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Pet Medicines When To Self Medicate Or When To Visit The Vet

By Pauline E Medway


The UK is known as a nation of "pet-lovers", for every two residents at least one owns a pet. In addition, the animal health care market is overwhelming and is valued at 200 million GBP annually. Recently, a review of regulations concerning animal medicines led to unprecedented convenience in accessing pet meds from the chemist direct. In spite of the regulatory bodies ensuring appropriate animal medication, many Brits are still in the dark about the rights for their pets. So, education on how to ensure sturdy health in animals for companion is paramount.

Authorised veterinary medicines are organised into four classes. The regulations were established in 2005, the categories are as follows:

POM-V are medicines that require a veterinary surgeon's diagnosis that may only be dispensed by a vet or pharmacist.

POM-VPS are medicines that must be prescribed and supplied by a veterinary surgeon, pharmacist or suitably qualified person. It is not necessary for an examination to be carried out by the prescriber however they must be satisfied that the medicines are being correctly administered in a safe and appropriate manor for the intended purpose.

NFA-VPS drugs are distributed at chemists or by vets. However, the law urges that they be prescribed by any qualified person in the profession. Only animals not meant for meat but for companion are to be administered these drugs.

AVM-GSL is a category of animal drugs not tied to any statutory requirements. They are meant for general use regarding certain symptoms that must be judged accurately before providing the prescription. They are readily available over the counters.

Tick and flea control

To protect the health of your pets and yourself it is recommended that your fury friend should be regularly treated for ticks and fleas. Up to 50% of all cats and 25% of dogs will be infested with fleas each year. For every flea on your cat or dog there could be as many as 50 around your home. For this reason you will also need to treat soft furnishings too.

The treatment of fleas should be carried out on a regular basis every four or five weeks using powders, spot on drops, shampoos and flea collars. Some treatments are also effective against ticks. This will prevent flea infestations use in conjunction with vacuuming, flea treatment sprays and washing pet bedding.

For very young animals less the 12 weeks old certain treatments are not recommended. You can physically remove fleas with a headlice comb available at your local pharmacy.

Ideal animal protection puts into use dual treatments for effective results. The cures are crucial particularly in mitigation of infections that are caused by black-legged ticks. A telling example is the Lyme infection that is extremely detrimental to animals health.

De-worming treatment

Prevention of only external attack by ticks and fleas does not suffice to guarantee your animal a sturdy health. Internal treatment of infections caused by intestinal parasites, roundworms and tapeworms, is necessary for maximum protection. De-worming is ideal when done in every 3 months.

A dual wormer is an effective way of protecting your pet and they are available in tablet, granule or liquid form.

Eye health

Eye problems in your pets are a frequent occurrence but thankfully normally they are picked up quite quickly. Symptoms range from mild irritation, discharge, to redness and cloudiness. Three of the most common eye diseases in dogs are corneal abrasions, dry eye and glaucoma. It may be that the cause is something simple but it is very important that you see a vet as soon as possible. When it comes to eye problems any delay could result in serious complications such as blindness or eye loss.

Ear cleaning

Cleaning the ears of the animals to avoid infections is an obligatory role to caring pet owners. If not cleaned, the hairy nature of the ears will accumulate and harbour infections. Seeking advice from a vet about the right procedure of removing accumulated dust in the ears is essential to avoid piercing the eardrum and cutting the ear canal.

Digestive system problems

Gastrointestinal problems are a very common ailment that your pet may suffer from. Symptoms of their digestive problems can include difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite, constipation, and diarrhoea. Problems can resolve themselves when the digestive system is given a rest, however more serious conditions can result in weight loss, dehydration and exhaustion. It is very important that you seek medical advice from your vet if you pet is vomiting, bloated, straining to pass a stool or not eating.

Lifestyle advice

Your pet can benefit from a healthy lifestyle just as you can. Ensure you pet is eating healthily and getting plenty or exercise. Together with good hygiene this can prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Keeping you pet healthy will also protect you and your family from conditions that can be transferred to humans including roundworm and tapeworm that infect cats and dogs.




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