Gingerlead Dog Support Harness

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Help Dogs with Weak Hind Legs Walk with GingerLead

Sometimes dogs have trouble walking or going up and down stairs because their hind legs are weak. We carry the GingerLead dog support and rehabilitation harness to help veterinarians and dog owners effectively assist dogs with weak hind legs.

Above is a picture of Ginger, the inspiration for GingerLead. She had surgery to reconstruct her hip at just six months old (triple pelvic osteotomy). She was sent home with instructions for her owners to support her weight on the hind end and to restrict her activity. A bath towel was provided, but it didn’t work very well for any of them. When Ginger had to have another surgery for a luxating patella, a sling and the same instructions were given to her owners. The sling was better than the towel, but provided little comfort for Ginger or her owners and no control. Ginger frequently wanted to dart down stairs or chase a squirrel… Her owners, determined to find a better tool, attached a leash and handle to a soft, padded support sling and the GingerLead was born.

GingerLead’s features include:

Easy to Use
Soft, Padded Sling Designed for Comfort & to Minimize Bunching
Male Slings Available
Machine Washable
Adjustable for Height of Dog and Owner
Attached Handle & Leash Maximizes Control, Safety & Comfort
Made in the USA

It is ideal for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgeries (knee, hip or back), dogs suffering from arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, stroke recovery, other debilitating conditions, rear leg amputees, or older dogs needing some help with their mobility. It is great for taking dogs out to relieve themselves, helping them up and down stairs, or taking them for walks. It may be used for support or even just some stability for dogs that may lose their balance.

GingerLeads are available in various sizes to fit all dogs from toy to giant breeds.

If your dog has trouble going up or down stairs, here’s a video showing how the GingerLead can help:

Does your dog use a GingerLead? Do you have any questions about this dog sling? Please leave us a reply below. Thank you.

Subcutaneous Fluids for Cats

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Feline Kidney Failure and Injectable Fluids

Cats can be prone to kidney (renal) disease which can eventually turn to renal failure, where the kidneys no longer function properly. In many instances, this diagnosis requires giving your cat injectable fluids to prevent dehydration and to help the kidneys. Luckily, the fluids are often only needed a few times a week. The process of injecting your cat can seem frightening, and we completely understand any fears. This article from VetRxDirect aims to help you get through those tough treatments.

Subcutaneous Fluids for Cats Supplies and terminology:

Needle: The needle is a metal device used to pierce through the skin to inject the fluid. It has a base, called the hub, which is screwed or pushed onto a syringe containing the fluids. The bevel of the needle is the opening at the very tip of it, which pierces the skin. Needles vary by their length and gauge, which is the measurement of the thickness of the needle and it’s opening. The gauge measurement can seem backwards because the lower the number of gauge, the larger the opening of the needle is.
Syringe: The syringe is a plastic device used to draw up and push the fluid into the cat. The base of the syringe is called the barrel and the plunger is the part that moves inside the barrel to draw up fluids and push them out. The tip is the very top of the syringe, where the needle will attach.
Fluid Bag: The fluids with which you will be injecting your cat will likely come in plastic liter bags. There are several types of fluids such as plasma lyte, normal saline, and lactated ringers solution. There are two ports on the fluid bags: One is an outlet port, where you can place lines in to administer fluids, and the other is an injection point where you can draw fluids from using a needle and syringe.
Solution Set: Some veterinarians may want you to use a line from the bag to the cat to administer fluids, called a solution set. At VetRxDirect, we carry the IV Venoset (intravenous) line, which also works for giving fluids subcutaneously. The line allows the fluids to be administered slowly and can be helpful for large volumes.

The parts of the solution set are as follows, working from top to bottom: the plastic, white spike at the top is used to enter into the fluid bag. The dropper chamber is where the drops are formed before they get to the roller clamp which is the plastic piece with a roller that can go up and down to either stop or start the fluid flow. This also controls how fast the fluids will enter your cat. Then, after all of the tubing, you will find an injection port, where the needle will be placed to administer the fluids into your cat.

Below are diagrams I created to help you navigate through the different parts of the sterile products:

Needle and Syringe

Fluid Bag and Solution Set

Sterility is a must when giving subcutaneous fluids for cats:

The fluids given to the cat will be injected using a needle into the cat’s body, usually under the skin (subcutaneously). This means anything on the needle or skin around the injection site now has the chance to enter the body. By injecting your cat, you are breaking the skin’s barrier function which normally serves to keep bad things out of the cat’s body. This is why using sterile products and using antiseptic (or clean) technique is important.

The needles, lines, fluid bags, and syringes are all sterile when you receive them. The sterility is broken, however, when you remove the plastic wrapping, caps, or protective covers. This is when your proper handling is needed most to keep your pet safe from infection. The following tips may help you with this part.

Tips to help reduce contamination while giving subcutaneous fluids for cats:

Always wash your hands before handling the sterile products and equipment.
Nitrile or latex gloves can protect you and your pet.
Do not open the packaging on the products until you are ready to use them.
Sanitize your work surface, such as a counter, with isopropyl alcohol or any other sanitizer.
Use alcohol swabs to wipe off all surfaces the needle will enter through. Examples are vials, the ports on fluid bags, and possibly even your cat’s injection site depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
When using a syringe, try to keep your fingers away from the needle attachment site and away from the sides of the plunger. Touching both of these areas can cause contamination of the fluids you’ll be injecting into your cat.
Never reuse needles that have been introduced to blood. You should never reuse the same needle placed into your cat to draw up fluids or to re-inject the cat. This takes bacteria and/or blood into the new site. However you may use the same needle to draw fluid from a bag and to then inject the cat as it never touched any blood and should remain somewhat clean. Needles are sharpened when manufactured, designed with the right precision to enter surfaces easily. Every time they are used, the bevel opening is damaged and becomes duller, making it harder and more painful to reuse. This is yet another reason why needles should not be reused.
It also not recommended to reuse the alcohol swabs because they can transfer bacteria around.
It is sometimes not recommended to recap the needles as doing so can lead to you sticking yourself.
Ask your cat’s veterinarian about their specific recommendations.

Getting the fluids into your cat:

Your pet’s veterinarian will probably demonstrate how to give the fluids to your pet, and it is best to follow their guidelines. These are just a few simple tips that may help with giving the fluids to your cat.

Your pet’s veterinarian may want you to simply draw fluid out of a bag using a syringe and then inject it into your cat.
You can also use a tube between the syringe and needle in the cat and push the fluid through the syringe.
The last way is to use a line between the bag itself and the needle, which is placed into the cat.
When drawing up fluid from a vial, it is important to pressurize it. To do this, you simply inject the amount of air equivalent to the fluid needed into the vial before drawing up the fluid. This helps ensure the pressure on the inside and outside of the vial are equal.
To make sure you don’t hit any other tissues, you can pull your cat’s skin straight up and make a tent-like shape. Then with your other hand you can insert the needle right into the tent structure you made and slowly release it.
Most cats need the fluid injected into their backs, but follow the recommendations of your cat’s veterinarian.
The injection will likely form a pocket of fluid under the skin that may migrate downward as the day progresses.
Always check for existing fluid pockets before making a new one because they should be completely gone before the next injection.

Please share your experiences and tips and suggestion when giving subcutaneous fluids for cats by leaving a reply below. Also, please feel free to leave any product ratings and reviews on the product pages featured in this article. Thank you.

Unflavored Heartworm Prevention

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Unflavored Heartworm Prevention Heartgard Tablets are Back!

Unflavored Heartworm Prevention Heartgard Tablets is back in stock.

Unflavored Heartworm Prevention is Now Available!

Does your dog have digestive disorders or meat/additive allergies? If so, buying a monthly heartworm preventative can be challenging. Heartgard has made it easier by providing you with the option of an unflavored tablet. The tablet contains ivermectin, just as the chew does, and is given monthly to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. This is a great option for dogs with allergies to certain foods, treats, etc.

What is the difference between Heartgard Tablets and Heartgard Plus?

Heartgard Tablets is a product similar to Heartgard Plus, except Heartgard Plus contains pyrantel pamoate along with ivermectin. Pyrantel Pamoate provides an added benefit of treating/preventing roundworms and hookworms. Unfortunately, there is no unflavored version of Heartgard Plus available at this time. Therefore, you will want to consult with your veterinarian about the need of adding in a dewormer if your dog is prescribed Heartgard Tablets.

Leave us an Unflavored Heartworm Prevention Review

Have you given Heartgard Tablets in the past? Are you planning on going back to Heartgard Tablets? Leave a Reply below or consider a product rating and review on the VetRxDirect Heartgard Tablets product page. Thank you.

Quellin: A More Convenient Carprofen

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Quellin Carprofen Soft Chews for Dogs Now Available

Quellin is now available at VetRxDirect Pet Pharmacy

The FDA has recently approved Quellin, a medication containing Carprofen, in a soft chew formulation. This new formulation makes giving your dog’s anti-inflammatory much more convenient because you can simply offer it like a treat. Quellin is meat flavored, a savory taste most dogs love. This eliminates the need to mask your dog’s medication or hide it in their food. It also can help you feel more confident your dog is getting their full dose, as long as they eat the whole soft chew!

Quellin is the Newest Carprofen Dog Medication

Quellin’s active ingredient, Carprofen, is the same active ingredient as Rimadyl, Norocarp, Vetprofen, Novox, Carprieve, and Putney’s Carprofen. The difference with Quellin is the more convenient soft chew formulation. Quellin carries the same risks, side effects, and efficacy as the other carprofen agents: To learn more please read my other article, Important Information on NSAIDS for Pets.

We Ask for Your Help.

After you dog has used Quellin, please leave a comment here and leave a product review on Quellin’s VetRxDriect product page. We want to help share your experiences with all pet parents. Thank you.

Urinary Incontinence in Dogs

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Unfortunately some dogs are prone to bladder leakage or not being able to hold their bladder for long periods of time. This is called urinary incontinence. Large breed, female dogs are especially likely to experience urinary incontinence after being spayed because they no longer produce certain hormones. Some male dogs can also develop urinary incontinence; it’s just not as likely. There are a few treatment options available for your pet, but unfortunately the availability of some through VetRxDirect is changing. Please read further about this recent issue and the other possible treatments for urinary incontinence in dogs.

Hormone-dependent urinary incontinence in female dogs:

The urinary sphincter is a part of a dog’s urinary tract and tightens to form a closure when a dog is not urinating. This is what makes a dog able to hold their bladder and to not have any leakage. Spaying a female dog means removing their ovaries and most likely their uterus too. These organs are responsible for producing estrogen and progestin hormones. Sometimes, this decrease in estrogen over time can cause a female dog to become incontinent, or not be able to fully close their urinary sphincter. There are also instances where intact (not spayed) female dogs can experience urinary incontinence related to a decline in estrogen with age.

Hormone-dependent urinary incontinence in male dogs:

Male dogs may also develop urinary incontinence, and it can be caused by being neutered. The neutering process involves removing the testicles, which are responsible for producing the male hormone, testosterone. Testosterone, like estrogen, helps control the urinary sphincter and provides the dog with bladder control. Just like female dogs, male dogs who are not neutered may also develop urinary incontinence due to a decline in testosterone.

Treatment for urinary incontinence in dogs:

There are many other causes of urinary incontinence in dogs, ranging from nerve-related, physical abnormalities, and urinary tract infections. This is why it is important to go through all testing for your dog to find the cause of their urinary incontinence. For dogs with hormone-dependent urinary incontinence, the treatment options can be broken down into two categories: hormone replacement and adrenergic agonists. Below is a short list of possible treatment options for urinary incontinence in dogs, but it does not include all possible treatment options. Each dog requires a specific therapy determined by your dog’s veterinarian.

Male Hormone Replacement: Testosterone shots are a possible treatment for male dogs with urinary incontinence. Testosterone will cause the urinary sphincter to tighten and regain control again. Testosterone shots are usually given through your veterinarian, and they are not available through VetRxDirect.

Incurin (estriol) for urinary incontinence in dogs

Incurin is Available at VetRxDirect Pet Pharmacy

Female Hormone Replacement: Female dogs have two options for hormone replacement: estriol and diethylstilbestrol. Incurin is the brand name product for estriol for dogs, available through VetRxDirect, and it is given to replace estrogen levels. Diethylstilbestrol, commonly known as DES, is a synthetic drug which mimics the body’s natural estrogen, estradiol. There are no manufactured products containing DES, but it is compounded by pharmacies, including VetRxDirect. Diethylstilbestrol is usually given daily for 7-10 days and then reduced to a weekly dose. Both Incurin and DES work by acting as estrogen on the urinary sphincter, causing it to tighten and regain control over urination.

Adrenergic Agonists: Adrenergic agonists can be effective for both male and female dogs. Adrenergic agonists resemble epinephrine or adrenaline and cause the urinary sphincter to tighten, preventing leakage and controlling the bladder. There are several adrenergic agonist drugs available but only phenylpropanolamine has a veterinary approved product, called Proin.

Others: There are many other possible treatments for urinary incontinence due to non-hormonal causes. Your veterinarian will best know which medication is right for your dog based on the cause and potential side effects.

VetRxDirect’s discontinuation of Proin sales:

Phenylpropanolamine, the active ingredient in Proin, can be a precursor to methamphetamine production, so it’s sales and use are controlled under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005. Most regulatory bodies have tightened the control over the sales of Proin over the years because of its use to create meth. Due to continual changes in state reporting and monitoring of controlled substances, such as Proin, VetRxDirect has made the difficult choice to discontinue selling Proin. The decision was made by weighing the risks versus the benefits of selling Proin. VetRxDirect would like to support the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 in reducing the availability of methamphetamine ingredients in the United States to decrease drug addiction and abuse. This decision unfortunately affects our dedicated customers who have purchased Proin and seen benefits in their dog; however, Proin may still be purchased from licensed veterinarians. VetRxDirect has other treatment options to consider as listed above. We apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause, and we hope to be a continued trusted source for your pet’s medications.

Tips for Hiding Pills from Pets

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Tips & Tricks for Hiding Pills

Do you want to take the difficulty out of giving pet’s pills? Does your pet make a fuss out of eating their medicine? I have personally had issues giving my dog her medicine if it’s not a flavored, chewable tablet. Some capsules can be sprinkled onto dog food, but it doesn’t always cover up the taste of the medicine. I have searched for a better way to get her to take those pesky pills. I have now found solutions to getting the medicine into my dog: Kinn products and Greenie’s Pill Pockets. We carry the Kinn and Greenies product lines because we believe these products are truly the best. The Greenies line is a trusted source for all pet treats, and the Kinn products allow you to make custom pet treats with your own recipes to hide their medications, including any compounded medications.

Pill Pockets by Greenies:

Greenies has formulated an easy way to give your pet’s medications by putting them into a hollowed out tasty treat. There are many different flavors for cats and dog’s Pill Pockets, and are even available in formulations with real meat! There is also an allergy formula for the more sensitive pets. Pill Pockets come in capsule or tablet sizes for convenient use. To use Pill Pockets, you just have to place the pill inside the hole in the treat, then close the open end by pinching it with your fingers. The treat is then ready for your pet’s happy eating!

Kudose Pill Concealer by Kinn:

The Kudose pill concealer is a top of the line product for making pills into treats. In a few minutes, you can hide your pet’s medications into a custom-made treat they will beg to have. You have the power to decide what ingredients are in your pet’s treats with the Kudose pill concealer. You can make the treats organic, natural, low fat, or grain free! You can make the treats with or without medications. The treat recipe you choose is placed into the bottle, and you then place a Kudose Kapsule (the capsules made for the pill concealer) into the bottom. You can either add a pill into the capsule before filling it with your delicious treat recipe and hide your pet’s pills, or you can simply fill it with all treat filling. This product is a great way to eliminate preservatives, fillers, and additives from your pet’s treats, while ensuring your pet get’s their full dose of medicine. You can also reduce the anxiety of medicine time with your pet and make them excited about getting a treat. Kinn believes in their products and even offers a 100% money back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you and your pet. To show you how the Kudose pill concealer is used, we’ve have provided a 50 second video:

Krocodile Pill Splitter and Crusher by Kinn:

If your pet has to take part of a pill or have their medication crushed into their food, you know how frustrating it can be. Inexpensive human pill splitters wear out easily and aren’t always good for the large pills some dogs have to take. Kinn has brought a pill splitter and crusher into one quality device. The Krocodile pill splitter and crusher allows you to split tablets easily. This pet piller is strong enough for you to step on if you have troubles with your hands. You can also use the Krocodile Kroc Belly’s, which are small baggies for you to place the pills in before you crush them. This is a great way to reduce contamination between your different pet’s pills and it ensures your pet receives their full dose of medication. Below is a video about Kinn Krocodile:

Kase Pill Dispenser by Kinn:

My husband and I camp during the summer and taking our dog’s medications with us can be a hassle. The Kase pill dispenser can resolve issues of traveling with pet medications and with giving medications on the go! The Kase pill dispenser is a small metal device which holds six treats or pills with an easy to load and release design. The Kase pill dispenser allows you to get the treat or medication out easily and with one hand. This makes giving pet medications easier when you’re on the go, have arthritis, or have general difficulty with your hands. The Kase pill dispenser also protects your pet’s costly medications from being damaged from breaking during travel. The video below shows how convenient the Kase pill dispenser is to use:

Have you used Pill Pockets or any of the Kinn products to help give your pet pills? Please leave a reply below or jump on over to a product page at VetRxDirect Pet Pharamcy and leave us a product review. We love to hear how products are working directly from pet parents. Thank you.

Dogs and Fireworks

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Noise Fear, Anxiety, and Phobia in Dogs

The summer flies by too fast and Independence Day is already almost here! The 4th of July brings great celebrations but the fireworks and noise can make some dogs anxious. Not only do fireworks cause fear of noises (noise phobia); alarms, thunderstorms, gunshots, and other loud noises can be frightening. My dog was in a house fire 2 years ago (she was thankfully unharmed) and she now has a great fear of smoke detectors or any other beeping alarm. For those who have experienced a pet with a fear of certain noises, you know how hard it can be to watch your pet be frightened. There are many medications, prescription and over the counter (OTC), marketed to help with anxiety in dogs, but which medications are actually effective for the fear of noises?

What is normal in dog fears?

It is very hard to define a “normal” in dogs because each one is different and there are differences between breeds. Some breeds may be more prone to having excessive fears or to being more reactive than others. Some dogs may also be more prone due to their training and environment. Fears are normal in dogs and are a part of instincts: Fears were learned by all animals to keep them alive. Fears are a response to something putting your pet in danger and cause a fight or flight response. When your pet is anticipates the event they fear, it is called anxiety. A phobia is a response to a fear that is exaggerated or unhealthy. Fear, anxiety and phobia are commonly confused terms and it can be hard to explain the differences between them. Below is an analogy which may help you understand the differences between the terms.

Thunderstorm Phobia

Fear= the thunderstorm. This is a normal fear because storms are dangerous for animals and the fear causes them to seek shelter to prevent themselves from getting hurt. An example of a behavior of fear would be if a dog wants to come inside the house or their doghouse because it is storming and behaves relatively normal once they are in. This is normal because it is obviously safer for them to be inside.
Anxiety = how the pet acts before the storm happens. This would be when the animal senses an incoming storm and paces, hides, or doesn’t act normal before the storm comes. Anxiety is due to the anticipation or waiting for the storm to come because they sense it and know it is something dangerous.
Phobia = when the animal is inappropriately afraid. It is normal for dogs to want to come inside or lay low when a storm comes because they know it’s safer. However, if a dog starts panting excessively, hides, excessively licks their lips, becomes aggressive, or shows other abnormal behaviors then it is classified as a phobia.

Behavior modifications before medications in dogs:

The first part of treating noise phobia and anxiety is to change your pet’s behavior during the fearful event. Below is a strategy and some tips to reduce your dog’s fear of noises.

Identify the problem causing your dog to be frightened. You can make a journal or record of when your pet gets frightened and what was happening around them. After a while you may notice similarities and identify a cause of their fears.
After you have identified the cause of fear, you should try to avoid it. Some things cannot be avoided such as fireworks or thunderstorms, but gunshots and alarms can be prevented. Try to keep your pet away from the noises causing their fear. When it’s storming or fireworks are going off, you can take your dog to a quiet dark room to help reduce their fear. Having a safe room or crate with a blanket over it can be helpful in noisy situations.
Don’t get upset or mad with your dog- it only makes their fear worse. By disciplining your dog, you are showing them there is a reason to be afraid.
Don’t reward your dog too much. Trying to comfort them or give them treats while they are hiding rewards them for their inappropriate behavior. Don’t give them treats or physical rewards while they are behaving in a fearful or anxious manner.
Distract your dog by working on some training exercises. You can work on your dog’s sit, stay, lay down, and other tricks while the noisy event is happening. This can help distract them and keep their mind off their fears. It is a great time to reward your pet while they are working on training exercises. Rewarding your pet during this time teaches them appropriate behaviors during fearful events.
Contact your veterinarian for specific recommendations they have.

When changing your dog’s behavior doesn’t work:

Some dogs may respond well to behavior changes during the noisy events and others may not. Some dogs can be too anxious, depressed, or hyperactive to even try helping them. When this happens, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s anxiety and fear. Your veterinarian can decide if there are any other behavioral changes you can make or if medications are the best option.
There are many different treatment options for phobias and anxiety in dogs. They include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, melatonin, dog appeasing pheromones (DAP), milk proteins, plant extracts, supplements, and aromatherapy. Each of these treatment options can work for certain dogs but it just depends on the situation and some may work better than others for your dog. The natural products have the advantage of being OTC but they are also disadvantageous because they aren’t always approved by your veterinarian. It is best to consult your veterinarian prior to starting an OTC anxiety medication in your dog. In general, the OTC products are better for mild cases of phobias and the prescription medications are usually reserved for moderate to severe cases.

Below is a table of OTC and prescription medications used for noise phobia in dogs. Please note VetRxDirect does not sell the prescription anti-anxiety medications because they are controlled substances.

Click Anywhere on the Table for a Full-Size Version

What products have you found to be helpful with dogs and fireworks? We’ve concentrated on dogs today, but please leave any comments about your cats and noise phobias so all pet parents can learn. Thank you.

Meloxidyl: Save on Meloxicam suspensions!

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Meloxicam has been widely used over the years to help dogs with arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Meloxicam is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) which inhibits enzymes that produce inflammation and pain. These enzymes are called COX-1 and COX-2. Meloxicam has been available in generic human tablets and an expensive brand name suspension called Metacam. Now VetRxDirect is carrying a less expensive version of a meloxicam suspension called Meloxidyl.

Meloxidyl is bioequivalent to Metacam Oral NSAID for Dogs

Meloxidyl is now available at VetRxDirect Pet Pharmacy.

Meloxidyl contains 1.5 mg of meloxicam per 1 mL of the suspension. It is more convenient and easy to give your dog than the meloxicam tablets. With the suspension, you can easily place the medication in the pet’s food or directly into their mouth. Meloxidyl will make your dog’s meloxicam suspension much more affordable. If you’d like to save some money on meloxicam, talk to your veterinarian about switching to Meloxidyl suspension.

Product	Strengths Available	Cost
Meloxicam tablets	7.5 mg and 15 mg
Meloxidyl oral suspension	1.5 mg/mL
Metacam oral Suspension	0.5 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL

Indicates relative pricing, with more paw prints showing greater cost of the product.

For more information on meloxicam and other NSAID’s, see our article titled, “Important Information about NSAID’s for Pets.”

What are your thoughts on trying less expensive options for your pet’s medications? Has your pet been prescribed meloxicam before? Would you try Meloxidyl? Leave a reply below.

Storing Pet Medicine

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Wes Hepker

Most pharmacists ask their patients where they keep their medications but this essential element of counseling can be missed with our furry friends. Many of these points may seem obvious but there are still cases of children and pets getting into veterinary medications. This article aims to help pet parents when storing pet medicine in safe and appropriate places to prevent unnecessary complications.

Keep it cool and dry

It is important to keep your pet’s medications out of direct sunlight because some medications are degraded by it and most medications should be away from heat. It is best to keep medications in a closed system like a cabinet or drawer which will rarely see sunlight and will be kept dry. Humidity can be a real problem as well, especially for capsules because they can melt. Bathrooms are often the most humid room due to showering, making them a poor place to keep your pet’s medications. Kitchens can be a good place as long as they aren’t near a stove or other sources of heat. Bedrooms can also be a good place to store pet medications but they often don’t have cupboards or cabinets out of reach to children and pets. The best room to keep your pet’s medications varies by household and if there are children around, so this information should be used subjectively in deciding where the best location is for your house.

Higher is better

As with all medications, it is important to store them out of the reach of children. They can be very curious and get into cupboards within in reach. Many medications come in colorful packaging which can be enticing to children. They can also be flavored, which may encourage children to eat of your pet’s medications and supplements. Keeping your pet’s medications in a cabinet out of reach is a great way to prevent toxic effects in your children.

Children aren’t the only ones attracted to medications, your pets are too! The flavored chewables, powders and other forms are the most enticing to your pet. Your pet may think they are treats and get into them when you aren’t looking. Before you know it, the whole bag or bottle may be gone and you have a dog or cat experiencing some major side effects. This can lead to veterinary exam expenses and possibly even death. Keeping them in a cabinet out of reach can help prevent your pet from getting toxic amounts of their medications.

In summary, it is best to store your pet’s medications in a high cabinet or drawer, out of reach to children and pets, located in a cool dry room such as a kitchen or bedroom.

Where do you store your pet’s medications? Do you have any extra suggestions or tips for other pet parents? Leave a comment or question by clicking “leave a reply”.

Levothyroxine for Dogs Availability Updates

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Wes Hepker

What is Soloxine for dogs and what is it used for?

Soloxine, also known as a generic levothyroxine, is used to treat hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone. Naturally, the thyroid gland produces hormones that allow the body to maintain a normal rate of metabolism. Sometimes, these hormones are not made in the amount required by the body to function normally. This can be called hypothyroidism, or low levels of hormones, or hyperthyroidism, or high levels of hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include tiredness, slow movement, constipation, weight gain, skin and hair changes, and others. Generic Soloxine, also known as generic levothyroxine, is a medication used to replace these missing hormones. It is a cheaper levothyroxine for dogs. Too much levothyroxine, however, can cause hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone, often seen as unexplained weight loss, hyperactivity, and rapid heart rates.

Why does a dog have thyroid problems?

Dogs can have thyroid problems similar to humans. Most often, thyroid problems are caused by the dog’s body attacking its own thyroid gland. This can lead to the underproduction of the necessary hormones to maintain normal metabolism. This can lead to dogs having poor hair growth or coat changes if they develop hypothyroidism.

Tests needed to diagnose and monitor hypothyroidism in dogs

Blood tests are used to assess if a dog has thyroid problems. The veterinarian will test for the total T4 level. T4, also known as thyroxine, is one of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. If the level is within normal range, the dog does not have hypothyroidism. If the level is low, this may be due to hypothyroidism, but it may also be due to other diseases. Veterinarians can perform more specific tests to assess if your dog have hypothyroidism. The FT4 test, or free thyroxine test, can be a more accurate measure of the thyroid function. Free thyroxine is the hormone that is going to enter cells in your pet’s body and maintain normal metabolism. Total T4 levels can not show how much free T4 is available and may not accurately show what is going on in your pet’s body. Other blood tests may also need to be performed by your veterinarian to rule out other causes.

Once your dog has undergone treatment or replacement therapy using Soloxine, levothyroxine for dogs, they need to be monitored to ensure that adequate levels of hormones are being maintained. It may be necessary to monitor blood levels monthly in order to assess if the dose needs to be adjusted. Longer time frames may be needed to ensure that the body has adjusted to the new dose of levothyroxine and to ensure they are at a steady blood level of the medication. After maintaining steady thyroid levels, monitoring may be less frequent as determined by your veterinarian. Follow-up appointment are crucial to the success of levothyroxine treatment and the maintenance of steady thyroid hormone levels.

How do thyroid problems in cats differ from those in dogs?

Cats can also have thyroid problems, but they most often have hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism in cats can also be treated. Overproduction of thyroxine in cats causes an increase in metabolism which can lead to weight loss, anxiety, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Hyperthyroidism can be treated by using radioactive iodine or removal of the thyroid gland. Both of these treatments can lead to hypothyroidism, so other treatment options are available, such as methimazole transdermal gel. Contact your veterinarian regarding possible hyperthyroidism in your cat.

Can levothyroxine for humans be used in dogs? Can you substitute products?

When comparing the strengths of levothyroxine in humans versus the levothyroxine used in dogs, there can be a vast difference in the strengths. Humans often require less levothyroxine needed to treat hypothyroidism. Dogs absorb and metabolize levothyroxine differently than humans. As a result, they may need higher doses than seen in humans.

Canine Thyroid Chewable Levothyroxine Available at VetRxDirect

One possible substitute for Soloxine, indicated for use in dogs, is Pala-Tech’s Canine Thyroid Chewable tablets. These chewable tablets can be easily given to your dog, and they’ll enjoy to flavor. Checkout ThyroKare Levothyroxine Tablets as another possible substitute for the backordered Soloxine.

Many products are available for the treatment of hypothyroidism, and they are not all the same. Substitutions may be permitted if formulations are similar and on the order of your dog’s veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian before substituting any medications or supplements.

Common Side Effects of Levothyroxine in Dogs

When being administered properly, there should not be side effects from levothyroxine. Levothyroxine for dogs will help maintain normal metabolism. Adverse effects are seen when too much levothyroxine is used. These include the following:

Rapid heart rate
Excess hunger
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Excitability or nervousness
Excessive panting

Contact your veterinarian if you notice these adverse effects. The veterinarian may adjust the dose of the medication. Do not change how you were instructed to give levothyroxine for dogs without consulting your veterinarian.

Levothyroxine for Dogs Drug Interactions

Like medications used in humans, there can be medications that interact causing changes in how the medication is acting on the body within dogs. Before starting your pet on any new medication or supplement, contact your veterinarian to see if it will interact with your pet’s current medication. Below are a few drugs that interact with generic levothyroxine.

Antacids
Anti-diabetic agents including insulin and oral agents
Cholestyramine
Corticosteroids
Ketamine
Phenobarbital

*This list does not contain all medications that may interact with generice levothyroxine and the Soloxine substitute. Contact your veterinarian regarding any changes in your dog’s medications.

Is your dog on levothyroxine? Which brand and form? Does your dog readily take his or her levothyroxine? Leave your answers by clicking ‘leave a reply’ below. Thank you.