Compounding Pharmacies Provide Custom Medications for Man's Best Friend

Pets are considered valued members of the family for most of us. When they fall ill or are injured, we react much as we would if our non-furry children were hurting. However, when a spoonful of sugar won't help their medicine go down, it's good to know that compounding pharmacies can formulate custom medications for our friends, whether they be dogs, cats, horses, rats, birds, or exotic animals.

Filling your vet's prescription for a pain medication, for instance, can mean trooping off to the nearest big box pet store and having to buy whatever is available over the counter. Let's say Fido has aching joints. Trying to get him to swallow a foul tasting, difficult-to-swallow pill can be an exercise in futility and frustration for both of you. Pain management is a whole different world at a specialty pharmacy dedicated to taking good care of your dog, cat, or gerbil. They can help you with creative delivery methods, such as transdermal (through the skin) gels, animal versions of gummy treats, or even granules suitable for sprinkling on food.

Another advantage of using one of these specialty pharmacies (some of which only serve pets) is that your veterinarian can specify a customized dosage for your pet. And, how are these for fun flavors?

• For dogs, beef, liver or peanut butter do the trick • Cats love tuna or sardine flavors • Horses love the taste of apple or butterscotch • Pet rats swoon over strong cheese

Oftentimes, mass-market pharmacies discontinue certain medications, meaning that these prescriptions can only be obtained through a compounding pharmacy. Pet parents can enjoy peace of mind because they can now easily bring comfort to their furry family members. Additionally, because these pharmacies specialize in preparing one special prescription at a time, it is often less expensive to get Fido's medication at them than through the vet or at the pet store.

Something else to consider is that no medication can do its job if the pet or pet parent won't or can't get it to where it needs to be. Picture mom or dad struggling with a large-toothed dog to get him to swallow a hard, awful-tasting pill. Now picture a yummy gummy treat filled with the good stuff. Ah, much better!

Often, if Fido is suffering from more than one ailment, say, Arthritis and an infection, compounding pharmacies can combine more than one medication in a capsule or a biscuit.

So give yourself and Fido a break. The next time your vet prescribes something for what ails him, ask about filling the prescription at a compounding pharmacy.

If you are seeking a compounding pharmacy in Los Angeles author Stephen Daniels highly recommends you look into the services offered by Advanced Physicians Solutions. Their very qualified and licensed staff specializes in this field, and works with your veterinarian to find the best solutions for your unique medical needs.