Pet Meds for Your Companion Animals Health and Wellness Concerns

You usually consider the purchase of pet meds when a companion animal gets sick. Scrapes, lacerations, skin irritations and eye problems call for the use of specifically formulated veterinary products. Yet did you know that there are some pet meds that actually maintain a dog's or cat's health? Give these products to a pet on a prophylactic basis, and it is quite possible to avoid more serious health concerns later on.

Heartworm Prevention

Cases in point are the pet meds that prevent the growth of heartworms in dogs as well as cats. Tasty little bites contain all the medication needed to kill off these invasive pests before they become fully grown. Summer is prime time for heartworms, but you should consider a year-round preventative regimen if you live in the more temperate regions of the United States, such as Arizona or Southern California. The pet meds that prevent the growth of these pests are safe to administer on a continuous basis.

Flea Protection

Depending on the formulation of the heartworm pet meds, they frequently also protect dogs and cats against intestinal parasites - most commonly hookworms or roundworms - and those living on the skin, such as fleas. If your heartworm meds do not tackle flea problems, do not wait until you see these small pests scurry on the pet's skin. Fleas are the causes of flea allergy dermatitis. They irritate your pet's skin, lead to repeated scratching and biting, and they are a common instigator in the formation of hot spots. An oral suspension -- or drops you simply apply to the animal's skin - quickly and effectively kills adult fleas and eggs.

Arthritis Prevention

As pets get older, arthritis becomes a very real pet health concern. You may notice that your dog or cat is not quite as active, playful or willing to tackle the stairs as it was just a few weeks or months ago. There are plenty of anti-inflammatory meds that a vet may prescribe. As a concerned pet lover and owner, you can help protect your pet's joint health with supplements and joint enhancers that feature glucosamine and chondroitin, two substances well known for their restorative powers.

Urinary Tract Health Maintenance

You already know that cranberries are a homeopathic treatment for urinary tract problems in humans; but did you know that preventative cranberry-derived pet medications can also foster urinary tract health in companion animals? Available as soft chews for cooperative pets - or as a chow mix-in for picky eaters - these supplements support the immune system, calm an irritated bladder and aid in the passage of damaging bacteria. If, in spite of your best efforts, the pet still becomes sick with a urinary tract infection, a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to be given in conjunction with the cranberry supplements.

What sets apart preventative medications for pets from those you receive at the veterinarian's office is clear: Over the counter availability without a prescription. It is always a good idea to discuss the use of any homeopathic treatments -- or preventative supplements -- with the veterinarian who has been treating your pet and knows its health history. When you do receive the all clear, remember that the consistent use of high-quality meds ensures maximum results.