Medication FAQ’s

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.
We have provided some answers to our most common questions.

Antibiotics

Amoxicillin / Clavamox (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate)

Commonly used for:

  • Skin infections
  • Wounds
  • Dental infections
  • UTIs

Common Client Questions

What is this medication for?

This is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as skin infections, wounds, or urinary infections.

Should it be given with food?

Yes. Giving it with food helps prevent stomach upset.

What if I miss a dose?

Give the dose when you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled dose.

What side effects might I see?

Mild vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite can occasionally occur.

Should I finish the whole bottle?

Yes. Even if your pet seems better, finishing the full course helps prevent the infection from returning.

Pain / Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Carprofen (Rimadyl)

Used for:

  • Arthritis pain
  • Surgical pain

Common Client Questions

What does this medication do?

Carprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication used to reduce pain and inflammation.

Should it be given with food?

Yes, this helps prevent stomach upset.

What side effects should I watch for?

Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy.

Can my pet take this with other pain medications?

Do not combine with other anti-inflammatory medications unless your veterinarian directs you to.

Doxycycline

Used for:

  • Tick-borne diseases (Lyme, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia)
  • Respiratory infections
  • Certain skin infections

Common Client Questions

What is doxycycline treating?

It treats infections caused by certain bacteria, including many tick-borne diseases.

Should it be given with food?

Yes. Give with food and a small amount of water.

Why does my cat need water after the pill?

This prevents the pill from sitting in the esophagus and causing irritation.

What side effects might occur?

Vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea.

Gabapentin

Used for:

  • Pain control
  • Nerve pain
  • Anxiety / sedation

Common Client Questions

What is gabapentin used for?

It helps manage pain and can also help calm pets during stressful situations.

Will it make my pet sleepy?

Yes, mild sedation is common.

Is this medication safe?

Yes, it is widely used and generally very safe.

Can it be given long term?

Yes, many pets use it safely for chronic pain.

Steroids

Prednisone / Prednisolone

Used for:

  • Allergies
  • Immune diseases
  • Severe inflammation

Common Client Questions

What does this medication do?

It reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.

Why is my pet drinking more water?

Steroids often increase thirst and urination.

Should I stop this medication suddenly?

No. Steroids often need to be tapered.

Are there long-term side effects?

Long-term use may cause increased appetite, weight gain, and immune suppression.

Anxiety / Sedation Medications

Trazodone

Used for:

  • Anxiety
  • Post-surgical rest
  • Vet visit calming

Common Client Questions

What does trazodone do?

It helps reduce anxiety and keeps pets calm.

Will my pet be very sedated?

Most pets become relaxed or sleepy.

How long does it take to work?

Usually within 1–2 hours.

Can it be given daily?

Yes, if directed by your veterinarian.

Allergy Medications

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Used for:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Insect bites
  • Itching

Common Client Questions

What does Benadryl treat?

It helps reduce allergic reactions and itching.

Will it make my pet sleepy?

Yes, sedation is common.

Can I use human Benadryl?

Yes, but only under veterinary guidance for proper dosing.

Gastrointestinal Medications

Metronidazole

Used for:

  • Diarrhea
  • GI infections
  • Giardia

Common Client Questions

What does metronidazole treat?

It treats certain intestinal infections and inflammation.

What side effects might occur?

Loss of appetite, nausea, or drooling.

Does the medication taste bad?

Yes, it can be bitter.

Omeprazole / Famotidine (Pepcid)

Used for:

  • Stomach acid
  • Gastritis
  • Reflux

Common Client Questions

What does this medication do?

It reduces stomach acid and helps protect the stomach lining.

Should it be given with food?

Best given on an empty stomach when possible.

Urinary Medications

Prazosin

Used for:

  • Urinary obstruction
  • Urethral spasms

Common Client Questions

What does prazosin do?

It relaxes the muscles of the urethra to help pets urinate more easily.

What side effects should I watch for?

Weakness or mild lethargy.

Anti-Nausea Medication

Cerenia (Maropitant)

Used for:

  • Vomiting
  • Motion sickness

Common Client Questions

What does Cerenia treat?

It prevents vomiting and nausea.

How quickly does it work?

Usually within a few hours.

Is it safe?

Yes, it is one of the safest anti-nausea medications in veterinary medicine.
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Contact Us

Phone: 609-212-0200
Email: info@caringheartnj.com

Location

1325 Route 206, Suite 20
Skillman, NJ 08558

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Hours

Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sun: Closed