When owners of animals take their pets to the veterinary clinic, they expect to get the pet medications that they need immediately. Therefore, it's vital that you plan for the wide array of ailments that you will need to treat.
There are three main types of pet drugs that you will need for each type of animal you treat in your clinic. In addition to the medications listed below, you will also need veterinary drugs used in surgery and emergency treatments.
1. Have vaccines available for all types of animals that you treat. Dogs, cats, horses and cows all need vaccines to prevent various ailments that could easily turn fatal. For example, horses need a vaccine to protect them from encephalitis and dogs and cats both need a vaccine for distemper.
2. Carry preventative medications for animals who need it. For example, cats and dogs need flea and tick repellents, while dogs are the only animals that need a monthly dog medication to prevent heartworm. In addition, stock pet medicines to prevent intestinal parasites.
3. Stock medicines to treat infectious illnesses, including those caused by bacteria and parasites. You will also need medications to treat chronic illnesses and behavioral issues. Remember to stock a dog treatment for heartworm infection. Today, dog owners can choose between oral heartworm preventative that lasts one month, or an injected preventative called ProHeart 6 that lasts 6 months.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Shop for pet medications for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions
You may be able to get all of the pet medications you need from a single source. However, if you treat a wide range of animals, including birds or reptiles, you may need additional sources from which you can buy these medications.
I recommend: Place an order with
Thomas Veterinary Drug for veterinary pharmaceuticals for many different conditions found in cats and dogs. In addition, browse the list of veterinary medical supplies that
Henry Schein, Inc carries.
Buy vet drugs and supplies for every animal health need
Some veterinary supply companies have a very inclusive inventory. You can do one stop shopping and purchase all of the pet medications and equipment you need for your clinic.
I recommend: Buy an updated veterinary drug handbook like the
Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook so that you can stay up to date on all pet medications. Browse the complete
TW Medical Veterinary Supply catalog online to see all they have available before you place your order.
Ensure that the pet medicines given to patients are safe
Unfortunately, medicines and other animal products sometimes are deemed unsafe and then recalled. For the safety and health of your patients, keep up-to-date on these changes.
I recommend: Visit
The Center for Veterinary Medicine website to check for recalls of veterinary pharmaceuticals and other products relating to the care and feeding of animals. You can also report adverse reactions to pet foods and medications to the CVM. Check the
ASPCA Pet Food Recall Resource Center for a current list of foods and treats for dogs and cats.
Continue veterinary education and boost knowledge of veterinary pharmaceuticals
To provide your patients with the very best care, take continuing education classes. These classes will keep you up to date on the latest veterinary news, procedures and veterinary drugs.
I recommend: Take classes with
VetMedTeam online at your convenience. View their website for currently available classes. Some of these classes require a fee, while others are free. Look at the continuing education programs available through
Colorado State University. You can take these classes online as well.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Remember to carry plenty of veterinary medications used for emergencies and severe infections in stock at all times.
- Provide informational pamphlets about common medicines in your waiting area.
- Instead of writing a prescription for medications that customers can purchase elsewhere, stock and sell them yourself to boost your profit margin.
The official source of Veterinary Drugs is the Veterinary Drugs page at Business.com
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