How do I get my pet to take the medications!
It's one of the most common questions we get. Animal can be tricky to get medications into. Cats are especially talented in spitting them out.
We've got a couple of tricks for you to try out to help get important, possibly even life-saving, medications into your pets. Hiding medications
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The holidays stress us all out, including our pets
As a pet parent, experiencing the anxiety and helplessness of having a sick pet is scary. Having a diagnosis is a welcome relief. But, when your pet has been diagnosed with Addison’s disease (an endocrine condition where the body is unable, or ineffectively produces vital hormones) you learn it's going to be a lifetime commitment.
Most pets go on to live a long, fulfilling life, dependent on receiving the medicine they need and avoiding stressful situations. Because stress is the biologic trigger for Addison’s disease to reoccur. In healthy animals, stress triggers the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands to help the body respond. In the case of Addison's disease the body doesn't have the ability to adapt to challenges and the demands of the body are unmet. Your veterinarian likely prescribed a medication, or a combination of medications, such as Florinef (fludrocortisone), or Percorten-V (desoxycorticosteronepivalate DOCP) which are long-acting medications given intermittently as an injection. Most commonly, prednisone is prescribed as a daily oral steroid medication for the treatment of Addison’s disease. The dose is typically much lower to meet the biological needs of these pets. Who can get Addison's Disease?Who can get IMTP?Primary IMTP is more commonly seen in middle aged female dogs, especially Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Poodles, and Old English Sheepdogs. Unfortunately, although it is more common in these breeds, it can happen at any age, any sex, and any breed. Secondary IMTP can occur in any pet as there is a secondary condition like infection, cancer, or sepsis causing the IMTP. What is IMTP?One of the biggest pieces of dealing with chronic diseases are the medications used to help pets feel better. Depending on the disease process there can be multiple medications, or one that is pretty pricey.
So, where are good options for getting quality prescription medications that don't break the bank? Unfortunately, our fuzzy little one’s livers cannot handle many of the medications that humans take. This is one of the many reasons why all medications, prescribed by a physician or over-the-counter, must never be shared with your pet. AcetaminophenBoth cats and dogs are unable to process acetaminophen (Tylenol®). As little as 1 or 2 tablets of acetaminophen can cause problems for pets. Acetaminophen causes death (necrosis) to the cells of the liver. As the cells of the liver (hepatocytes) die, pets may start showing signs of sickness. Signs that may be noticed include vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, and icterus (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
You're a pet parent. You're a warrior against the chronic illness your furry family member fights every day. You have a heart of gold. You have taken on a burden some choose not to. It's not an easy path, and we hope we can help just a little bit on your journey. Humans. Pets. How different is it really?A study was done by Kent State University that showed the stress on a primary caregiver is the same whether it's for a human or pet. This is called Caregiver Burden.
So, you're not crazy. Taking care of a chronically sick pet is stressful and you need to take care of yourself just as much as you take care of your beloved pet. Make sure to have someone to turn to. Make sure to take care of yourself because you are awesome. |
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