consultation to more accurately diagnose the problem than by using ‘Dr Google’. Sometimes a pet could contract an infection through a cut and then there are chronic conditions that may require pain medication in conjunction with other medicines. These situations often require a pet prescription for medicine that is not available from pet shops.

Commonly Prescribed Pet Medications and Their Uses

The list below outlines the types of pet medicines that are only available with a pet prescription and can only be purchased through a vet or pet pharmacy.

• Antibiotics:
  Used to treat bacterial infections, antibiotics such as Amoxicillin and Doxycycline are commonly prescribed for pets, as they are for humans.
• Anti-inflammatories:
  Medications like Prednisone and Meloxicam help reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis, which is also used to treat humans.
• Pain Relievers:
  Tramadol, an opioid and Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant can be prescribed by vets to manage acute pain in pets.
• Cardiac, Liver & Kidney Medications:
  Pets with heart, kidney and liver conditions including water retention or chronic hypertension may be prescribed medications like Enalapril and Furosemide to manage their symptoms, again similar to humans.

Australian registered pharmacists that have a special interest in pet medicine are legally allowed to sell and fill prescriptions written by veterinarians, so some of these medications can be bought and dispensed by the same pharmacy or Chemist you visit for human medicines, however many drugs for animals are only kept by specialist pet pharmacies due to space constraints and their specialist nature.

How to Administer Pet Medications to Your Dog or Cat

At the time of writing the prescription, your vet would have explained how to go about treating your pet, but because, just like some children, the process can be a challenge, here is a list of common medication types and some tips on how to get your pet to take them.

• Tablets and Capsules:
  Hide the medication in a treat, or their food like you perhaps do with monthly worm tablets. Alternatively, if your pet allows, you can place the pill at the back of your pet’s tongue and gently close their mouth until they swallow.
• Liquid Medications:
  Use a syringe or eyedropper to administer liquid medications. Insert the syringe into the side of your pet’s mouth and slowly dispense the liquid.
• Topical Medications:
  Apply these directly to the skin under their fur, as directed by your vet. Ensure the area is clean and dry before application and some may need time before allowing your pet to get wet.
• Injections:
  Some medications require injections. If you’re uncomfortable giving these yourself, you will need to visit your local vet for assistance.

Patience and persistence is the key to getting your fur baby to take their medicine like a good dog or cat, but with practice and experience you’ll get there.

Common Side Effects from Pet Medications

Just like with human medicines, unwanted side effects may occur and will vary from pet to pet. The following list outlines what you should typically look out for.

• Gastrointestinal Upset: Vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite
• Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Allergic Reactions: Swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing
• Behavioural Changes: Increased aggression or anxiety

If you notice any of these symptoms, I strongly suggest you contact your prescribing veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on whether to continue the medication, change to an alternative medicine, or simply adjust the dosage amount.

Summary of What’s Available from a Pet Pharmacy

Pet shops readily supply many medications that are available without a pet prescription. Topical medications for the prevention of fleas and worm tablets to prevent a range of worms your pet can pick up are examples you would be familiar with and buy on a regular basis from your local pet shop or online.

There are times though when stronger, regulated medicines are required to treat your cat or dog, which can only be purchased from a veterinarian, from an Australian registered pharmacist or from a specialist pet pharmacy, you can find near you listed on Pet Directory.

Your vet should always be the first professional you discuss your pet’s health with, and they would also be familiar with where to purchase the pet medicine they are prescribing, so you can treat your beloved fur baby, as you would a child of your own.

Isabella (Editor In Chief)

Hi, I’m Isabella, the new Editor In Chief at PetsBook. Apart from writing some articles myself, with over 25 years pet experience, i am responsible for making sure you receive up to date information to keep your dogs and cats healthy, happy & wise.