You’ve probably wondered: “Why isn’t dog medicine openly available at pet stores?” After all, we’ve all used the same medications for our dogs at one time or another. But what exactly makes these drugs so different from human medicine? The answer is that they’re all in a slightly different category. The reason for this is as simple as the name implies: “non-food animal drugs.” These are typically flea treatments or medications to prevent disease. The least regulated category is Authorised Veterinary Medicine, General Sales List. The smallest pets are exempt from normal laws regarding medicines.
Some medications are not in pill form, but are instead in the form of a paste. To make the process easier, you can hide the pills in a treat. Dogs’ noses are sensitive to scent, so hiding the pills in treats or a treat is a good solution. If you want to avoid giving your dog medication, you can also hide pills in commercial pill pockets. Some medications are also capsules or powdered and can be sprinkled onto their food.
Aside from avoiding the possibility of illegal compounding, veterinarians also recommend using only FDA-approved veterinary drugs. This will ensure that your pet is getting the right dosage and not ending up with a wasted bottle. If you see a compounded medicine in a store, report it to the state board of pharmacy. They will help you make informed decisions about your pet’s care.