Mom: “Tucker, what’s with the reading glasses?”
Tucker: “I need these for understanding.”
Mom: “Understanding what?”
Tucker: “To understand why, when and how to take all these drugs. You always wear glasses when you read the bottle labels and package inserts. I presume it’s to better understand what you are reading. I want to do the same.”
Mom: “Oh, Tucker, I wear glasses to see but not to understand. It’s not your responsibility to know how much, when and why to take medication. This responsibility lies with me, the pet owner. Even though the eyeglasses make you look kinda cute and very intelligent, you can take them off. Trust me to care for your medical needs.”
It’s well known that we live in a time when there’s a drug to eliminate, control or prevent just about any medical condition ranging from flea control, diabetes or heart failure. Our pets really benefit from the miracles of modern medicine. However, the very drugs that are so beneficial can be very harmful or even deadly if used in the wrong way. A clear and concise communication between the veterinarian and client prior to drug use is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the medications and prevention of mistakes. The responsibility lies with the veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist to inform the client about the correct drug to give to the correct patient, at the correct time, in the correct amount, in the correct form, in the correct route, for the correct length of time, with the knowledge of the correct outcome, or the correct action to take in the case of adverse side effects, and the correct time to return for reevaluation.
A list of drug do’s and don’ts is provided below. Every day the news and Internet underscores medical marvels while highlighting the horrors of the patient that suffers from the accidental administration of the wrong amount or type of medicine. Complications occur when patients receive multiple types of medications that are each prescribed by different physicians. Each medication by itself can be very effective but is contra-indicated, rendered ineffective, or even harmful when used with some other drugs. This happens in animals as well as humans. We must have a good understanding of the medications we administer to our beloved pets.
DRUG DO’S
Know the generic and brand names of the drug and why it’s prescribed.
Know the desired effect and timing of response of the medicine.
Know and understand the instructions before administration. These include how and how much to give, how long to give, when to give and whether to give with or without food. This includes an understanding of what to do if problems occur.
Know how to effectively administer the medication. In the case of oral drugs, make sure that they are swallowed. If they are to be disguised in food, know the food or liquids that are compatible.
Maintain written record of the dates and times medications are given.
Know what to do if the medication isn’t given at the prescribed interval.
Know the side effects that may be associated with the drug and what to do if they occur.
Know about drug interactions if multiple medications are prescribed.
Know when to report to the veterinarian if the symptoms unexpectedly recur or get worse while on medication.
Keep the medication in the original container. Don’t transfer it to another container.
Give liquid medication (oral or injectable) with the measuring device that is dispensed. Errors in dosing can occur if different devices are used due to the different size and markings.
Know how to store the medication. Heat, humidity and light can affect the potency and safety of some drugs. Keep medication away from areas of excessive heat.
Keep pet medications separate from human medication.
Be alert to changes in the appearance of medications when prescriptions are refilled. Contact the veterinarian if such changes are noticed.
DRUG DON’TS
Don’t mix different pills in the same container.
Don’t, unless instructed, crush or break capsules or pills. If advisable, pill splitters are available.
Don’t leave the cotton plug in the medication container because the cotton may draw moisture.
Don’t change the dose without conferring with the veterinarian first.
Don’t stop giving the drug because the symptoms have disappeared without first checking with the doctor.
Don’t wait for long-term medication to be depleted before requesting a refill.
Don’t give the pet expired medication. Make an annual review of all medications and check the expiration dates. Discard any expired medications.
Don’t give medication previously used without consulting with the veterinarian first.
Don’t give prescriptions or over-the-counter medicine designed for people to your pet without a recommendation from the veterinarian that it is safe and beneficial for the pet.
“Now, Tucker, do you see that the responsibility of the do’s and don’ts of drug usage belongs to the veterinarian and pet owner? So then, take off your specs before you make a spectacle of yourself.”
Susan Randlett D.V.M. is one of the amazing Veterinarians at Kingsland Blvd Animal Clinic and the proud human mom of Tucker. To set up an appointment with Dr. Randlett, visit Kingsland Blvd Animal Clinic. For emergency services, please visit Kingsland’s Animal Minor Emergency Clinic
