Every pet owner experiences joy and companionship from their dogs and cats - from the moment they are born or brought home to the moment they take their last breath. Have you observed that when pets are very young, the owners focus on feeding and training them properly. But in the later years of life, pets can develop certain medical conditions that cause pain, lethargy, or discomfort. And no animal lover wants to see his dog or cat suffer.
In the past, veterinarians could do little about diseases in aging animals. Today, there are numerous medications available that not only treat the conditions themselves, but also improve the quality of life of cats and dogs.
Here are Some Common Pet Preventative Medications for Senior Dogs and Cats.
Dogs
Problem: Arthritis
Medication: Deramaxx chewable tablets
Arthritis in dogs can significantly reduce the level of physical activity in your pet. But Deramaxx can reduce or eliminate arthritic pain in dogs by reducing the inflammation associated with this condition. This medicine is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.
Problem: potassium deficiency
Medication: RenaKare
Sometimes older dogs can suffer from a lack of potassium, which is an essential element for optimal functioning of your pet's nerves, muscles and enzymes. This potassium deficiency is often the result of chronic diarrhea. RenaKare, have been coming in a gel, powder, or tablet, and can be able to supplement your dog's potassium intake.
Problem: Constipation
Medication: Hepatikin powder
Hepatikin is probably a disaccharide sugar molecule that has been working to increase some of the amount of fluid in your dog's colon. This, in turn, will soften your pet's stools and help relieve constipation. The hepatikin powder can be given orally or it can be mixed with your dog's food.
Problem: Congestive Heart Failure
Medication: Vetmedin chewable tablets
As dogs get older, their organs sometimes begin to deteriorate and function inefficiently. When this happens to your pet's heart, it can lead to congestive heart failure. Vetmedin is designed to strengthen canine heart muscle contractions and widen blood vessels.
Problem: attacks
Medication: Levetiracetam Tablets
Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common type of canine seizures, can be caused by other health problems, such as brain tumors, kidney failure, or liver disease. While it works to control these attacks, Levetiracetam can also be given in combination with other medications designed to treat the underlying condition.
Problem: Cushing's disease
Medication: Lysodren Tablets
Cushing's disease is caused by an overproduction of hormones by your dog's adrenal cortex. This condition is often the result of a tumor in your pet's pituitary or adrenal glands, or an overuse of steroid drugs for other purposes. Lysodren works to reduce the production of these cortisone-like hormones.
Cats
Problem: Diabetes
Medication: Humulin N Insulin
If your vet recommends insulin injections for your cat with diabetes, this product will meet your needs. You will also need syringes to administer each dose under your pet's skin. Humulin N helps to maintain your cat's blood sugar levels if they cannot produce enough insulin on their own.
Problem: Hyperthyroidism
Medication: Methimazole Tablets
An overactive thyroid can lead to weight loss, appetite problems and heart problems. Methimazole reduces the amount of hormones produced by your cat's thyroid gland. Often this medicine can control hyperthyroidism so that your cat does not have to undergo surgery or undergo radioactive iodine treatments.
Problem: Asthma
Medication: Theophylline Extended Release Tablets
This drug acts as a bronchodilator to help open the airways in the lungs of cats suffering from asthma. It can also help clear mucus in the airways and strengthen diaphragmatic contractions. Theophylline should be given to your cat on an empty stomach.
Problem: heart disease
Medication: Atenolol
Atenolol fights heart disease in cats by lowering your pet's blood pressure. More specifically, the drug acts as a beta blocker to slow the heart and improve its efficiency. In addition to tablet form, Atenolol is available as a gel for added convenience to cat owners.
Problem: Chronic Pain
Medication: Gabapentin
Older cats can have chronic pain for many different reasons, including arthritis, seizures, or recovery from surgery. But when used as directed, Gabapentin can help improve your pet's quality of daily life. The medicine comes in capsule or tablet form.
Problem: Chronic Constipation
Medication: Kristalose
Unfortunately, cats are prone to various types of gastrointestinal distress. If your pet has recurring problems with constipation, Kristalose can increase the number of bowel movements she may have. The drug comes in powder form and must be mixed with water.
As with humans, the last years of life can bring afflictions and illnesses to your dog or cat. Sometimes pet owners are forced to decide whether or not to take extraordinary measures to save their furry relatives. But often, these conditions can be controlled simply by regularly administering some type of pet medication. These drugs often allow dogs and cats to live longer and happier lives.