Dog Medicine and Prescriptions

No. All of our dog prescription medications and many of our veterinary diet dog foods require veterinarian authorization. Veterinary authorization may require an examination, which can be performed in person by your veterinarian or at your neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center with a veterinarian on-site. To learn more, check out our veterinary services.

Once your vet has confirmed that your canine requires dog prescription medicine, they may write out a physical prescription. After selecting your medication at Petco, you will be given a choice during checkout to mail in your prescription or have Petco contact your veterinarian’s office to confirm. Once we receive veterinary authorization, we will send your pup’s medicine straight to your door—often with Free Shipping.

Your veterinarian must always prescribe dog prescription drugs. These can include certain types of medicine for the following conditions:

Heartworms

Fleas and Ticks

Arthritis

Heart disease

Allergies

Bacterial infections

Thyroid conditions

Seizures

Diabetes

Anxiety

Asthma

However, at Petco, we also offer a variety of health and wellness solutions that don’t require a prescription or veterinarian authorization. These kinds of over-the-counter dog medication can help improve the following in your pup:

Mild anxiety/stress

Vitamin deficiencies

Hip and joint pain

Worms

Ear inflammation

Itchy skin

Stomach upsets

Preventative health

Pet parents should also be aware that dog pain medication and anxiety solutions can come in different strengths, ranging from dog aspirin to heavy pain killers. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate strength and dosage for your pet.

Whether you are administering dog prescription drugs for heartworm orally or topically, many of the leading solutions only require one dose per month. Since dogs are most susceptible to heartworms during summer—when mosquitoes are most likely to transmit the disease—your veterinarian may only prescribe heartworm medication seasonally.

Sometimes, fleas can be a minor inconvenience to your dog. Prescription medication might be an option, but there are many different non-prescription solutions available for prevention.

At Petco, we carry various flea collars that can help prevent or kill fleas efficiently—through topical ingredients or ultrasonic frequencies. If your dog has issues wearing flea collars, we offer numerous drops, pills, shampoos, chews and sprays that can help kill fleas—depending on which delivery method is most accommodating to your pet. We even have treatment sprays, foggers and cleaners that can help rid your home of fleas to prevent further infestation.