Veterinary pharmacists and veterinary pharmacist specialists are the two types of veterinary pharmacists, but their main responsibilities and duties are the same. A pharmacist dispenses medications, including compounds and combinations of medications, as directed a veterinarian. Traditionally, a pharmacist worked directly with a veterinarian, performing menial tasks and occasionally dispensing medication, but modern pharmacist specialists have expanded their field of expertise to include other skills such as pain management, online pharmacy dispensing, and pharmacokinetics, which is the study of how the body reacts to drugs. Veterinary pharmacists are also responsible for understanding and abiding all laws governing drug dispensing. Some pharmacists continue their education and work as teachers, research scientists, or officials for regulatory agencies.
In the latter half of the twentieth century, the field of veterinary medicine expanded significantly. Traditionally, veterinarians mixed and dispensed medications themselves, or trained their assistants to do so. As animal medicines and the regulations governing their use became more complicated, the role of the veterinary pharmacist grew in popularity. Although veterinary pharmacists can work for a veterinarian or at a veterinary pharmacy, the majority of them work for a veterinarian or at a veterinary pharmacy.
Veterinary pharmacists who work for a veterinarian or a group of veterinarians usually only work with one type of animal or a small group of animals. Small and/or large animals, as well as wild and/or exotic animals, fall into this category. Aquatic animals are another rapidly expanding category. Typically, these pharmacists specialize in medicines for this type of animal.
Veterinary pharmacists work in veterinary pharmacies and may dispense medications for a variety of animals, including domestic pets, food animals, and livestock. In general, they need a broad understanding of animal physiology as well as different stages of animal disease and pharmacokinetics. A veterinary pharmacist can work in a veterinary hospital, a community clinic, or a veterinary pharmacy, which can be online or in a physical location.
Veterinary pharmacists, regardless of where they work, must stay current on government regulations and new drugs on the market. A pharmacist should be able to inform a veterinarian about the medications that are available, and a pharmacist should be able to warn a veterinarian about drugs that are contraindicated or could cause an allergic reaction in an animal. Veterinary pharmacists are trusted pet owners to keep their animals safe. Before dispensing medicine, a veterinary pharmacist usually prepares written instructions and precautions for the client and reviews them with them. A pharmacist must be familiar with the various flavorings that can be used for different species of animals in order to entice the animal to accept the medicine.
Some pharmacists seek work in a variety of settings, including pharmaceutical companies, teaching, and government agencies developing new regulations and laws. Veterinary medicine is a rapidly growing field on a global scale, and the scope of the job is changing at a rapid pace. Some veterinary pharmacists, for example, are gaining experience in therapeutic practices, animal pain management, and providing consultation services to pet owners. A sales representative to a research expert are all possible careers in the pharmaceutical industry.