Your pet’s prescription: Vital questions to help become an informed advocate
Unfortunately, a lot of pet owners blindly buy the pet medication without proper understanding. Remember just like human situations; pet prescriptions require proper guidance on the medicine and how it can treat your pet or help it to recovery.
Since you need to be sure that is medication for it to help your pet, it is necessary to ask your vet questions before heading home. Here’s a list of some of the queries you need to know.
- Why does the pet need a prescription and for how long?
The veterinarian should be able to indicate what exactly the medication does for your pet and how many days it should be administered. Take note of the written prescription and confirm the vet’s words before purchasing the order.
- How do you give the medication and how often?
Pet medication also comes in different forms and it wise to learn how to administer them correctly. Determining the best time and method to give the prescription enables you to avert potential side effects such as an upset stomach.
- Are there any potential side effect or adverse reaction?
Like any medication, the veterinarian should explain any possible side effects associated with the prescription. Often the side effects from pet medication are subtle, but it is essential to know them.
- How does the medication interact with other drugs?
Always inform the veterinarian of other medication that the pet is taking. Be its dietary supplements, herbs, over-the-counter medicines or other prescriptions, be ready to notify the vet on this and ask whether they can interfere.
- What should I do if my pet refuses the medication?
The veterinarian may also want to hear whether the pet vomits the drug or outright spits it. If so, the vet may opt to switch to another drug or stop giving it altogether.
- Is an examination or check-up necessary with the prescription?
As a regulation, it is necessary for every vet to monitor a pet’s response to medication and make sure it has the required effects. Therefore, ensure you inquire on whether there are any laboratory tests or checks on the medication’s effects.
Keeping your pet healthy
These questions are only part of a contingent of queries to ask when your pet is being treated. Most veterinarians will expect you to ask this and will hopefully provide ample information to learn more on your pet’s prescription.
Sources: AVMA, VetStreet, Pet Insurance, Merck Vet Manual
