Pet Drug PatchesWritten by Mark Woodcock
The use of transdermal patches within human medicine is very popular for people who may want to quit smoking, relieve pain and even to replace hormones. Can these drug patches work for our pets?Transdermal drugs for animals are very similar to those used for humans. In some cases like fentanyl, pain killer, it is identical. The drug is administered through patch which is applied to a saved area of your pets skin, thus enabling drug to reach bloodstream across skin (transdermally). Not all drugs used transdermally are available in patch form, some drugs are compounded by pharmacists into a gel which is applied to your pets skin, usually undersied of ear flap. The fentanyl patch, use mainly in humans, has been used on dogs, cats and horses in use of pain control management. In general drugs which are given transdermally enter bloodstream much slower than using other routes, such as orally or by injection, therefore using patches would not work for drugs that are needed immediately. These drugs tend only to be used when the
| | Flea and Tick ControlWritten by Mark Woodcock
No matter where you live, including cities and rural areas, your pets can be subjected to irritating flea and tick bites and Lyme disease, potentially fatal disease caused by tick and flea bites. Not only will fleas cause discomfort to your pets, but they can also invade your home, propagating in carpets, bedding and furniture, and WILL bite you, causing severe itching and swelling.Flea Control repellants are also sold in liquid form and are usually applied between shoulder blades. Be warned that over use can cause vomiting and neurological problems in dogs. Many Flea Control products are availabe for treatment of flea and tick infestation. All products have advantages and disadvantages and may/ may not be safe to use with other Flea Control products.
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