When your veterinarian recommends a compounded medication for your pet, you might wonder why a regular medicine won’t work. Compounded medications are custom-made by Atara Compounding Pharmacy to meet the specific needs of an individual animal when a commercial medication is not appropriate.

Just like people, every pet is different—and sometimes a standard medication simply isn’t the best option.

Here are some of the most common reasons your veterinarian may prescribe a compounded medication for your pet.

Dose Size

Many veterinary medicines are manufactured in only a limited range of strengths and veterinarians regularly must use medicines that are made for humans.

For especially small pets or even very large ones, the available dose may be way too strong or not strong enough.

For example, the usual dose for a horse for a drug might be equivalent to giving 40 tablets that are made for a human. Very small animals might need a tiny fraction of a capsule of a human medicine that can never be safely or accurately measured.

A compounding pharmacist can prepare a medication in the exact dose your pet requires, helping your veterinarian prescribe a treatment that is both safe and effective.

Dose Form

Anyone who has tried to give a cat a tablet knows how challenging it can be. For those of us not lucky enough to have the kind of pet that scoffs something first and asks questions later, the prospect of medicating your cat, ferret, small dog or budgerigar can be very daunting.

Compounding can provide alternative dosage forms, such as:

• Flavoured oral liquids or pastes
• Flavoured chewable treats
• Small capsules that are easier to swallow or hide
• Transdermal gels applied to the skin

These options can make medication time much easier for both pets and their owners.

Flavour

Sometimes, the medication is available and the right dose in a suitable volume but guess what? Its peppermint flavoured and you need to convince your cat or dog that there is nothing wrong with that. Not going to happen, right!

Imagine the same medication in a tuna or beef flavoured liquid – that’s where compounding can make a huge difference to the stress levels, not to mention the successful treatment of your pet’s medical condition.

Safety

Some commercial medications contain ingredients that may be toxic to certain animals, such as alcohol, preservatives, lactose and xylitol.

A compounded medication can be prepared without these ingredients, creating a formulation that better suits your pet’s needs.

Unavailable

Occasionally, veterinary medications may be discontinued, temporarily unavailable, or difficult to obtain. In these cases, a compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare a customised version based on your veterinarian’s prescription.

Unique Species

Compounding allows pharmacists to tailor medications for animals of all shapes and sizes.

No commercial medication exists for many species including reptiles, rats, zoo animals and many others. Working with the carer or owner and the veterinarian, a custom-made medication may be created by Atara Compounding Pharmacy that suits the diet and specific needs of the animal as well as the abilities of the owner to give that medication.

Working Together for Your Pet’s Health

If your veterinarian has prescribed a compounded medication, your pharmacist can also answer questions about how to give the medication, storage, and what to expect during treatment.

Compounded medications are prepared by specially trained pharmacists using a prescription from your veterinarian to ensure the formulation, strength, and dosage form are appropriate for your pet.

The goal is simple: to make treatment safer, easier, and more effective for your animal companion.

With the right formulation, medication time can become less stressful for you and your pet.