The Dos & Donts About Pet Medication

One way to determine your pets health is by regular visits to a qualified veterinarian. Depending on the situation, some pet medications require administration by a veterinarian while others may be purchased and given by the owner. Always ask questions of your veterinarian and, if needed, take a notebook to jot down some information.

Before administering any pet medication, always confirm a diagnosis with a licensed veterinarian. If the illness is minor, a simple telephone call may suffice. If it is a longstanding or reoccurring issue, then make an appointment to have your pet checked out. A serious problem may not be treatable with only one kind of medicine, but may be properly designated and given by the doctor.

If you are able to medicate your pet yourself, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly. The dosage amount often is decided based on the weight of your pet. Therefore, get a proper assessment of your animal's weight before administering medication. An overdose may harm your pet while a less than proper dosage may not provide any relief.

Pet medication can be found in a variety of places, including a local department store's pet food section or a specialty pet store. If none of these are found locally, a veterinarian's office will likely have an appropriate inventory of pet medications, as do many online pet medication websites. When purchasing any such product, always make sure the medicine is used to treat the condition of your pet and is properly labeled. Do not use old medicine or any that was given to you by a friend or neighbor. Always purchase a fresh product before allowing your pet to consume the contents.

Most medicines are available in a variety of forms, including liquid or pills. If your pet has problems, or is resistant, to pills, hide them in his/her food or purchase the liquid version. Most pet medication is made to smell and taste good to the animal, so there shouldn't be much resistance to the product. If your pet will absolutely not take the medicine, search for another brand and return the first product to the original store.

If finances are tight and pet care becomes too much for you to handle, ask your veterinarian if he/she offers a financing or payment plan. Sit down and explain your situation, the immediate need for your pet's care and your willingness to make payments toward any treatment offered. By making a deposit and signing a paper agreeing to make payments, many veterinarians will accommodate a payment plan request. Be sure to have an offer in mind. For example, don't simply ask to make payments, but rather specify how much you can pay each month and how many months it will take to pay the balance in full. This will show that you have given considerable thought and planning to the treatment, and payment, of your pet's health care.