Home Remedies May Not be Best

A hot political issue is the high cost of prescription medications. Medical insurance can help to defray the cost. But what if it is your pet that needs pharmaceuticals? Though pet insurance is available, most owners have not discovered its benefits. In an attempt to save money, they will often try using their own medications on their pets.

Though some medications are used both in human and veterinary medicine, the dosages and frequency of administration can vary tremendously. Aspirin is commonly used to treat our own aches and pains, such as arthritis. This medication can be used in dogs but has never received FDA clearance. Recent studies have shown that after a month of use in dogs, the frequency of stomach ulcers was higher in the aspirin treated dogs, than those given a veterinary approved medication. Arthritis is very common is dogs. One out of five adult canines suffer from this painful disease. Any medication can have potential side effects. By following your veterinarian’s advice and using only medications prescribed by your pet’s doctor, you can greatly decrease the chances of adverse side effects.

Though the medications may be the same for humans and pets, the dosage and frequency of administration can vary tremendously.

Safeguarding your pet’s health should be every pet owners goal. Protecting your pocket book is a good idea too. If your veterinarian recommends a particular medication and the cost is higher than you can afford, ask if there are safe alternatives before you start experimenting on your own. This is important because it is "Your Pet...Health Matters.”