As a veterinarian I rely on the pet owner to comply with instructions for home care, and for the proper administration of medications sent home, but some pet owners do not comply. 
I often send instructions written down in May for the questions that arise at home. My staff and I try to explain to a proper administration of medications while the owner of the animal is still in office.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. If medications or instructions are not executed properly, a pet may not improve or may worsen.
If it’s frustrating when owners call or enter a discussion with their pet and ask if a drug they have a balance of power – and sent a few months ago the house – would be useful, especially when I know that the particular drug specified on the label to administer “until all have been given.”
This problem can also occur when a pet owner stops giving the medication to mid-term review of the scheme prescribed for their pet seems better. This can cause major problems, especially with the use of antibiotics. The early cessation of antibiotics may lead to a resurgence of the bacteria in the original location, or even worse elsewhere. In addition, discontinuation of an antibiotic May cause antibiotic resistance if you try to restart the same antibiotic or shortly after in the future.
All medications must be given as directed until gone, unless otherwise indicated on the prescription label to do otherwise. An appropriate label will indicate a drug should be given or applied every 12 hours instead of saying twice a day. There is a big difference in these two directions. A good way to stay on track is to mark the medication schedule on a calendar, and it’s a good idea to place a household member solely in charge to simplify things and eliminate errors in the administration.
Another common mistake is for owners of animals on a double dose, because they have missed a dose, or they feel the recommended dose was not effective. If you for some reason forgot to give your pet its medication at some point, just give the medication as prescribed in the amount prescribed for the next time it is due. If you feel a drug is not effective and you have given enough time, please contact your veterinarian before changing the drug administration in any way.
By giving drugs to your pet, it is important to note whether the drug should be given on an empty stomach or with a full meal. A useful tip for giving pets medication by mouth, if left with food is to use a certain type of treatment to hide the drug to ease the acceptance of a pet. It is always preferable to offer a small tidbit of the deal for your first pet without drugs, note first that the treatment is still accepted by the animal. If you have success with a treat, only then place next to the drug in the treatment and offer the animal. Always ensure that the drug is actually swallowed.
A great help to give either your cat or dog oral medication is the Greenies ® Pill Pocket. These are tasty treats with a built-in pocket designed to hide the pill.
When your pet requires medication orally or topically, it is important to follow label instructions exactly. If you have any questions about the medication once you are at home, please contact the office of your veterinarian. Do your part as a responsible pet owner and follow the instructions exactly.