When pets are sick, the last thing they need is medication error that could make them worse. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put together some tips to help consumers avoid medication errors with their pets.
Start by making sure you understand why the medication has been ordered for your pet and what it’s supposed to do. Ask about side effects, or possible interactions with other drugs your pet may be taking. It’s a good idea to keep a list of drugs your pet takes – including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and prescription drugs. Tell the vet about any allergies or adverse reactions your pet has had to medications.
Check to make sure the dosing instructions are clear. Before you leave the vet’s office make sure you know: how many times each day your pet needs the medication, how much to give each time, if it should be given on an empty or full stomach. If it’s a liquid, does it need refrigeration? Should it be shaken before each use?
Ask your vet what you should do if something goes wrong. What if you accidentally give too much? Or forget a dose? What if your pet vomits or spits out the medication?
At home, keep your pet’s drugs in keep them in their original containers. Store them separately from the people drugs and out of a your pet’s reach.
Follow the directions for the medication, Don’t cut or crush tablets or break capsules unless your vet told you to. If you do need to cut a tablet in half, get a pill cutter from a drugstore so you can give your pet the most accurate dose possible.
