If Only Pets Could Talk?

Leanne Lawrence, PharmD Candidate 2008
Shenandoah University
Prepared during Consumer Health Information Corporation Clerkship
McLean, VA

Communicating with your pet is hard.  Pets cannot speak and tell you if they are not feeling well.  Due to this difficulty, pet owners need to be proactive in their pet’s healthcare needs.  Many owners often tell their veterinarian that they have given their pet 100% of its medication.  This sadly is not the truth.  A little more than half of all antibiotic doses are never given.  This number decreases if the medication has to be given 3 times a day.  Pet owners have to take responsibility for their pet’s healthcare.    

• Veterinarians suggest diets for all kinds of diseases not just for overweight pets.
• 62% of pet owners do not follow the diet suggested.
• You need to brush your pet’s teeth at least weekly and have a veterinarian clean them yearly.  
• 65% of pet owners do not have routine dental cleanings done.
• All pets need to have a yearly exam that includes lab work, vaccinations, dental, and overall health check. 
• 68% of pet owners do not have a senior screening done when the pet reaches the age 9 to 11 years old, depending on the type of animal.
• Keeping your animal up to date on all vaccinations will minimize the chances of spreading deadly diseases. 
• 13% of pet owners do not have their pets vaccinated.

Taking care of a pet can be overwhelming   

Do you ever find yourself wondering if you have given your pet the best possible healthcare?  If so, then you have most likely asked yourself these questions as well:

“How do I give my pet its medication?”
“How will I give my pet its medication while I am at work?”
“What happens if I miss a dose of my pet’s medication?”
“Why is all drug information written in technical language?”
“What is pet insurance? Is it needed? If so, how do I apply for it?”
“Did I forget to ask the veterinarian something?”

Pets are like kids.  They will not take their medicine.

Medications created for pets have changed over the years.  Drug companies are making a wider range of flavored prescriptions that pets will eat.  They are also finding ways to lower the number of doses an owner must give.  However, not all pet medications have been changed.  Pet owners may still need trick their pet into taking the medication.  There are three different tricks just for pills.

1. The “Poke down” method.  Push the pill to the back of the pet’s throat then close its mouth. Gently rub the pet’s throat until the pill is swallowed.
2. Crush the pill and mix it in with a soft treat or sprinkle it on your pet’s food.  Check with your pharmacist to make sure the pill can be crushed.  Crushing some pills may change how well they work in your pet. 
3. Wrap the pill in your pet’s favorite treat such as; bacon, cheese, or peanut butter.  The use of pill pockets is also suggested.  The pill pocket is a ready made treat with a hole in the middle perfect for pills.

If pills are not an option do not despair.  Medications are available as injections, liquids, and patches that are placed on your pet’s skin.  Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s medication and make sure you understand how to give it to your pet.

Heartworms and other nasty wiggly things

A few mosquitoes may carry an unseen but deadly parasite known as heartworms.  Once infected, heartworms live for 5 to 7 years in your pet and will affect its heart and lungs.  Before starting heartworm prevention, your pet must be tested for heartworms.  If your pet is not infected, then you may start the type of medication your veterinarian suggests.

If you forget or are late giving the medication, check with the veterinarian, drug company, or pharmacist to find out what you must do.  In some cases when a dose is missed, the pet must be retested for heartworms.  Many of these drugs will also stop hookworms, roundworms, or others from harming your pet.  To have your pet put on heartworm medication a veterinarian must prescribe it.  Some pharmacists may be able to fill the prescription for you.  Be sure to use heartworm prevention all year to protect your pet from these parasites.

Fleas and ticks oh my!

Fleas and ticks live throughout the year both in your home and outside.  Therefore year round prevention is needed.  Most products will kill fleas, flea larva, flea eggs and many types of ticks.  Some ticks may carry Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  Nearly all flea and tick medication is applied on to the skin between the shoulder blades.  The drug works by soaking into the oil glands on the pets back and then spreads throughout the pet’s fur.

A prescription is not needed for this type of medication.  Most veterinarian offices, retail stores and pharmacies carry at least one type of flea and tick product.  Check with your veterinarian as to which product is best for your pet.  If after applying 1 type of flea and tick prevention your pet still has fleas, seek veterinarian advise.  Do not apply the same medication again or try another product before contacting your veterinarian.  

Most of these products are still affective, even if your pet plays in the rain or goes swimming.  Certain types of shampoos may decrease the drugs ability to kill fleas and ticks.   Before applying the medication ask your veterinarian when is the best time and what type of shampoo to use for grooming.

Pet Insurance vs. Veterinarian costs

The average veterinary cost per home in 2006 was $366.  This may not seem like a lot until something happens to your pet.  A diagnosis of cancer could cost between $2000 and $6000, a broken leg between $500-$1500, and dental cleaning is around $200-$400.  Is pet insurance an option?

Pet insurance was once thought of as a waste of money.  Due to advances in veterinarian medicine, costs are rising.  Veterinarians now have more diagnostic tools available.  Some pet insurance will cover new tests and others may not.  Look into what pet insurance companies will cover before choosing a plan.  Most insurance companies will not pay for breed specific diseases or pre-existing conditions.  For example, trick knees are common in small dogs like Pugs.   Pet insurance may range from $35-$40 per month with deductibles or co-pays around $50-$100.  Costs will vary depending on your pet’s age and breed.  Over time, expenses will increase as your pet ages.  If you want your pet to stay healthy and avoid financial hardship then setting money aside or purchasing pet insurance is a must.

Your pet is counting on you  

Being a pet owner comes with a large list of responsibilities and no instruction manual.  There are many choices that must be made throughout your pet’s life.  Veterinarians are always improving their ability to provide quality healthcare.  Drug companies are creating new drugs to help preserve your pet’s quality of life.  With all of these changes the list of choices owners have to make is greater than ever.  Seek advice from trustworthy sources such as: veterinarians, pharmacists, American Kennel Club, American Animal Hospital Association, or the American Veterinary Medical Association. 

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