Canine Pet Medications

Function

• Just as there are medications to aid humans in alleviating symptoms, treating disease and improving health, medications also exist to help dogs. The function of pet medications is to provide dogs with the health care, treatments and solutions that they need to lead long, healthy lives. Some pet medications treat pain or symptoms of an illness, while others improve health or serve as preventative measures. Dogs can get many types of injuries or illness, so there are a variety of pet medications available on the market.

Types

• Pet medications are available through two primary sources: veterinarians and pet stores. They fall into a variety of different categories depending on the primary function of the medication, such as relieving pain or treating a disease. Pet medications that are only available through a veterinarian are medications that have to be controlled and only administered for specific purposes, such as the treatment of a disease, or to manage severe pain. Examples of over-the-counter pet medications include probiotics, antioxidants, fatty acid supplements, joint supplements, multivitamins, pain relievers, dewormers and urinary health support.

Considerations

• It is important to consider that pet medications should only be administered when the pet actually requires them. Many pet medications contain compounds, supplements or other ingredients that can harm the dog if they are administered incorrectly or at too high of a dosage. Most commercially available dog foods offer well-rounded nutrition, so most dog health supplements are not necessary unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian. If your pet receives a homemade diet, on the other hand, you may need to consider additional supplements to make sure that your dog is getting the right nutrition.

Dangers

• All medications have the capability of being harmful because dogs can have allergic reactions or can react badly to an inadequate dosage of the medication. Dogs can become sick from habitual use of certain pet medications, such as certain antibiotics, for example. All pet medications should be administered in exact accordance with the instructions of your veterinarian, and you should never administer a medication to your dog without first seeking the advice of your veterinarian first and foremost. You should not be afraid to ask questions of your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for the health of your dog.

Benefits

• Pet medications offer benefits to the canine when they are properly used. Animals suffering from pain or discomfort can benefit from pain relief medications, for example. Dogs with chronic health issues, such as urinary tract infections, can benefit from urinary health therapy. Pet medications can also supplement health, containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other health supplements to improve the overall health of the dog and to prevent injury and disease in the future.