What is the most common route of drug administration in pets?

Oral administration is the most common route of drug administration in pets due to several practical and physiological reasons. This method is often the easiest and least invasive way to deliver medication to animals, making it more convenient for both pet owners and veterinary staff. In many cases, pets will readily accept oral medications when they are administered in the form of flavored tablets, capsules, or liquids, or mixed with food, resulting in better compliance.

Additionally, oral medications can be absorbed effectively through the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for reliable therapeutic effects. Many common medications for various conditions in pets, such as pain relief, antibiotics, and anti-parasitic treatments, are formulated for oral use to maximize convenience while minimizing stress for the animal.

This route also allows for easier dosage adjustments and monitoring, enabling veterinarians to modulate treatment plans based on the pet's response. In contrast, other routes such as intravenous or injectable administration may be reserved for more acute conditions or cases where immediate action is required, making them less common for routine treatments. Topical administration, while useful for localized treatments, doesn’t provide the systemic effects that many medications aim to achieve. Hence, oral administration stands out as the predominant choice for a wide range of veterinary care scenarios.