What Is Compounded Pet Medication?

Anyone who has tried to give a dog or cat a pill knows how hard it can be. While wrapping the pill in American cheese or covering it in peanut butter may occasionally work, it is not a long-term solution.

Compounded pet medications, however, are an alternative to traditional pet medications. It's a process that involves taking individual ingredients and combining them into a customized medication tailored specifically to your pet's needs. So whether your pet requires a special dose or flavor, compounding may be the answer for you and your furry friend. Here's what you need to know about compound pet medications and how they can help your pet stay healthy.

What Are Compounded Pet Medications?

Compounded medications are custom-made. Existing drugs are combined, mixed, or altered in some way to meet a patient's specific needs. They can be transformed into liquids, creams, gels, ointments, tablets, capsules, injectables, suppositories, and more. Typically compounded medications are made from bulk ingredients combined according to a prescription written by the veterinarian. Any type of medication can be compounded, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-anxiety medications, vitamins, and supplements.

What Are The Benefits of Compounding Pet Medications?

The most significant benefit of compounding is its ability to customize medications to match the specific needs of each individual pet. For example, if your pet has trouble swallowing tablets or capsules, compounding allows you to have their medication made in a different form, like a topical cream that is easier for them to take.

Some pets may require unique dosages not available with commercially prepared products. The compounding pharmacy can create a dosage designed specifically for your pet. Additionally, compounding allows certain drugs that have been discontinued to be still used by your pet, if needed, which is especially beneficial when treating long-term conditions.

How Does Compounding Work?

If you think this form of treatment may benefit your four-legged friend, then speak with your vet today about getting started. They will prescribe the medication with instructions on how it should be compounded and dispensed. You will need to have the prescription filled by an experienced pharmacist who specializes in veterinary compounding.

Compound medications offer many advantages over traditional commercial products when it comes to treating your pets. From customized dosages and flavors all the way up to creating meds no longer available on the market, there isn't much that compound meds can't do. They are a safe and effective alternative when traditional treatments — and cheese — fail. They might just be the answer you and your pet have been looking for.

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