Educational Articles
-
Fenbendazole (brand names Panacur®, Safe-Guard®) is a medication used to treat a variety of parasites in dogs. Its use in cats for the treatment of parasites is off label or extra label. Fenbendazole comes as oral granules or as a liquid suspension and is given by mouth. Liquid forms must be measured carefully. Give this medication as directed by your veterinarian. At regular doses, fenbendazole does not usually cause any side effects. Fenbendazole should not be used in puppies younger than 6 weeks of age or in sick animals. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
-
Fentanyl is an opioid medication used off-label to treat pain in cats and dogs. It is often given as an injection in hospital, but patches may be prescribed to deliver fentanyl transdermally (through the skin) for pets at home. This handout describes common side effects, risk factors, and drug interactions. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Ferrous sulfate is given by mouth and is used off label to treat iron-deficiency. Use as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset such as discomfort, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Finasteride is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) in intact male dogs, and may also be used for adrenal problems in ferrets. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon. Do not use it in sexually developing animals or in females, including pregnant or nursing females. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinarian.
-
Fipronil is used topically to treat flea, tick, and chewing lice infestations. Side effects are uncommon, but may include skin irritation at the application site. Do not use this product on pets less than 8 weeks old, geriatric pets, or sick/weak pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Firocoxib is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It may also be used off label to treat a specific type of bladder cancer 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.
-
Fish oil is an over-the-counter supplement, given by mouth, that is commonly used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are not common but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or a fishy odor. Do not use concurrently with anticoagulant medications. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Flaxseed oil is derived from flax plant seeds and contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and is used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, delayed wound healing, or an oily coat and skin flakes. Serious side effects include persistent stomach upset, or pancreatitis. Flaxseed oil should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Flower essences are an over the counter supplement given by mouth or applied topically to treat stress or anxiety. Give as directed by your veterinarian. There are no known side effects. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant or nursing. Flower essences should be used cautiously in debilitated pets or pets in organ failure. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used off label in cats, dogs, and small mammals to treat fungal infections, especially those in the brain and spinal cord. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension, and is also available as an injection for hospital use. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset such as decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea but liver toxicity can also occur. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease, or pregnant or lactating pets. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.