Prescriptions

Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections such as skin infections, respiratory issues, or urinary tract infections. Overuse without a vet’s prescription may lead to resistance.
Pain Relievers and Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Pets often need these after surgery, injuries, or to manage chronic conditions like arthritis. Dosage must be carefully adjusted since human painkillers can be toxic to pets.
Antiparasitic Medications: These include drugs against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Regular use is part of preventive care.
Vaccination-Related Drugs: While vaccines themselves are not prescriptions, pets may need supportive medications after vaccination to reduce fever or discomfort.
Hormonal and Endocrine Medications: Used for conditions such as diabetes (insulin), thyroid imbalance, or adrenal diseases. These require precise dosing and monitoring.
Cardiac and Respiratory Drugs: Pets with heart disease, high blood pressure, or breathing issues may need long-term medication.

These medications must be given only under veterinary supervision. Human medications are not always safe for pets—substances as simple as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin can cause life-threatening poisoning in dogs and cats.

After examining the pet, a veterinarian may issue a prescription in written or digital form. This prescription includes the drug name, dosage, frequency, duration, and any special instructions such as “give with food” or “refrigerate the medicine.” Pet owners should always follow these directions carefully. Missing doses, doubling doses by mistake, or stopping medication too early can reduce effectiveness and may even worsen the pet’s condition.

Prescriptions also include refills when the treatment is long-term, such as in chronic diseases. For example, a diabetic cat may need insulin injections daily, with prescription refills provided regularly. The vet may require check-ups before issuing more refills to ensure the dosage is still correct.

Responsible medication use protects pets from harm. Owners should always follow these rules:

• Always follow the vet’s instructions regarding dosage and duration.
• Never give human drugs to pets without veterinary advice.
• Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from children and other animals.
• Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if the pet looks better.
• Report any side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, to the vet immediately.
• Do not share prescriptions between pets, as each animal’s needs are unique.