Feb 4, 2022

How to Fill Medications for Your Pets

Sickness happens to everyone at one point or another, and that includes our beloved four-legged friends. Pets are a part of our families and deserve as much love and attention on the road to recovery as anyone else. Consequently, it's important to all of us to monitor your pet's health and watch out for any signs of illness.

Sadly, unlike their human companions, it can be a challenge to understand how to help your pet. Without the ability for them to clearly communicate what's wrong, it sometimes feels like we need to do some guessing. It may not seem obvious at first, but to a trained eye, there are multiple signs to look out for if you suspect your pet might be under the weather.

For starters, The American Human Society recommends watching for weight loss, changes in appetite, or changes in stool as a clear way to tell if something is wrong. Next, increased shedding, hair loss, or bald patches of fur could also be a sign that you need to call a veterinarian. Lastly, look for a new reluctance in getting up or a change in normal activity can be ways your pet may tell you they need help.

Once your pet is seen by a veterinarian, follow the doctor’s orders. Be sure to listen to recommendations related to exams or diagnostic tests.  If your pet is required to start a medication, fill the prescription, and watch for changes in behavior. It may indicate that the illness is becoming more serious, or they are having an allergic reaction to the prescription.

The list of medications that can be prescribed to pets is just as robust as the list for humans and it can be overwhelming to think about. Below are some commonly prescribed drug types for dogs and cats and the health conditions they commonly treat.

Antibiotics

These kinds of medications are typically prescribed to treat infected animals. A urinary tract infection is most common in this situation, but pets can suffer from a wide range of them.

Anti-inflammatories

These kinds of medications are obviously prescribed to reduce inflammation, but they can also help reduce swelling or pain. This can be common in older dogs and cats with arthritis but is proscribed for pets of all ages with all kinds of conditions.

Antiparasitics

These kinds of medications are typically prescribed to kill parasites like worms, fleas, and ticks. If your dog likes to play outside, this can be helpful when trying to prevent Lyme disease. Additionally, antiparasitics are used as an intestinal or heartworm preventative. Consequently, these medications are recommended and prescribed yearly.

Chemotherapeutics

These kinds of medications are typically prescribed to treat tumors or cancer.

Hormones

These kinds of medication are typically prescribed to treat more specific conditions like diabetes, abnormal thyroid levels, or some heart issues.

Pain Relievers

These kinds of medications are considered a "controlled substance" because of how addictive they can be, similarly to if they were prescribed to humans.

Sedatives

These kinds of medications are prescribed to treat anxiety or behavioral issues. They are also used on pets before surgeries or invasive procedures.

Steroids

These kinds of medications are prescribed to reduce allergic and anaphylactic reactions. In some cases, they can also be used as an anti-inflammatory or to suppress the immune system.

If a medication is newly prescribed be sure to look out for any potential side effects. Additionally, keep in contact with your vet as your pet overcomes their sickness to determine if they need to be re-examined.

Once your animal companion has been prescribed a medication, you may be wondering what the next steps are. For starters, there are multiple places you can go to fill a prescription for your pets. The most common location is at the vet’s office, but you'll have a few more choices at your disposal.

Other options require you to request the script from your veterinarian so you can get it filled at another location. This can be at an online pharmacy, but pet parents can also go to their local pharmacy to fill a script. The process is exactly as if they would pick up their normal medications for the other members of their family!

Next, once you have received the medication, it's time to give it to your pet. Your veterinarian will have likely explained the process of providing them the medication. If you have any questions though, please contact them.

Lasting, pet medications can be expensive, just like they are for humans. The key is using OptionRx to help get the best price for all your medications...including the ones used to help the “Fido” or “Fluffy” in your home! Cost will be one less thing you need to worry about, and you can focus on getting your pet healthy.

Pet illness is more common than you may think, but there is no need to worry. As we have mentioned, there are several pet meds and pet products to help them feel better and give you piece of mind!

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