Common Preventive Pet Medications for Aging Dogs and Cats

All pet owners experience the joy and companionship of their dogs and cats, from the moment they are born or brought home to the moment they take their last breath. When pets are young, owners focus on feeding and training them properly. But in the later years of life, pets can develop certain medical conditions that cause pain, lethargy, or discomfort. And no pet lover wants to see their dog or cat suffer.

In the past, there wasn’t much veterinarians could do about diseases in aging animals. Today, there are many medications available that not only treat the conditions themselves, but also improve the quality of life for cats and dogs.

Here are some common preventative pet medications for older dogs and cats.

dogs

Problem: arthritis

Medication: Deramaxx chewable tablets

Canine arthritis can substantially decrease your pet’s level of physical activity. But Deramaxx can lessen or eliminate arthritic pain in dogs by reducing the inflammation associated with this condition. This drug is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent.

Problem: potassium deficiency

Medication: Rena Kare

Sometimes, older dogs can suffer from a lack of potassium, an essential element for the optimal functioning of your pet’s nerves, muscles and enzymes. This shortage of potassium often results in chronic diarrhea. RenaKare, which comes in gel, powder or tablet form, can supplement your dog’s potassium intake.

Problem: Constipation

Medication: hepatiquine powder

Hepatiquin is a disaccharide sugar molecule that works to increase the amount of fluid present in your dog’s colon. This, in turn, will soften your pet’s stool and help relieve constipation. The powder can be administered orally or mixed with your dog’s food.

Problem: congestive heart failure

Medication: Vetmedin chewable tablets

As dogs age, their organs sometimes begin to deteriorate and function inefficiently. When this happens to your pet’s heart, it can lead to congestive heart failure. Vetmedin is designed to strengthen canine heart muscle contractions and dilate blood vessels.

Problem: seizures

Medication: Levetiracetam Tablets

Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common type of canine seizure, can be caused by other health conditions such as brain tumors, kidney failure, or liver disease. Although it works to control these seizures, levetiracetam can also be given in conjunction with other medications designed to treat the underlying condition.

Problem: Cushing’s disease

Medication: Lysodren tablets

Cushing’s disease is caused by the overproduction of hormones in your dog’s adrenal cortex. This condition is often the result of a tumor in your pet’s pituitary or adrenal gland or overuse of steroid medications for other purposes. Lysodren works to reduce the creation of these cortisone-like hormones.

cats

Problem: diabetes

Medication: Humulin N Insulin

If your vet recommends insulin injections for your diabetic cat, then this product will meet your needs. You will also need syringes to administer each dose under your pet’s skin. Humulin N will help keep your cat’s blood sugar levels up if he cannot produce enough insulin on his own.

Problem: Hyperthyroidism

Medication: methimazole tablets

An overactive thyroid gland can lead to weight loss, appetite problems, and heart problems. Methimazole works to reduce the amount of hormones produced by your cat’s thyroid gland. This medication can often control hyperthyroidism so that your cat does not have to undergo surgery or undergo radioactive iodine treatments.

Problem: Asthma

Medication: Theophylline Extended-Release Tablets

This medication acts as a bronchodilator to help open up the airways in the lungs of cats suffering from asthma. It can also help clear mucus in the airways and strengthen contractions of the diaphragm. Theophylline should be given to your cat on an empty stomach.

Problem: Heart disease

Medication: Atenolol

Atenolol fights feline heart disease by lowering your pet’s blood pressure. More specifically, the drug acts as a beta blocker to help slow down the heart and improve its efficiency. In addition to tablet form, Atenolol is available in gel form for added convenience for cat owners.

Problem: chronic pain

Drug: Gabapentin

Senior cats can experience chronic pain for many different reasons, including arthritis, seizures, or post-surgical recovery. But when used as directed, gabapentin can help improve your pet’s daily quality of life. The medication comes in capsule or tablet form.

Problem: chronic constipation

Medication: Kristalose

Unfortunately, cats are susceptible to various types of gastrointestinal upset. If your pet has recurring problems with constipation, Kristalose can increase the amount of bowel movements he is able to pass. The medication comes in powder form and must be mixed with water.

As with humans, the later years of life can bring affliction and illness for your dog or cat. Sometimes pet owners are forced to decide whether or not to take extraordinary measures to save their furry family members. But often these conditions can be controlled simply by regularly administering a certain type of pet medication. With these medications, dogs and cats can often live longer, happier lives.