Published: Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Updated: Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Owner is key to a healthy pet

By Dr. Tracy Acosta

McClatchy Newspapers

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.

Too often, however, a small percentage of what is communicated to the pet owner, while in the exam room, is actually remembered and followed through at home.

I often send written instructions along with brochures that the pet owner can refer to, if questions arise at home. My staff and I attempt to explain everything while the pet owner is still in the office, especially when it comes to the administration of medications. It is important for pet owners to have a full understanding of what medications are being sent home.

Do not be afraid to ask questions in the office. I also encourage clients to call us if questions arise once they are home. If medications or instructions are not carried out properly, a pet may not improve or they could get worse.

One of the most frustrating situations I deal with is non-compliance of owners with the administration of medications at home. Too often, owners will call or come in for an exam with a similar or an exact problem with their pet and ask if a medication they have a remaining supply of — and was sent home months ago — would help. I always give at least a puzzled look in response when I know that the particular medication specifically 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 before their prescribed regimen dictates 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.

Both oral and topical medications should always be sent home with a clearly printed and legible prescription label that gives exact dosing regimens. All medications should be given as directed until all has been administered unless specifically stated on the prescription label to do otherwise. By federal law prescription labels must contain certain information, including directions for proper use. Prescription labels also contain how often a drug should be administered.

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. The timing associated with when a medication should be administered has to do with optimum drug concentrations in your pet’s system to be most effective. To further complicate matters, some medications have a tapering dose over a certain time period. This is commonly seen with steroids, and it is important to stay on schedule.

A good way to stay on track is to mark the medication schedule on a calendar. This usually keeps everyone in the household aware of the dosing schedule. Remember, when a pet is on medication, it is a good idea to put one household member solely in charge to simplify matters and to eliminate mistakes in administration.