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As a veterinarian I rely on the pet owner to comply to at-home care instructions as well as to the proper administration of medications sent home, but some pet owners don’t follow through.
I often send written instructions along for questions that may arise at home. My staff and I attempt to explain proper administration of medications while the pet owner is still in the office.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. If medications or instructions are not carried out properly, a pet may not improve or could get worse.
If is frustrating when owners call or come in for an exam with their pet and ask if a medication they have a remaining supply of — and was sent home months ago — would help, especially when I know the particular medication stated on the label to administer “until all have been given.”
This common problem occurs when a pet owner stops giving the medication midway through the prescribed regimen because their pet seems better. This can cause major problems, especially with the use of antibiotics. Stopping antibiotics early can lead to a resurgence of the bacteria in the original location, or worse yet, somewhere else. Also, stopping an antibiotic may cause resistance to the antibiotic if one attempts to restart the same antibiotic shortly thereafter or in the future.
All medications should be given as directed until gone, unless specifically stated on the prescription label to do otherwise. A proper label will state a drug should be given or applied every 12 hours instead of saying twice a day. There is a big difference in those two instructions. A good way to stay on track is to mark the medication schedule on a calendar, and it is a good idea to put one household member solely in charge to simplify matters, and to eliminate mistakes in administration.
Another common mistake is for pet owners to double up on a prescribed dose, because they forgot one dose, or they feel the recommended dose was not effective. If you have for any reason forgotten to give your pet its medication at a certain time, just give the medication as directed in the prescribed amount at the next time it is due. If you feel a medication is not being effective and you have given it an adequate time frame, please contact your veterinarian before altering the administration of the medication in any way.
When giving your pet medication it is important to note if the medication should be given on an empty stomach or with a full meal. A helpful tip for giving pets oral medication, if allowed with food, is to use some type of treat to hide the medication to ease in acceptance with a pet. It is always best to offer a small tidbit of the treat to your pet first without the medication, to first note if the treat is even accepted by the pet. If you have success with a treat alone, then next place the medication in the treat and offer it to the pet. Always make sure the medication is actually swallowed.
A great aid to giving either your cat or dog oral medications is the Greenies® Pill Pocket. These are tasty treats with a built-in pouch designed for hiding the pill.
When your pet requires either oral or topical medication, it is important to follow the label directions exactly. If you have any questions about the medication once you are home, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian’s office. Do your part as the responsible pet owner and follow the instructions exactly.
Dr. Tracy Acosta, a veterinarian at Biloxi Animal Hospital, welcomes your questions. Call 896-8255 or toll free at 1-866-450-8255 or write to South Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, 20005 Pineville Road, Long Beach MS 39560; include SASE.
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