Common Pet Meds That Every Pet Owner Should Know about

As our constant and most loving companions, dogs and cats should never have to suffer the pain of heart worm or kidney disease. Yet sometimes these ailments are unavoidable, and we should strive to provide the best care offered by modern veterinary medicine. Pet owners that are active in their animals' health and preventative care should take a few moments to educate themselves about some of the most common pet meds out there so that they can fully understand the usage of each medicine prescribed by the family vet. Popular Antibiotics Used to combat bacteria and infectious diseases, antibiotics will help get your furry friend on the road to recovery. Amoxicillin is a popular form, being a broad-spectrum, synthetic member of the penicillin class. This antibiotic is prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections, from dental infections to bite wounds, respiratory tract infections and more. Azithromycin, another commonly prescribed pet med, is a macrolide antibiotic applied in many situations of bacterial infection, like dermatological infections. Last but not least, Cefadroxil is from the cephalosporin family and can be used to stop many common bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections and more. All of these antibiotics are available for dogs and cats in capsule, tablet, or an oral suspension form. Prevent Fleas and Heartworm Parasitic heartworms are carried by mosquitos and, once they reach a dog, will invade the heart and pulmonary arteries. When untreated, heartworm can be life-threatening, and preventative care is strongly recommended. Sentinel Flavor Tabs come in a monthly pill form to prevent heartworm disease and fleas in dogs and puppies. It can also be used to control adult hookworms, whipworms and roundworms. rnHeartgard Plus is another common medication that prevents canine heartworm disease in the form of a once-a-month topical solution that also kills fleas and controls intestinal parasites. Cat- and dog-friendly flea/tick prevention and treatment options include: Advantage, Frontline, flea collars, medicinal spray, and shampoo. Control Skin Allergies Itchiness or irritation of the skin in pets can commonly be caused by skin allergies. Atopica is an oral form of cyclosporine that targets the specific immune cells responsible for the allergic reaction in dogs' skin. For immediate relief that can be enjoyed by dogs and cats alike, try a topical spray like Dermacool-HC. This anti-inflammatory therapeutic spray contains 1% hydrocortisone with cooling astringent that provides fast but temporary relief of inflammation and allergies. Reduce Joint Pain Nutritional supplements are becoming increasingly popular as a way to treat or prevent joint pain. To promote healthy bone structure and support joint mobility in dogs, Hylox Soft Chews are a solid option with ingredients that range from antioxidants to Omega-3 fatty acids. If your feline friend is experiencing joint pain, see if Cosequin does the trick. It incredibly helps repair damaged joint cartilage and contains anti-inflammatory properties. While these supplements have achieved great successes, they are slow-acting and it may be weeks before you notice any improvement. Care for Kidney Disease Most common in older cats and dogs, kidney disease can be fatal and typically requires immediate treatment. Oral medications like Calcitriol are prescribed for chronic renal disease, and for hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood). More often than not, CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) will also require your pet to begin a specialized diet. Other common kidney complications, like stones or infections, can usually be treated with CKD medicines. Anxiety and Behavioral Meds We don't always know what causes your four-legged companion to start acting strangely or feeling depressed, but we do know that sometimes it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. One solution pet owners can turn to is a drug called Amitriptyline. rnThis tricyclic antidepressant will help address various behavioral problems such as anxiety and urine spraying. In most cases, your vet will suggest that you administer these types of drugs to your pet along with behavior modification training. Stop Motion Sickness For the canine companion who can't help getting sick in the car, Cerenia tablets provide a soothing solution when longer trips are necessary. This medication prevents acute vomiting due to motion sickness so that your dog can finally get some relief. Another helpful drug you can turn to when battling motion sickness is Chlorpheniramine. An antihistamine that induces drowsiness, this medicine can also be dispensed as a mild tranquilizer. Learning the basics of preventative treatments or different medications relating to your pet's disease is an important part of being an owner. Be sure to also fully investigate the side effects of any medicine before starting treatment. Know your pet's medicinal allergies so that you and your vet can beware of related drugs that may cause the same reactions. Help your pets reach their golden years with these effective treatments.