Korean J Clin Pharm.  2022 Mar;32(1):47-56. 10.24304/kjcp.2022.32.1.47.

A Survey on the use of veterinary medicines and veterinary pharmacies by companion animal lovers

• Ahn HY
• Kim HJ
• Heo JS
• Yeo SE
• Kim YH
• Cheon YJ
• Lim SC

• KMID: 2527750
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24304/kjcp.2022.32.1.47

Abstract

Background
In modern society, the number of households raising companion animals increases, and the market for veterinary medicines is expanding even more. This study aims to investigate the perception of companion animal lovers' veterinary medicines, the necessity of specific guidance by pharmacists for veterinary medicines, the role of pharmacists at veterinary pharmacies, and ways to fulfill that role.
Methods
This study evaluated veterinary medicines and medication guidance through Google online questionnaire targeting pet-lovers from December 20, 2021, until January 19, 2022. The questions consist of 1) characteristics of petlovers, 2) purchase history and drug recognition of veterinary drugs, 3) use of veterinary vaccines, 4) use of diagnostic kits, and 5) guidance of veterinary medicines by local pharmacists.
Results
The respondents` experience purchasing veterinary drugs was as high as 94.4%. The most purchased drug was heartworm-preventing products, and vaccination was performed mainly at veterinary clinics (veterinarians). The respondents primarily purchased veterinary medicines for companion animals at veterinary hospitals and did not know the name of the drugs which they bought. In addition, respondents expected to receive specific information on veterinary medicines from pharmacists.
Conclusion
As the number of veterinary pharmacies in the community will increase with the expansion of the companion animal market, pharmacists should play their role as experts in veterinary medicines through systematic and continuous professional education.

Keyword

Veterinary pharmaceutical; veterinary medicine; pharmacy education; community pharmacist; pet drugs