As responsible pet owners, how often are we stuck trying to force a pill down our furry friend’s throat? Does your dog run and hide or throw a fit when he sees you grab the medicine bottle? The smell and taste of some liquid medications are so nauseating that even we don’t want to deal with administering them to our dogs. While making sure your pets stay compliant with their medication regimen is very important, it does not have to be a chore. Compounding pharmacies are helping frustrated pet owners turn medicine time into treat time.
Did you know that pills are not the only solution? For example, if your veterinarian prescribes a tablet and your pet is not a fan, compounding pharmacies can transform that tablet into a flavored liquid suspension. With flavor options ranging from grilled chicken, beef, liver, tuna, and even bacon, you’ll be sure to find a flavor your pet enjoys. Pet owners can either squirt the measured dose directly into their pet’s mouth or mix it with their regular meals. If their regular meals consist of chicken flavored foods, having a grilled chicken flavored oil suspension might be the perfect option.
Is your pet a huge fan of his flavored soft chew treats? Medicated soft chews are another popular option among pet owners and veterinarians. These individual soft chews are each calculated to give the exact dose of medicine and they can be customized to your pet’s flavor palate. Most pets eat these soft chews and have no idea they are receiving medication. We usually tell pet owners to have their pets do tricks prior to giving them the soft chews so they think they are earning their treat.
There will be times when oral medications may not be an option for whatever reason, and compounding pharmacists can formulate a transdermal cream instead. Owners are instructed to take the measured dose of transdermal cream and gently rub it into the pet’s hairless body part such as the ear.
Compliance rates are extremely high with this method, and pets think they are just getting their daily massage. Pet owners are instructed to wash their hands after each use and/or wear gloves during administration to avoid absorbing the medication themselves.
Pricing for compounded medications are also very reasonable and often similar in pricing as commercially available options. Pricing varies from each compounding pharmacy, so be sure to call around and check. Many compounding pharmacies offer a shipping option for convenience.
For more information on customizing your pet’s medications, please talk to your veterinarian for options. You can also call your local compounding pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist about special formulations and flavoring requests. More information can be found at http://www.pccarx.com/vets-animal-owners.
Eddie Lau, PharmD, is the owner and pharmacist in charge of Feel Good Compounders pharmacy in Pacifica, CA (www.FeelGoodCompounders.com, info@feelgoodcompounders.com,(650)898-8221). It specializes in many areas, including custom pet medications. Feel Good Compounders offers competitive pricing and free shipping on all orders. Eddie lives in San Francisco with his wife, Michelle, and their Chihuahua, Louis V.
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