Today, there are thousands of medications approved to treat human sickness. However, not nearly as many medications exist to treat diseases and conditions in animals. This means human drugs are often used to treat animals if there is not a species-specific alternative. This is where compounding shows great benefit. Compounding is the method used to prepare a tailor-made drug for a specific animal. A few instances when compounding medications may be indicated include:

 
• Times when a specific flavor is desired
• Times when the needed dosage is unavailable
• Times when the needed strength is unavailable
• Times when a combination of medication is needed in a single dosage form

Compounding is an art form and pharmacists are trained to make medications from raw ingredients. Not everyone can compound a drug, as it requires special talent and specific training. For hundreds of years, all drugs were compounded because there was no way to make large quantities of the same medication. Half a century ago, sixty percent of all medications were compounded. Today, only approximately one percent of all drugs prescribed are compounded and the majority of formulations vary, depending on the desired final preparation. The Pharmacist, with a prescription from your veterinarian, will take the raw ingredients necessary and individualize each medication solely for your pet.