by Jon P. Frieda
By working with a pharmacy like Neels that specializes in compounding for animals, veterinarians have more sophisticated tools in their tool box when it comes to medication compliance. Attempting to pill an animal can be a stressful experience for both the pet and owner. Often, bribing your pet by stuffing the tablet in some cheese or trying to mix it in with some soft food is your only option. Even then, your pet may reject the food, or take the cheese, only for you to find the tablet on the floor later on. Many medications are bitter, and with an animal’s heightened sense of smell, the chances of your pet being compliant 100% of the time may not be achievable.
Just like humans, there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” scenario when it comes to pets. Each animal has its own personality, tastes, likes and dislikes. Compounding takes your pet’s uniqueness into account, as medications can be masked in flavored treat or liquid forms, encapsulated into flavored powders that can be opened and sprinkled on food, or made into a gel that can be applied to the inner ear area where it is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.
Compounded prescriptions can also allow you to condition your pet to think that their medication is a reward and increase the likelihood of your success. If you are struggling when it comes to administering medication to your pet, or if you are not achieving a therapeutic outcome, discuss compounding options with your veterinarian. After all, the goal is to get your pet well.
For more insight into Neels Pharmacy’s veterinary compounding services, refer to the article in the April 2013 issue of the Healthy Planet Magazine or just give us a call.