Below you’ll find a compilation of Pet Health Pharmacy’s articles about medication options, dosage forms, as well as any side effects or concerns.

caring for a sick kitty

CARING FOR A SICK KITTY

Cats are notorious for running as they see or smell medication, so it may not be possible to hide medication in food. Sometimes medications can be made more palatable with cat-friendly flavors. In other cases, it may be necessary to find other ways to administer medications, such as in drops, creams, or gels.

cortisol connection

THE CORTISOL CONNECTION

Steroids are a class of medications that are used to treat inflammation, allergic reactions, and pain in pets. Dr. Al Plechner devised a treatment approach  using hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone bioidentical to the cortisol produced in the body, to supplement pets’ cortisol levels.

do animals have the same sense of taste as humans

DO ANIMALS HAVE THE SAME SENSE OF TASTE?

Both dogs and cats have been known to explore novel tastes different from their everyday diet. Taste preference may also vary from pet to pet. However, though finding the right flavor may be challenging, in the long run the effort may be worth it if medications are more palatable and therefore easier to give your pet.

do dogs eat grass because they're sick

DO DOGS EAT GRASS BECAUSE THEY’RE SICK?

Some medications may lead to nausea in dogs. In contrast, there are also several medications available for treating nausea and vomiting in pets. Most anti-nausea medications help to block chemical signals from reaching nausea and vomiting centers in the brain. But do dogs eat grass as a way of “treating” their nausea?

flavorings for pet medications

FLAVORINGS MADE MEDICATIONS PALATABLE

In this article, PHP Pete outlines the various medication flavorings offered by Pet Health Pharmacy, and discusses why it’s important to consider the animal’s natural diet when choosing the best flavoring for them.

giving pregnant dogs medication

GIVING PREGNANT DOGS MEDICATION

If possible, avoid giving your dog any medications during pregnancy. Sometimes the benefit outweighs the risk, and drugs that carry risks may be needed to keep the mother healthy. Your veterinarian can help you decide what is appropriate in your case.

giving your pet medication

GIVING YOUR PET MEDICATION

In this short article, PHP Pete describes the transdermal applicator option that may be helpful in giving medications to pets who cannot–or will not–take medication using other dosage forms such as pills.

heartworm prevention for herding dogs

HEARTWORM PREVENTION FOR HERDING DOGS

A certain mutation sometimes occurs in herding dog breeds that prevents certain drugs from crossing into the brain and assists in the breakdown of some medications. Several drugs used in heartworm prevention can be toxic if given at certain doses to affected dogs.

RESTRICTED MEDICATIONS FOR FOOD-PRODUCING ANIMALS

When it comes to prescribing medications for animals there are many factors to be considered. Food-producing animals must be given special consideration. These animals include cattle, pigs, turkeys, and chickens.

using human medicine to treat pets

USING HUMAN MEDICINE TO TREAT PETS

Many human medications are used to treat pets, but there is not always a simple answer as to what dose should be given to our furry friends. Animal dosing is often based on weight, whereas human adults may receive fixed doses. Additionally, there are physical and chemical differences between humans and pets.

what causes dogs to have accidents when asleep

WHAT CAUSES SOME DOGS TO HAVE ACCIDENTS WHEN ASLEEP?

A common cause of incontinence is the loss of function in the muscle that prevents urine from leaving the bladder. Estrogen deficiency may decrease this muscle’s responds to signals from the body. In this article, PHP Pete outlines several treatment options for this kind of incontinence.

when to give medication with food

WHEN TO GIVE MEDICATION WITH FOOD

Most medications are absorbed in the small intestine after leaving the stomach. When the stomach is full, it is more acidic and medications spend more time there; this is beneficial for the absorption of some medications, but reduces absorption of others.