Even our furry friends are prone to certain illnesses like their “hoomans.” Just like we catch a cold or experience sudden bouts of coughing, even our domesticated feline and canine companions can suffer from similar diseases. Though you might find it cute to see your kitten sneeze for the first time and cannot wait to put up an Instagram story about it, you need to pay attention to whether this cold is persistent. If it is, then the next logical step is to visit the vet right away.

It’s not just illnesses you need to protect your pet from, your beloved pooch or kitty are soft targets for parasites that feed on them, and if left unchecked, they can prove quite fatal. Heartworms, tapeworms, ticks, fleas, intestinal worms, and intestinal protozoans are some of the common parasites that can cause a plethora of health issues for your pets. Which is why there are certain medications that have to be administered on a monthly basis to protect your pooch.

Though you cannot administer medicines to your pet without consulting with the vet, knowing the most commonly prescribed medications by the vet will come in handy in case of emergencies.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics aren’t only meant for humans, these medications are administered to our pets as well. These medications are effective in killing microbes like bacteria or yeast that are known to cause infection. Though antibiotics are effective in treating infections, they cannot kill viruses. However, in certain cases, vets prescribe antibiotics like Metronidazole and Doxycycline to help your pet fight a secondary bacterial infection that is worsening the condition.

Antiparasitics
These medications are administered on a monthly basis to prevent the growth of external and internal parasites. Medications like Trifexis, Interceptor, and Trifecta are prescribed to dogs to protect them from heartworms, fleas, and parasites. These organisms can wreak havoc on your pet’s system and the repercussions can be fatal if left undetected. These medications are quite potent and can kill the parasites in any stage of their life cycle.

Antifungals
Your beloved canine and feline friends are not safe from infections caused by fungus especially when the temperature soars. Humidity and heat often contribute to the sudden overgrowth of yeast in the animal’s ears and skin and can cause irritation and inflammation. In cases of fungal or yeast infections, the vet will prescribe antifungal medications like Ketoconazole.

Steroids
Steroids are lifesavers when it comes to bringing a severe case of allergic reaction under control. Contrary to what most people believe, steroids are not always harmful. In fact, vets use corticosteroids like Prednisone to reduce the symptoms triggered by inflammation, cancer, and Addison’s disease in dogs. Also, steroids are used in high doses to suppress the immune system.

Opioid pain relievers
These medications are often prescribed by the vet to control the acute pain your pet might face after a surgery or if it sustains any injuries. These medications include Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, Fentanyl, Butorphanol, and Meperidine. These opioid medications are controlled medicines due to their addictive potential. These medications should be administered only if the vet prescribes it for helping your pet manage the pain.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
The NSAIDs include Carprofen, Deracoxib, Firocoxib, and Meloxicam, and each of these medications is extremely effective in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. Though NSAIDs are quite potent in treating the condition, you can administer only a particular medication that the vet approves of.

Though these medications are effective in treating several health conditions your pet might face, these medicines are not to be treated as over-the-counter medicines. It is imperative that you consult the vet before administering any of these medicines to your pet.