Many of us at Zenith Pharmacy are pet owners ourselves, which makes veterinary compounding a subject close to our hearts. We know firsthand how challenging it can be to properly treat pets with medication, especially given the specific needs that many pets have. Often, it’s crucial to consider each pet’s unique personality and preferences to provide the most effective solution to their health concerns.
Veterinary compounding allows us to go beyond standard treatment options, offering personalised medications that are tailored specifically to your pet. Whether it’s adjusting the form of a medication for easier administration or altering the flavour to make it more palatable, we ensure that your pet receives the proper care they deserve.
Let’s delve into the various dosage forms available in veterinary compounding and explain how these customised solutions can enhance the effectiveness and safety of treatments.
Why Custom Medications Matter for Pets
When it comes to medication, one size rarely fits all, especially for our pets. Many commercially available medications are designed with humans in mind, so they often don’t account for the significant differences between human and animal biology. This can lead to challenges when trying to administer the correct dosage or ensuring the safety of the medication for your pet.
For instance, some ingredients that are safe for humans can be harmful (or even toxic) to animals. A common example is Xylitol, a sweetener frequently found in medications and foods, which is harmless to people but can be life-threatening to dogs. This is just one of the many reasons why a customised approach to veterinary medication has considerable benefits.
At Zenith Pharmacy, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your pet receives the safest and most effective treatment possible. By working closely with your veterinarian, we can create medications that are not only precisely dosed but also free from harmful excipients. Our veterinary compounding services allow us to adjust formulations to better suit your pet’s needs, whether that means altering the dosage, changing the form, or even adding a flavour that makes the medication more appealing.
Custom medications aren’t just about safety, it is about providing the most effective care possible. Pets, like humans, have their own preferences and quirks. Some might refuse a pill but readily accept a liquid, while others may have sensitivities that require specific formulations. Veterinary compounding gives us the flexibility to meet these needs, ensuring your pet receives the care they deserve.
Exploring the Best Medication Forms for Your Pet
Every pet is unique, not just in their medical needs but also in how they respond to different methods of treatment. This is where veterinary compounding shines, offering a variety of dosage forms that can be customised to suit your pet’s specific requirements.
Some pets are easy-going, taking their medicine without much fuss, while others can be a bit more challenging. To accommodate these differences, we offer a range of medication forms, each with its own set of benefits.
Pills and Capsules
Pills and capsules are among the most common forms of medication. They are often preferred for their convenience and ease of storage. However, not all pets are willing or able to swallow a pill. In these cases, we can compound pills or capsules in a size that’s easier for your pet to manage, or even add flavouring to make them more palatable. We find that these little customisations to pills and capsules can dramatically improve compliance from our pet customers. However, for pets that are particularly averse to pills, alternative forms may be more appropriate.
Liquid Medications
Liquids are an excellent option for pets that resist taking pills. They are easy to administer, either directly into your pet’s mouth or mixed with food. We can flavour liquid medications to suit your pet’s taste, making the experience less stressful for both you and your pet. Liquids also allow for precise dosing, which is particularly important for smaller animals or those requiring very specific dosages.
Gels and Topical Treatments
For certain conditions, topical treatments like gels and creams are the best option. These are especially useful for skin issues or localised treatments where oral medication might not be effective. Gels can be applied directly to the affected area, providing targeted relief. We can also compound these treatments to ensure they are safe and effective for your pet’s specific needs.
Prefilled Syringes
Prefilled syringes offer a convenient and precise way to administer medication, particularly for conditions requiring exact dosages. These are ideal for pets with chronic conditions or those that need regular injections. At Zenith Pharmacy, we prepare prefilled syringes to the exact specifications required by your pet, ensuring that each dose is accurate and easy to administer.
Suppositories
In some cases, oral administration of medication is not feasible. This is where suppositories can be a valuable alternative. While they may not be the first choice for many pet owners, suppositories can be essential for certain conditions. We can compound these in a size and formulation that is safe and effective for your pet.
Does Taste Really Matter for Pet Medication?
A question we often hear at Zenith Pharmacy is, “Does it really matter what my pet’s medication tastes like?” It’s a valid question, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. On one hand, it’s true that there are various ways to get a pet to take their medication, even if they don’t particularly like the taste. Pet owners have developed all sorts of tricks over the years, from hiding pills in treats to using pill pockets, or even gently forcing the medication if necessary. For many, the priority is simply ensuring that the medication is administered, regardless of the method.
But just because something can be done doesn’t mean it’s the best approach. Just as people are less likely to take unpleasant medication, pets may resist taking theirs if it tastes bad. Even if you manage to get the medication into them, the ongoing battle can lead to missed doses or reluctance to continue treatment, compromising the effectiveness of the medication. We’ve even seen pets cleverly pretend to take their medication, only to spit it out later when no one is watching. This ongoing stress can build up over time, affecting not just the bond you share with your pet but also your consistency in administering the medication. After all, administering unwanted medication can be a daily struggle, and that struggle might lead to skipped doses or even avoidance of the treatment altogether. It’s crucial for both you and your pet to maintain compliance, as inconsistent treatment can jeopardise the overall effectiveness of the therapy.
By making medication more palatable, we increase the chances of consistent administration, ensuring the treatment works as intended. At Zenith Pharmacy, we offer a variety of both flavour and form options to make medication something your pet doesn’t just tolerate but actually takes willingly. A small adjustment in taste can lead to better compliance, more effective treatment, and a healthier, happier pet.
Conclusion
Veterinary compounding is more than just customising medication—it’s about providing your pet with the best possible care tailored to their unique needs. By adjusting dosage forms, flavours, and ingredients, we ensure that your pet’s medication is not only effective but also easier to administer. This personalised approach can make all the difference in treatment compliance, leading to better health outcomes for your pet.
If you have questions or need guidance on your pet’s medication, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help, offering the expertise and care that you and your pet deserve.
Written By
Zen Xiao