Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Jerry and Lisa Meloche, Pharm.D., Owners, Compounding Pharmacists
As a pharmacist specializing in compounded medications for pets, I understand the unique challenges pet owners face when ensuring their furry companions receive the necessary treatments. Regarding the health and well-being of our pets, one size does not fit all. That’s where compounded medications come into play. In this article, we will explore why compounded medications are often the best choice for pets, considering the distinct anatomy, physiology, and preferences of our animal friends. From transdermal medications for those hard-to-pill pets to allergen-free formulations and a plethora of tasty flavors, compounded medications offer tailored solutions that make medication administration easier and prioritize the safety and comfort of your cherished pets. Let’s delve deeper into the world of compounded medications for pets and discover how they can significantly enhance your pet’s healthcare journey.
1. Transdermal Medications for Hard-to-Pill Animals: For some pet owners, trying to give their pets pills can be a daily ordeal. This is especially true for animals that are notorious for spitting out or refusing to swallow medication. As discussed in a previous article, transdermal medications offer an effective alternative. These medications are applied topically to the skin, allowing for absorption through the skin barrier. They are particularly valuable for cats and other hard-to-pill animals, ensuring that the prescribed treatment reaches its target without causing stress for both pet and owner.
2. Combined Oral Medications for Ease of Administration: Sometimes, pets may require multiple medications to manage their health conditions. Combining these medications into a single, easy-to-administer form, such as a liquid or capsule, simplifies the dosing regimen. Liquid medications can be flavored to appeal to your pet’s taste preferences, making the process more enjoyable for them and convenient for you. This approach minimizes the chances of missing doses and ensures that your pet receives the necessary treatment effectively.
3. Vet-Trained Compounding Pharmacists: One of the key advantages of choosing compounded medications for your pets is the expertise of vet-trained compounding pharmacists. These professionals have a broad knowledge base and years of combined experience. Their “out-of-the-box” thinking and problem-solving skills are invaluable in tailoring medications to meet your pet’s specific needs. Whether it’s adjusting dosages, finding alternative delivery methods, or creating unique formulations, these pharmacists are dedicated to optimizing your pet’s treatment.
4. Pets Are Not Humans: It’s essential to recognize that pets have distinct anatomy, physiology, and metabolism compared to humans. This fundamental difference underscores the importance of tailored medications. One critical concern is xylitol, a sugar substitute in various human products like sugar-free gums and candies. Xylitol is toxic to canine kidneys, emphasizing the need for specialized medications that do not contain harmful ingredients for pets.
5. Weight-Based Dosing and Different-Sized Pets: The diversity in pet sizes, from tiny birds to large dogs, necessitates weight-based dosing and appropriately sized dosage forms. Compounded medications allow for precision in creating small tablets, capsules, or liquid formulations suitable for small animals. This ensures that even the tiniest of patients receive accurate and safe doses of their medication.
6. Flavored Medications: To make medication administration more palatable for pets, compounded medications come in various flavors. Options like beef, chicken, duck, liver, bacon, peanut butter, and salmon are available to cater to your pet’s taste preferences. For exotic pets like birds and rodents, fruit flavors can be used. This wide array of flavors helps reduce medication resistance and ensures treatment compliance.
7. Allergen Control: Some pets may have food allergies or sensitivities, which can extend to the ingredients in their medications. Compounding pharmacists can control all the components in the preparation, allowing for the removal of allergens, fillers, colors, proteins, and any offensive or harmful chemicals. This customization ensures the medication is free from substances that may trigger adverse reactions in sensitive patients, promoting their overall well-being.
In conclusion, compounded pet medications offer tailored solutions that address pet owners’ unique challenges. These medications, crafted by vet-trained compounding pharmacists, ensure your beloved pets’ safety, effectiveness, and comfort during their treatment journey. Remember, while this information provides valuable insights, consulting with your veterinarian for personalized advice and treatment recommendations for your pet’s specific health needs is essential.
Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy custom builds medication, one patient at a time. We use the highest quality pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, state-of-the-art bases, equipment, and technology. Continual training on the newest techniques, advances in therapy, and regulations allows our pharmacists and technicians to provide the safest, most effective medications for you AND your pets. In addition to compounded medications, we offer pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements, health advice, and hormone consults. Creative Scripts specializes in veterinary compounding, dermatology, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), pain management, and more. Pharmacists Jerry and Lisa Meloche have served Naples and surrounding communities since 2005.
239-261-0050
600 Goodlette Road North #108
Naples, FL 34102
www.creativescripts.net
rx@creativescripts.net
