Why should you consider compounding as a solution for your pet’s medical problems? That can be answered with another question: How hard is it to get your cat to swallow a pill?
As any pet owner is well aware, animals may be extremely difficult to treat with medications. Cats are notorious for refusing to swallow a pill, and will usually eat right around one disguised in food. Dosages can be very tricky with dogs. For instance, a medication that works for an eighty pound Golden Retriever is far too much for a six pound Yorkie to handle.

The pet who refuses to take medication because of the taste is often a prime subject for compounding. Cats don’t like pills, but they do like tuna. Dogs don’t appreciate a traditional solution of medication being squirted into their mouth, but they’ll gladly take it when it’s part of a tasty biscuit or treat.

Just like their owners, animals are individual and unique. That’s why you love them. They come in different shapes and sizes, as a result, not all commercially available medicines are appropriate for your pet. Commercial medicine often comes in large tablets or capsules of 100 mg or more. But a small kitten may only need a dose of 15 mg. That is where compounding is especially helpful. In this situation, your veterinarian can prescribe a tuna-flavored suspension with an amount that is exactly right for your pet’s size and condition.

From time to time, a manufacturer will discontinue a medication used in veterinary applications. When that medication has worked well for animals, a compounding pharmacist can prepare a prescription for the discontinued product at a dosage strength and dose form appropriate for that pet’s specific needs.