Suspensions

A suspension consists of medicine/chemical, base and suspending agent.

The mixture can appear heterogeneous, mixed, or non-uniform, and in this case medication particles settle. These suspensions require shaking before using.
The mixture can also appear homogenous, smooth and uniform because the particles are so small that they don’t settle. This is a more colloidal suspension. These suspensions also require shaking before use.

Capsules

A capsule is a form of medicine that is prepared dose-specific and enclosed into a soluble digestible shell. Capsules are usually gelatin based — however, vegetarian and enteric capsules are also available. Capsule sizes varies from size 5 (being the smallest) to a size 000 (being the largest — see size chart). Different capsule mediums have variances regarding dissolution speeds. Gelatin capsules dissolve fastest. Vegetarian capsules have a slower time for dissolving. Enteric capsules finish in last place, taking the most time to dissolve.

Transdermal Gel/Cream

Transdermal gel/cream is medicine that is mixed into a transporting base, which makes it easier for the medication to enter the bloodstream. The medications base vehicle helps move the medicine through the semi-permeable membrane of the animal’s skin. Not all medications are effective in this dosing form. There are medications that produce great results and work very well in transdermal form as well.

Treats

Treats are a fun and creative way of giving pets medicine. Treats can be soft or hard chews but are a delicious, dose specific preparation alternative. The medication is mixed into the treat during the compounding process. There are also flavors and specific excipients used as well to mask the bitter taste of the medication(s).