Pet Medicine: Over-the-counter or Prescription?
Pet medications can either be prescribed or easily gotten over the counter. If the medicine for your pet is available over-the-counter, it means you or anyone else can buy such medicine without a prescription from the animal doctor. On the other hand, prescription pet drugs are those that you can only purchase along with the order and prescription issued by a licensed animal doctor or veterinarian.
If you request for a prescription, veterinarians are bound by law to provide you with one; the issuance should be documented on your pet’s record. However, a fee may be charged by the doctor for issuing you the prescription.
Likewise, the pet owner is not required to buy the pet medicine from the doctor himself, but just request for the prescription of the pet medicine. You, together with the prescription, may purchase the medications from the supplier that you choose.
Over-the-counter pet medications are mostly available on veterinary pharmacies but some are also available from licensed animal doctors. This is somewhat a policy of the company manufacturing the medicine. It is legal for the doctor to resell non-prescription pet drugs to other drug stores as he wishes.
Whether prescribed or over-the-counter, pet medications must be obtained and used for our beloved animals with caution. Always take into consideration any possible reaction your pet might have in taking such medication. Therefore, it is imperative that in everything concerning the health of your pet, you must consult a licensed veterinarian. You definitely need professional help and advice when dealing with your pet’s health care.