As your dog ages, you may notice he’s not as quick to follow you up the stairs or jump to greet you when you walk in the door. You might ask your vet to check for arthritis which is the most common cause of pain in dogs. NSAIDs are becoming the drugs of choice for this ailment. Demerexx is a widely prescribed NSAID and millions of dogs tolerate it well. As with all medications, any of the top dog medications have possible side effects. For NSAIDs, possible side effects may include renal problems and loss of balance. Do research on possible side effects and watch closely for the symptoms. For those who want to go a more natural route for reducing arthritis pain, Glucosamine Chondroitin can be bought over the counter in the vitamin section and has proven effective for treating arthritis.
Of course, all pet owners know (or should know) they need to have their dogs on Heartworm prevention. One popular preventative medication is Interceptor which also gives your dog the added value of flea prevention. You can fight two problems with only one top oral medication for your dog. Having moved from the Midwest to the Southeast, putting our dog on year-round flea prevention became a necessity. One monthly dose for Heartworm and flea prevention can work two ways: less to remember for you and less pills to swallow for Fido. Of course, some people feel it’s best to treat one problem or potential problem with one medication for each specific issue. For Heartworm alone, Heartguard is prescribed by many, many veterinarians. It’s a longtime favorite. Be sure to read the instructions for administering it, as Heartguard needs be chewed by your dog, not just swallowed.
Lastly, the list of top dog medications would not be complete without addressing flea prevention alone. Just the thought of the tiny flea sends shivers up most pet owners spines. Those who’ve ever had a flea infestation will do everything they can not to go through it again. Frontline Plus seems to be the most popular dog medication for flea prevention. Though it’s a great product, it may need to be alternated with another product every other year as some dogs build a tolerance to it, especially in areas where flea prevention is needed year-round. If your dog does get some fleas, Comfortis is a pill known to kill adult fleas very quickly and effectively. Comfortis, like Heartguard, is a once monthly pill.
Though these 5 medications are prescribed extensively, there is a medication available to treat most ailments or diseases your dog can develop. Keep Fido, Spot and Rover in the best health possible by working with your veterinarian to find what’s right for your dog and his needs.