Veterinary medicine is probably as old as the bond between man and animal. However, the past few years has seen an incredible growth and awareness in this area. Veterinary medicine refers to medical, therapeutic, and diagnostic principles that are applied to all animals - whether they are domestic or wild. Pet medicine is confined to these applications only for domestic animals.

Today, animal care and medicine could apply to advanced medication and techniques like root canals, insulin shots, cataract operations, or even pacemakers. All this is a result of ongoing chemical, pharmacological, and biological research in the veterinary field. Important subject areas in which degrees can be obtained today are animal biochemistry or breeding, veterinary anatomy, animal feeding and nutrition, animal physiology, virology, microbiology, pharmacology, and parisitology. Admissions into veterinary schools are very competitive - sometimes just one in three applicants is accepted, with the prerequisites of intensive hand-on practice.

Like doctors do with humans, veterinarians prescribe the necessary medicines and dosage for pets. The medicines could be supplied from a clinic or a vet might write a prescription for you to pick the medicines up at the local pharmacy. You must keep your pet on the prescribed medicines for the entire duration prescribed. Medicines could be of a preventive or curative nature. Some medicines have to be administered for the pet's entire life. Vitamins, supplements, and special formulas can all be prescribed for your pet's well-being.

Make sure when you get your pet his medicine that you check the labels carefully for the expiration date. Medicines at home, too, should be checked periodically and out-of -ate medicines should be disposed of.

Daily health additives for pets today include flaxseed oil to provide the necessary Omega-3, multivitamins for general health, and Vitamin B6, specifically as a natural histamine and anti-inflammatory treatment. Love, care, and the right medicines at the right time go a long way in keeping your pets in the best spirits.