Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Justin Ceravolo, PharmD
Ask any pet owner and they’ll tell you, their pet is certainly a member of their family. As with any family member, it is important to make sure that your loved ones are happy and healthy, including your animals. But medicating an unwell pet can be difficult. Whether a cat, dog, ferret, bird or snake, animals are notorious for refusing to swallow a pill and will often eat their way ‘around’ a pill disguised in food. That’s why pharmacy compounding – the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients, or in this case, pets – can be of great benefit to pet owners.
If you have a pet who refuses to take their medicine, Cypress Pharmacy’s compounding pharmacist can prepare easy-to-give dosage forms that animals will want to gobble up fast. The majority of pet compounding medications are delivered either in suspension or solution forms. Most are flavored with chicken, beef or tuna, while additional flavors can be added if your pet has a particular favorite.
Liquid form medication
Liquid form medication is most efficient for pets. Most pets will take a straight liquid form easily, otherwise, it can be mixed into their food. If so, pet owners should ensure their pet eats the entire meal. Liquids are also convenient because they can be made in varying dosage sizes. While solutions can be kept at room temperature, suspensions need to be refrigerated.
Capsules
Cypress Pharmacy can also prepare pet medication in a capsule form, provided the dose needed is low. Usually known to be hard to administer, pet owners have the option to open the capsules and pour its medicinal contents over an animal’s food for easy consumption. Most capsules can also be kept at room temperature.
Soft chews
Animal treats, often called ‘Soft Chews,’ are another popular form of pet medication available today. While Soft Chews take longer to make, and cost a little more, animals are eager to devour these treats, available in chicken, fish and plain flavors (with an option to add other flavors to the mixture later).
Anti-anxiety medication
With summer here, we can expect frequent heavy raining, storms and upcoming holiday fireworks, as well as vacations. In each case, Cypress Pharmacy can help pet owners needing anti-anxiety medication for pets who suffer from separation anxiety or are frightened by loud noises.
Other pet medications
While not as commonly needed, Cypress Pharmacy can also provide the following types of pet medication:
• Lipoderm based transdermal gels – to apply directly to the skin with a Topiclick Micro device
• A topical Zosil base (designed for animal skin) – to treat dermatitis, skin infections and wound care
• Suppositories – often used for dogs needing Diazepam for seizures
For all your pet medication needs, visit Cypress Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy providing pharmaceutical and healthcare services in Fort Myers for more than 40 years. The entire staff, including pharmacists T.J. DePaola and Justin Ceravolo, are dedicated to providing the best possible service to every customer. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.
