LOS ANGELES – The creator of a dynamic, multi-media platform dedicated to helping patients understand the connections between pharmaceutical science and overall wellness, Dr. Mona Vand (www.DrMonaVand.com) – The Modern Pharmacist’s mission to impart potentially life-saving information now extends to important tips on taking care of the pets we love when they become ill.

On her latest in a series of “Mona Minutes” videos (www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eQsMpxJxu4), Dr. Vand explains the value of compounding pharmacies in creating the right doses of approved medication for dogs and cats. “For most people,” she says, “pets are like family, so when it comes to giving them medication, or any medical treatment, you want to treat them like family.

“Some things that are safe for us really aren’t safe for them. For example, if you were to give dogs an antihistamine like Benadryl, it would be okay. But if you were to give them a cough and cold medication, this could really injure them. Compounding pharmacies play a huge role when it comes to medicating your animals because not only can they create the right dosage but they can also flavor it.”

Acknowledging the difficulties dogs and cats have in swallowing pills, Dr. Vand suggests flavoring the medication with bacon or chicken (for dogs) and fish (for cats). “It’s really limitless,” she continues, “and that’s the good thing about compounding. As much as it’s individualized for patients, it’s just as individualized for dogs. In fact, most vets only give them medication that’s been compounded.”

She stresses that compounded medications are simply modified versions of FDA-approved medications and can be customized to the needs of your pet.

Listed below are helpful tips from Dr. Vand regarding pet medications:

• · To save money on your pet’s medication, ask your vet to write you a prescription instead of buying the medication at the office. Compounding pharmacies may offer more reasonable pricing.
• · Two medications you should never give your pet: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• · Two medications that are generally safe to give your pet: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
• · Compounding pharmacies can add specific flavors to your pet’s medication and make it enjoyable for them to take
• · If your pet has trouble swallowing a pill, many times it can be compounded into a convenient liquid suspension

Dr. Mona Vand, The Modern Pharmacist, is putting a fresh face on the traditional world of pharmacy. Her Modern Pharmacist Movement combines her years of experience in pharmacy with her passion and expertise in nutrition, beauty, fitness and overall wellness.

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