22 Mar The Most Suitable Medicine For Dogs

Although there are some drugs specifically for veterinary use, many of the medications used in veterinary medicine are the same used in humans. Before discussing the most suitable remedy for your dog, it’s essential to know that when your dog is sick, your veterinarian may prescribe one or more drugs to manage, treat, or reduce the complications of your dog’s illness. To know more about this topic, stay tuned to the end of this article.

Types of standard medicine for dogs

The following list contains the most common types of drugs used in dogs but is by no means a complete list of the medicine used in veterinary clinics.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs that kill microbes (such as bacteria and yeast). They are used to treat various infections. These medicines don’t kill viruses but are sometimes prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections that may develop when a pet has a viral illness or disease. Examples of antibiotics used in dogs include penicillin, trimethoprim sulfa, cephalexin, and enrofloxacin.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

These common medications reduce side effects such as swelling, inflammation, pain and lameness of the dog. Examples include carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib and meloxicam.

Opioid painkillers

These drugs are generally derived from morphine and can be strong pain relievers. Examples include oxycodone, hydromorphone, butorphanol, meperidine and fentanyl. Most of these drugs are controlled drugs due to their addictive potential.

Steroids

Steroids have various uses. These drugs can act as potent anti-inflammatories and are often used to reduce allergic and anaphylactic reactions. Also, these drugs are used in high doses to suppress the immune system. Examples include drugs such as prednisone and dexamethasone.

Antiparasitic drugs

These products prevent, repel or eliminate internal or external parasites such as intestinal worms, intestinal protozoa (giardia, etc.), heartworm, fleas and ticks.

Sedations

These medicines are used to calm anxious pets or help reduce anxiety associated with various behavioural issues, prepare pets for anaesthesia, and reduce pet movement during procedures related to dog therapy. Examples include diazepam, xylazine, acepromazine and midazolam.

Hormones for dogs

Examples include insulin for treating diabetes, methimazole or levothyroxine for abnormal thyroid hormone levels, and heart medications such as atenolol, digoxin, and pimobendan.

Chemotherapy

These drugs are used to treat tumours and cancer. Examples include cisplatin, vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide.

Medicine interactions in dogs

Medicines work in very different ways; sometimes, these other mechanisms can lead to one cure interacting with another. In addition, how the body removes one drug can affect another by changing the rate at which it’s eliminated. Also, the simultaneous use of two drugs may have an additive effect. In such a situation, the impact caused by drug use will be more than expected. This can be helpful, but it can also be harmful. A drug may speed up or slow the body’s metabolism or eliminate another drug. Such conditions can lead to poisoning, organ damage, or ineffective treatment of a disease. Also, one drug may interfere with how another drug works in the body, preventing that drug from being effective. Always tell your vet about any medications you give your pet, including over-the-counter and supplements (including vitamins and supplements or homoeopathic). Write down how often, how much and how to provide them to your pet and share this list with your vet.

Side effects of medication in dogs

In general, taking drugs involves weighing the benefits (stopping infection, reducing pain, etc.) against the possible risks caused by that drug. Also, it’s possible to take measures to minimise side effects as much as possible. These preventive measures vary depending on the type of drug but can include a balanced dose and frequency of administration. Also, giving the medicine in the shortest possible time and giving the mixture with a full or empty stomach can be effective on the side effects caused by taking medication. Weighing the benefits and risks of a treatment process is very important. Your pet’s veterinarian does this. Of course, it’s important to note that drugs’ mechanisms to treat various diseases can also cause unwanted side effects.

Side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs

For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the production of prostaglandins, many of which increase inflammation, pain, and swelling. However, “good” prostaglandins in our bodies (and our pets’ bodies) protect us. An example is prostaglandin E, which helps prevent stomach ulcers. NSAIDs reduce pain, swelling, and lameness after injury in dogs, but their long-term use can lead to stomach problems due to their effect on lowering prostaglandin E. In addition, long-term use of NSAIDs can negatively affect prostaglandins in the kidneys. As a result, the blood flow in the kidney changes, which can lead to kidney damage. So, you must pay attention to your veterinarian’s information about the medicinal product and contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is experiencing side effects.

Medications used over a long period

Some medications must be prescribed for long periods or perhaps for your pet’s entire life. To monitor your pet’s health, make sure the medicine is still working as it should. Also, reduce the risk of toxicity or other harmful effects. So, your pet may need to be tested periodically. These tests may include blood, urine, or other tests the veterinarian prescribes. This is especially important with medications such as insulin and thyroid drugs because taking too much or too little of them can be severe, life-threatening, and fatal.

Using drugs in dogs

When the medication is prescribed, let your vet know if your pet has had an adverse reaction. Ask questions to determine why this medication is recommended for your pet and, if necessary, what alternatives are available. When and how should this medicine be used? What is the purpose of taking this medicine? What to do if you forget a dose? Ask your vet what to look for if your pet has negative symptoms, adverse drug reactions, or worsening. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any harmful signs. Don’t stop your pet’s medication; unless directed by your veterinarian. If you fill your pet’s prescription at a pharmacy, don’t allow the pharmacy to change the drug in any way, including changing the dose or the medication prescribed, without consulting the veterinarian.

Dosage of drugs in dogs

The dose of medication in humans can be very different from the appropriate amount for a dog or cat. Likewise, many differences exist between a dog’s needs and a cat’s prescription. After giving the medicine to the dog, keep the medicine bottles away from your pets and children. Don’t give your pet any medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) products, without consulting your veterinarian. Some medicines interact with other drugs, including OTC medications and supplements. So your vet needs to know everything you give your pet. Always follow the directions on the medication label. If you have any questions about the medication, ask your veterinarian. Keep the medicines in the containers you received and store them at the temperature specified by your veterinarian. Don’t transfer the contents to another bottle or vial.

Human medicines for dogs

Pet medications can be the same as humans, so store them separately to avoid the mistake of taking your pet’s medication or giving him your one. If your pet is bringing more than one medication, be very careful to take each medication as prescribed and according to the label directions. The dosage of medication taken by a pet can vary significantly among remedies. You shouldn’t give your pet too much or too little drug; Because it can cause severe and dangerous problems. Never use one pet’s medication on another one unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. You should also avoid using your dog’s medicine on your cat; drugs that may be safe for dogs may be dangerous for cats. If you miss a dose or overdose, contact your veterinarian. Always finish the course of your pet’s medication. Always follow your veterinarian’s label and directions. Dispose of expired and unused medications properly when you no longer need them.

The most common pills for dogs

As you know, dogs have different breeds; some can be kept as pets if the necessary facilities are available at home. Some dog breeds can’t be kept as pets and must continue their lives in the wild. First, it’s essential to consider what problem and pain the dog has; Because for every situation and discomfort that exists or arises in this dog, a series of pills and medicines should be used according to this problem. On the other hand, you should pay attention to the fact that drug prescriptions should only be done under a veterinarian’s and specialist’s supervision after examining the dog’s physical condition. Then the necessary drugs should be prescribed and consumed according to these conditions. Under no circumstances should these furry friends be given medicine.

To wrap up

Just as the continuous and consecutive use of various drugs can cause multiple problems for humans, it can also cause numerous problems for dogs. Therefore, medicine should be used with the advice and prescription of a veterinarian so that no problem occurs. To have a healthy and lively dog, you must pay attention to nutrition, activity, health, grooming, etc. In all these steps, you can count on the specialised team of MishkaGrooming. Our experienced and precise groomers have carefully and accurately groomed your dogs, so they count the moments before the next session. In winter, keep in mind that the dog shouldn’t get sick.