Learning that the furriest member of your family is suffering from any type of health issue is certainly heartbreaking; but, fortunately, there are way that you can offer him the comfort that he needs to overcome whatever is ailing him. There are a number of medications for dogs that are designed to relieve the symptoms that are associated with various type of issues.
In this review, we’ve put together a list of medicine for dogs that can be used to treat some of the most common canine conditions. Each dog medicine has been approved for use by veterinarians, is highly recommended by pet parent and offers proven results.
Best Dog Medications
1. Bayer Advantage II Tropical Flea Treatment for Dogs
Fleas; they’re the arch nemesis of canines. Even if you bathe and comb your pet out on a regular basis, there’s always a chance that he can become infested with these pests. All it takes is a single flea to jump on your dog’s fur and he can become completely covered in this blood sucking insects in no time, leaving your pooch suffering from intense itching.
If you’ve discovered that your pooch has fleas, then you’re going to want to act quickly and apply a high quality flea treatment for dogs right away. While there are certainly a lot of products on the market that are designed to kill fleas, not all of them are the same; in fact, many of these products offer little to no results, or they can cause serious adverse reactions, like dangerous skin irritations. That’s not the case with Bayer Advantage II Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs.
This product is highly recommended by vets and groomers, as it offers fast, safe, and effective results. It kills fleas on contact, and kills these pests in all life stages, including eggs, larvae, and adults, thereby truly combating the pests and preventing re-infestation. It also prevents, controls, and kills infestations of lice, so you can battle two pests with one medication.
To use this product, simply apply it to your dog’s back in the area between his shoulder blades. Within 12 hours, it will start working; and, it will continue to work for up to 30 days! The formula is odorless and waterproof, so if your pooch loves to swim or needs a bath, you don’t have to worry about reapplying.
Do be advised, however, that this product is only recommended for dogs that are 7 weeks of age or older and that weigh 55 pounds or more, so it’s suitable for medium and large breed dogs, such as Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other breeds of similar sizes. Based on the reviews that we read, most of the customers who have used this product said that it either prevented infestations or eradicated infestations on pets that weren’t already treated.
What We Like About It
- Easy to apply topical flea treatment
- Works fast and lasts long; works within 12 hours and lasts for up to 4 weeks
- Waterproof
- Kills fleas and lice
- Works on contact
- Odorless
Reasons to Complain
- It doesn’t prevent or kill ticks
- Some users said that it leave a greasy feeling on the fur
Final Verdict: If you are looking to prevent fleas or you are trying to treat an infestation of these pests, Bayer Advantage II Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs is a go-to solution. This dog medication not only kills fleas on-contact, but it also prevents infestations for up to 4 weeks.
2. Purina Fortiflora Canine Nutritional Supplement Box
If your pooch suffers from gastrointestinal issues, such as gas or diarrhea, offering him a specially formulated probiotics for dogs can do wonders. Purina Fortiflora Canine Nutritional Supplement Box is specifically designed to support the GI tract of canine by promoting the balance of healthy gut flora.
It’s the top probiotic brand recommended by veterinarians; and, according to most of the customers who have used this product, it has offered very positive results, easing tummy woes in dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, including Beagles, West Highland White Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels.
This probiotic is fortified with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and other essential nutrient that are vital to maintain canine health. Since it’s powdered, administering it is super easy; just sprinkle it on top of your dog’s food and mix it in. It has a mild taste, so your furry friend shouldn’t have any issues taking it down. You can purchase 30, 90, or 180 pouches of this probiotic, and each pouch contain 30 gram of powder.
What We Like About It
- #1 vet recommended probiotic
- Easy to use and easy to digest
- Maintains the proper balance of healthy gut flora
- Strengthens the immune system
- Made in the USA
Reasons to Complain
- A few customers said that they didn’t not any results
Final Verdict: If your pup is suffering from stomach woes, or you just want to prevent tummy troubles, offering him Purina Fortiflora Canine Nutritional Supplement can certainly do wonders for his gastrointestinal tract.
3. Nutromax Cosequin DS Plus with MSM Chewable Tablets
Many dog breeds are prone to joint health issues, such as arthritis and hip and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can cause a significant amount of pain and can drastically reduce mobility. If you have a pooch that is genetically predisposed to joint issues, or if your furry friend is starting to show the signs of joint pain, offering him a high quality dog joint supplement can do wonders. Nutromax Cosequin DS Plus with MSM Chewable Tablets is one of the best joint supplements for dogs, and it’s highly recommended by veterinarians.
This supplement is made with a blend of premium quality ingredients that are proven to strengthen the joints, ease inflammation, and reduce pain. These ingredient can even help to regenerate and remodel damaged cartilage! Active ingredients include chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmenthane (MSM); all of which have been scientifically proven to offer positive benefits for canine joints.
With each table, your pooch will receive 600mg of glucosamine, which is derived from shellfish; 300mg of chondroitn, which is sourced from pork, and 250mg of MSM. When combined, these ingredients will provide your pup with the protection that his joints need to not only repair joint damage, but to stave off damage, too. Based on the reviews that we read, most of the pet parents who have given their canine companions this supplement have either noticed a marked improvement in pain and mobility, or have said that this supplement has helped to prevent the development of joint health issue.
What We Like About It
- Made with premium quality ingredient that are proven to repair cartilage and strengthen joint
- Reduces pain and improve mobility
- All ingredient are safe
- Can be used with dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and activity levels
- Chewable tablets area easy to administer
Reasons to Complain
- Some customers said that their dogs weren’t fond of the taste; however, you can wrap it in a dog treat if your pup won’t take it solo to disguise the flavor
Final Verdict: If your pup is genetically predisposed to joint issues or if he is already showing the signs of hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, or other joint issues, offering him Nutromax Cosequin DS Plus with MSM Chewable Tablet can help to prevent joint damage and restore any damage that has already occurred.
4. Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs
It goes without saying that you want your four-legged friend to live a healthy and happy life with as few health complications as possible. While feeding him a well-balanced diet, nutrient-dense diet from one of the leading dog food brands, making sure that he gets plenty of exercise, and having routine vet checkups are all vital parts of maintaining your pet’s health, there’s another way that you can ensure that his health is maintained.
How? By offering him fish oil for dogs. Scientific evidence has found that fish oil offers a number of benefits for canines; it supports cognitive development, strengthens vision, nourishes the skin and coat, can help to improve the health of his heart, kidneys, and joint.
There are a number of fish oils on the market that are made for canines, but hands down, one of the best options is Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs. This fish oil is derived of wild Alaskan salmon, which is rich in vital nutrient, including omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which contains EPA and DHA.
These nutrients have an anti-inflammatory effect that can stave off heart, kidney, and joint issues. It also nourishes the skin, reducing irritations, as well as the coat, making it thicker, fuller, and more lustrous. It will also help to strengthen your pet’s immune system so that he is better equipped to fight off infections.
What We Like About It
- Procured from real Alaskan salmon
- Safe for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds
- Proven to reduce inflammation and improve heart, kidney, and joint health
- Strengthens the immune system
- Easy to administer; mix it in with a high quality wet dog food and your pup will eat it right down
Reasons to Complain
- Some pet parents said that it had a very pungent smell; but since it is fish oil, an odor is to be expected
Final Verdict: To ensure your canine companion is as healthy as possible, make Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs a regular part of his diet.
5. Full Spectrum Hemp Oil All Natural Oil for Pets
The last product on our list of the best meds for dogs is a hemp oil that comes from Full Spectrum. Research has shown that CBD oil for dogs can offer a number of benefit for canines; it can ease joint pain caused by arthritis and hip dysplasia, reduce anxiety and depression, minimize aggression, improve appetite, and soothe tummy troubles, for example. If your furry friend is suffering from any of these conditions, you might want to consider offering him CBD oil; and Full Spectrum All Natural Hemp Oil for Pets is one of the best quality oil you can get!
This oil contains naturally occurring omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, terepens, and phytochemicals; all micronutrients that have been scientifically proven to minimize inflammation, reduce pain, and even ease the symptoms of canine anxiety. Since it’s all natural, it doesn’t cause any adverse side effects, unlike other CBD oils on the market that contain synthetic ingredient.
This oil that is used in this product is sourced from one of the leading Industrial Hemp Farms in the United State, which operate within full complaints with the State Department of Agriculture regulations and is one of the largest distributor of medical cannabis in the country. Based on the reviews that we read, most of the customers that have used this product said that it has offered a number of positive benefit.
What We Like About It
- Completely natural
- Made in the USA
- Sourced from a leading US Industrial Hemp Farm
- Effective for easing a variety of canine ailments
- Causes no known side effects
- Backed by a satisfaction guarantee
Reasons to Complain
- Some pet parents said that they had a hard time reading the instructions
Final Verdict: If your pooch is suffering from skin issues, joint problems, reduced mobility, anxiety, a poor appetite, or any other number of health issues, Full Spectrum All Natural Hemp Oil for Pets may just be what you are looking for to improve his health and restore his well being.
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The Best Canine Medications: A Buyer’s Guide
As a pet parent, your job is to make sure that your four-legged family member is getting the best care possible so that he can live a long, happy, and healthy life; and sometimes, that might mean that you have to administer certain medicines for dogs. Just like humans, canines can suffer from a number of health issues. They can also become infested with pests, like fleas. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your dog suffer. Fortunately, there is a way that you can help combat the ailments that plague him. Offering him a premium quality medication for dogs that has been proven to treat whatever is ailing your canine companion can help to offset his discomfort and restore his vitality and happiness.
Common Canine Health Issues
There are several health complications that can affect canines. While some breeds are more genetically predisposed to some of these issues, any breed can develop health problems. Some of the most common health issues that affect canine include:
- Hip dysplasia. A skeletal condition that is extremely common in dogs, especially large and giant breeds; however, even small and toy breeds can develop this problem. It occurs when the hip joint fails to properly develop, so instead of the joint smoothly gliding through the hip socket, it grinds and rubs, causing serious pain that can significantly reduce mobility.
- Elbow dysplasia. This condition is similar to hip dysplasia; however, as the name suggests, it affects the elbows instead of the hips. It can also cause significant pain and greatly reduce a canine’s mobility.
- Skin issue. Any breed can suffer from skin issues, but some breeds are more prone to them than others, such as Labs. These issues can be sparked by food or environmental allergies and can lead to painful inflammation, excessive itching, tenderness, flaking, scaling, and hair loss.
- Unfortunately, canines are also prone to many pests and parasite. Fleas, for example, love to take up residence on dogs and make meals out of their blood. These pests leave behind itchy welts that can become extremely uncomfortable and can even lead to serious infections.
- Humans aren’t the only ones who can suffer from anxiety; dogs can, too. If your pooch suffers from anxiety, he may get extremely nervous when he is left alone, withdrawn, or even aggressive.
- Gastrointestinal issues. Dogs can also develop problems with their GI tract. This often happen with the balance of healthy gut flora is thrown off, and it can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, and reduced appetite, which can lead to severe weight loss.
These are just some of the health complications that can affect canines. It’s extremely important to keep tabs on your furry friend. If you notice any changes in his disposition, if he’s eating less than usual, itching a lot, aggressive, withdrawn, or is whimpering when he moves, you need to have him checked out by a veterinarian.
Types of Medications for Dogs
Before administering any medication to your dog, it’s extremely important that you take him to the vet to have a thorough assessment completed. The goal of medication is to improve the health and well being of your pet; not harm him. If you give him a medication that he doesn’t need, there is a chance that he could experience an adverse reaction. Plus, it’s a wise idea to ask your vet for recommendations regarding medications.
Some of the most effective non-prescription based canine medications include:
- Flea and tick treatments
- Joint supplements
- CBD oils
- Prebiotics
- Fish oil
Make sure that you check with your vet and read labels, too, before giving your dog a medication. It’s always important to ensure that you are offering him the right dose.
Dog Medication Review Conclusion
If the furriest member of your family is suffering from health issues, a high quality medication for dogs that has been proven to effectively treat the symptoms that he is displaying can provide relief. Each of the medications listed in this review is extremely high quality, vet recommended, and proven to offer positive results.
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