The importance of routine check ups, preventive care and regular exercise is as essential to your pet’s health and happiness as it is to yours. And just like us, there will be unexpected illnesses, bumps and bruises which happen along the way and need to be treated by a veterinarian when severity warrants. When something does slow your little friend down temporarily, your vet may prescribe some pet meds to ease suffering or promote healing. Pet meds include everything from antibiotics to anti inflammatory pain relievers and should only be used under the advice and guidance of your veterinarian.

Just as with humans, dog and cat medicines come in various forms and the administration required may differ. Most medications come in pill form which can be hidden in regular food, disguised in specially made treats to hold pills, or maybe your pet will simply eat it right out of your hand. For liquid medications, ask the vet to provide you with a needle-less syringe. This will allow for accurate dosages and slowly depressing the plunger will squirt the medicine directly into your dog or cat’s mouth to be swallowed down. In addition to specifically designed medicines for pets; dogs can take some human over the counter medications for a few ailments and your vet can direct you on exactly what to buy and the correct dosage amount. Never give your animal human medication without first speaking to your veterinarian.

In addition to being used as needed, pet medications include preventive care and maintenance as well. For instance, it is very important to protect a dog against heartworm and a preventive care medication regiment should be administered for life. Your vet can provide you with various options and help decide which is right for your dog.

Also, health supplements and vitamins are just as beneficial for dogs and cats as they are for humans. Specifically designed for animals, these supplements promote over well being and can be used for healthy bones and joints, to support the immune system and even to increase the health and color of your animal’s coat. As with any pet medication, supplements should first be discussed with your veterinarian and administered under their guidance only.