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Medications & Supplements

  • Ginkgo is given by mouth and is used on and off label and over the counter to treat cognitive dysfunction, vascular problems, retinal disease, or breathing problems. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or skin allergic reactions. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have a bleeding disorder, or are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ginseng is given by mouth and is used off label and over the counter to treat a variety of conditions including low energy, heart problems, Addison’s disease, cognitive function, and low immune system. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include diarrhea, restlessness, or increased blood pressure. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are pregnant or are nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Medicating or giving oral liquids to small mammals requires some basic guidance. Syringe-feeding rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small rodents may require you to wrap your pet in a "burrito". Knowing the proper location in the mouth to introduce the syringe will be essential to success. Having the right size syringes and the right amount of liquid for your pet is very important.

  • Giving pills to cats can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian! The easiest way to give your cat a pill is to hide the pill in food. Some cats will always find the pill and spit it out, so you may need to administer it directly into your cat's mouth. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to do this, along with some other options if it is still too difficult.

  • Giving pills to dogs can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian! The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to hide the pill in food. Some dogs will always find the pill and spit it out, so you may need to administer it directly into your dog's mouth. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to doing this at home.

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Glargine (Lantus) insulin is commonly used in cats for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and is readily available from most pharmacies with a script, being a human product however, is not licensed for use in cats. 
Glargine must not be diluted or mixed with anything because the prolonged action is dependent on its pH. 
Insulin glargine should be kept refrigerated to prolong its life. 
Insulin glargine has a shelf-life of 4 weeks once opened and kept at room temperature. Opened vials stored in the refrigerator can be used for up to 6 months.

  • Glipizide is given by mouth and is used off label to treat high blood sugar in cats with mild type 2 diabetes. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include temporary vomiting and a lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other sulfonamides, or in pets with trauma, infection, diabetic coma, low blood sugar, or diabetic ketoacidosis. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.

  • Glucosamine/chondroitin combination is a nutrient supplement that is given by mouth and is used to treat osteoarthritis and feline lower urinary tract disease. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include gastrointestinal upset. Do no use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Glutamine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat gastrointestinal and pancreatic inflammation. It can be prescription or over the counter. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and are not well documented in pets. Use cautiously in pets that are pregnant or nursing or have severe liver disease, severe behavior disorders, or seizures. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Grapiprant is given by mouth in the form of a chewable tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.