Pet Health: Solutions for Pet Medication Difficulties

Here are suggestions to help with each of the problems described in the yesterday's blog:

1. Write it on your calendar and put the calendar on the refrigerator door.
2. Ask your veterinarian or pharmacist if the medication is available in a once-a-day form.
3. Confirm with your veterinarian that the medication must be given long-term and reward yourself for continuing to provide it. Get yourself a new book, plant, car polish, CD, or something meaningful each time you fill the prescription.
4. Get all medication and supplement instructions in writing. See that these instructions coincide with what is on the label. If not, ask for clarification.
5. Discuss side effects with your veterinarian immediately. No one wants your pet to suffer and there may be alternatives. For example, nausea can be reduced if medications are given with food. Other medications may be equally effective. Chinese herbal medications may be ideal because they are less inclined to cause side effects.
6. Confirm when the medication should be stopped and put that on your calendar. Many medications bring about an improvement rather quickly but must be given for a longer period to prevent problem from re-occurring.
7. Discuss what the product will do for your pet and how soon the changes will appear. Joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin often take several weeks to become effective. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids can also take some time to create positive changes.
8. Discuss products with your veterinarian. There’s no point spending any money on these “token” products. It may be possible to buy cheaper medication online, but unless your veterinarian thinks this is wise, stick to purchasing from someone you trust.
9. If your pet hates the medication, either change the way you give the product or change products. Ask your veterinary pharmacist if you can put the product in food to disguise the taste. Ask if the product can be formulated as a transdermal gel that you rub onto the skin. Ask for help in giving the medication. (Previous blog entries have given lots of tips for medicating so you and your pet will enjoy it.)

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