December 30, 2025

Custom Medications for Pets: What You Should Know About Veterinary Compounding

Veterinary compounding offers personalized medications for pets when standard options fall short. Learn how custom dosing, flavors, and forms make treatment safer and easier for animals.

Custom Medications for Pets: What You Should Know About Veterinary Compounding

When your pet refuses to take their medication—or when the right strength or dosage form simply doesn’t exist—veterinary compounding offers a personalized solution. At Montana Apothecary and Compounding, we work closely with veterinarians and pet owners to create customized medications that meet each animal’s unique needs.

 

What Is Veterinary Compounding?

Veterinary compounding is the art and science of preparing tailor-made medications for animals. Instead of using only a limited amount of commercially manufactured drugs, a compounding pharmacy can:

  • Adjust dosage strengths for pets of all sizes (from a 5-lb cat to a 120-lb dog)

  • Change the form of a medication (for example, turning a pill into a flavored liquid or transdermal gel)

  • Combine multiple medications into a single dose for convenience

  • Remove unnecessary additives or allergens that may cause reactions

Each compounded medication is prepared based on a veterinarian’s prescription to ensure safety and effectiveness.

 

Why Pets Need Compounded Medications

Just like people, animals can have unique health needs. Here are a few common reasons a veterinarian might recommend a compounded medication:

  • Refusal to take medication: Many pets dislike the taste or smell of standard pills or liquids.

  • Unavailable drug: Some medications may be discontinued or temporarily out of stock from manufacturers.

  • Special dosing needs: Smaller animals often require doses that are too low to be accurately measured from commercial products.

  • Allergies or sensitivities: Compounding allows for dye-free, preservative-free, or alcohol-free options.

  • Ease of administration: Medications can be made into transdermal creams (applied to the ear), chewable treats, or flavored suspensions.

Flavors Pets Actually Enjoy

Getting your pet to take medicine shouldn’t be a daily battle. Compounding allows us to add pet-friendly flavors such as:

  • Chicken

  • Beef

  • Peanut butter

  • Bacon

Our goal is to make each medication as palatable and stress-free as possible—for both pets and their owners.

 

Forms of Veterinary Compounded Medications

We can prepare a wide range of dosage forms to suit your animal’s preferences and your veterinarian’s recommendations:

  • Flavored oral liquids or suspensions

  • Chewable treats or capsules

  • Topical creams and gels (ideal for cats)

  • Ear drops

  • Powders or pastes

 

 How to Get a Compounded Prescription for Your Pet

  1. Talk to your veterinarian. They’ll determine whether a compounded medication is appropriate.

  2. Have your vet send a prescription directly to Montana Apothecary and Compounding.


  3. We’ll contact you to confirm details like flavor preferences, dosage form, and delivery options.

  4. Your pet’s medication is compounded by our trained compounding pharmacy technicians, then shipped or prepared for pickup.

We compound medications for dogs, cats, birds, and many other species—always following strict quality and safety standards.

 

Why Choose Montana Apothecary and Compounding?

  • Locally owned and operated in Montana

  • USP-compliant compounding facility

  • Experienced in both human and veterinary compounding

  • Personalized service for veterinarians and pet owners

  • Complimentary shipping available within the state

We understand that your pet is family—and their care deserves the same level of precision and compassion as your own.

 

Final Thoughts

Veterinary compounding helps bridge the gap between what’s available on the market and what your pet truly needs. Whether it’s adjusting the dose, changing the form, or adding a flavor your pet can’t resist, MAC is here to help make medication time easier and more effective.

Have questions about compounded medications for your pet?
Contact our pharmacy to learn more or ask your veterinarian to send us a prescription today. 


By: Amanda Beliveau CPhT, Lab Manager