Pet meds and risks of side effects
Global Veterinary Healthcare Market offers a large variety of medications that are intended to treat pets. As a rule, all licensed medications are tested for safety and efficacy, and still the reaction to the effects of meds can be different in every pet.
You should be aware that any pet meds, prescribed to your domestic animal, can not only cure the disease, but also cause side effects. The number and severity of side effects may depend on the route of pet meds administration.
Oral route of administration
This is the most simple and common way of meds administration. When pet meds are introduced through the mouth (e.g., Apoquel), the first body area that experiences its impact is the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, your four-legged friend can experience such side effects, as:
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- loss of appetite.
Oral antibiotics (Clindamycin, Enrofloxacin) tend to cause gastrointestinal disturbances more often, than other antibiotics. Despite the fact that antibiotics are very effective, their use can lead to digestive disorders and intestinal dysbiosis.
So before you give these pet meds to your companion animal, you should consider the likelihood of the development of serious side effects. Probiotic supplements are often used to prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract.
To reduce the pain and inflammation in the joints, doctors can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications (Deracoxib, Firocoxib, Dexamethasone). Yet it is known that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) increases in pets the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers.
To reduce the probability of side effects and ulcer, the recommended pet meds are the ones that decrease the production of stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
Topical route of administration
Local administration of steroids (Prednisolone) helps stop the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and ocular inflammations. Side effects, which are observed during the use of this kind of pet meds, are of short duration and manifest themselves in the form of a burning sensation and irritation at the site of application and swelling.
The most common problem faced by all owners of domestic animals is the protection against fleas and ticks. Topically applied pet meds (e.g., Revolution) cause dermal side effects, such as irritation or redness.
Just like people, companion animals may experience stress and anxiety. Many pet medications (e.g., Clomipramine, Diazepam, Dexmedetomidine) can effectively reduce the symptoms of anxiety, yet cause side effects from the CNS.
In some animals, transient decrease in blood pressure, increased heart rate and respiratory movements, as well as fever, are possible after the introduction of anxiety medication.
Parenteral medications administration
Injecting medications is more efficient, compared to other methods for drug administration. Moreover, this administration route of pet medications causes considerably less side effects.
In an improper drug administration, bumps and lumps may appear beneath the skin. They usually disappear within a few days. If the bruising persists, consult your veterinarian.
To reduce the risk of side effects, pet meds should be used in compliance with the recommended dosage regimen. Use of the drug in excessive doses of does not increase the effectiveness of treatment and may adversely affect overall health of your pet.