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Senior Dog
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Senior Dogs
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Older Dog
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Older Dogs
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Articles > Senior Dog Care

Best Dog Medication

How to Choose the Best Dog Medication for Your Old Dog

When your vet prescribes dog medication, you will have a number of choices to make: 

- Will you go with a holistic or commercial approach? 

- Do you prefer liquid, tablet or powder? 

- Spot-on medication or the collar type?

Even though your vet can help you decide, the final decision is up to you, and here we show you how to make that decision:

Medication characteristics you must contemplate
It is obvious that your vet is not going to prescribe something that will harm your old dog, however, some medications pose more problems than others.

When talking about older dog medication with your vet, always ask him if there are long or short-term health concerns related to it, and ask about the side effects your best friend may experience. 

Don’t forget to tell the vet about any type of medication that your older dog is currently taking and about allergies it may suffer from.

Cost is an important aspect of your dog’s health care. If price is an issue, your vet can tell you if there is a less expensive medication alternative that works just as well.

Remember that some medications, like spot-on flea and tick treatments, can damage your health and your family’s too if these are used carelessly, thus, get thorough information about all the options available.

What’s the right medication for you?
Yes, the medication has to work for you, because you are the one giving it to your old dog. 

Ask yourself the following questions, because the easier it is to give the medication, the better the chance your friend will get it on time and for the full period:

- Am I available to give medication every 4 hours or do I need something that lasts longer?

- Am I ok with giving pills, or do I prefer that a vet gives it a shot?

The ideal dog medication is one that has the least, or no, side effects, and no long or short-term health consequences. It is easy to give, safe, effective, and affordable. It is right for your dog’s age, weight, breed, and health condition.

Safety tips
As with any kind of medication, always read and follow the instructions. 

Dog medication is normally created thinking of dogs of a certain age, breed, or weight ranges.

Never give cat medication to a dog, put topical medication in places where your dog can’t lick it, for example, between the shoulder blades, and always keep the medication out of the reach of children.

If you want to go the holistic way because you think going natural is better, be careful. Depending on your dog’s condition it could get worse, thus, always talk to your vet before taking that path.

~ Staff, SeniorDogs.com

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