The pet medication industry was expected to pass $12 billion in sales by 2022 and continues to grow each year.

The presence of prescription medication for pets will always be needed but at what point does it become unnecessary and excessive? There are certain illnesses and diseases that will always require the strength of prescription medicine but the over reliance on certain medications can be harmful in the long run for our pets. The journey to find safer, alternative options should not be hard for pet parents to find with a little research.

To help break the cycle of dependence on prescriptions, here is a short list of just some of the most commonly prescribed medications that your pet may be stuck with:

1. Prednisone: a corticosteroid, which manages inflammation in diseases linked with a weakened immune system. This synthetic steroid, has anti-inflammatory properties. You can administer this medication orally, topically or via an injection.

What is it used for?

Prednisone is usually prescribed by vets as an anti-inflammatory to help alleviate a wide variety of symptoms including allergies and itching.

What are the side effects?

Vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, restlessness, panting. Long term side effects can cause:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Lipidemia
• Pancreatitis
• Elevated liver enzymes 
• Obesity
• Muscle weakness
• Hair Loss 
• Behavioral changes

Is there a better alternative?

Most of the time, prednisone will only be needed for a short amount of time to alleviate symptoms. But it would be best to find the cause of why the itching and allergies began. Tests for allergic reactions and diet changes can help find the source and cause of symptoms instead of continually relying on prednisone to suppress and hide the symptoms.

2. Famotidine or Omeprezole (Pepcid for pets): an anti-ulcer drug of the histamine receptor-2 (H-2) antagonist class. Stimulation of H-2 receptors (targets) located on the cell membranes of stomach cells leads to secretion of gastric acid. It is NOT FDA approved for pets but vets still prescribe it.

What is it used for?

Famotidine is used to treat excessive stomach acid production, esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What are the side effects?

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty walking
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Vomiting
• Kidney and liver damage

Is there a better alternative?

Over time, the effectiveness of Famotidine can wear off if it is continually used and should not be used in pets with kidney and liver issues. Some safer alternatives would be adding a small amount of crushed ginger to their diet to help aide in digestion and relieve stomach ailments. The Supaw Kimchi was specifically made to help pets with GERD and other stomach issues. The ginger helps as an anti-inflammatory and soothes the digestive tract to reduce discomfort and nausea.

3. Prescription strength flea and tick medication: such as Bravecto, Nexgard, etc. They are usually are prescribed in drop form or chewable tablets.

What is it used for?

Prevention of fleas and ticks. After medication is given as a chew or applied topically, the product reaches the fluid layer under your dog’s skin. When fleas and ticks feed on your dog’s blood, the medication gets into their system and causes them to die.

What are the side effects?

• Vomiting
• Alopecia
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Moist dermatitis/rash
• Polydipsia
• Flatulence
• Seizures

Is there a better alternative?

There are natural flea and tick preventative options for pets, such as using flea products with essential oils like tea tree, lemongrass, etc. Another natural ingredient that may help prevent fleas/ticks include Diatomaceous Earth (food grade). Diatomaceous Earth is a powdered substance made from a soft sedimentary rock that occurs naturally in the environment. This rock is formed over time by the fossilized remains of one-celled organisms called diatoms that naturally contain silica. Dead diatoms decay and fossilize over time, forming sedimentary rock deposits in bodies of water. These deposits can be mined and easily made into a fine powder. You can sprinkle this powder on carpet, bedding, furniture, and your pet's fur to help kill any fleas/ticks around your home. Make sure to only use the "food-grade" option.

Hopefully the reliance and dependence on certain medications can be reduced and replaced with safer, natural alternatives. There are options, we just have to make sure to stay informed and question what we are really giving our pets.

Like we mentioned before, there is always a need for prescription medicine especially during times of emergency or if there are no other options available. Please remember to always go over prescriptions with your vet, mention any concerns and monitor closely for side effects.

References:

"Pet Medications in the United States, 2014-2019 & 2022 (6th Edition)" https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/08/28/1907548/0/en/Pet-Medications-in-the-United-States-2014-2019-2022-6th-Edition-Pet-Medication-Sales-to-Surpass-12-Billion-by-2022.html

"Animal Drug Safety Communication: FDA Alerts Pet Owners and Veterinarians About Potential for Neurologic Adverse Events Associated with Certain Flea and Tick Products" https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20201222192100/https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/animal-drug-safety-communication-fda-alerts-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-neurologic

"Repeated Famotidine Administration Results in a Diminished Effect on Intragastric pH in Dogs" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5259645/

"Psycho-Behavioural Changes in Dogs Treated with Corticosteroids: A Clinical Behaviour Perspective" https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/5/592