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2 Safety tips regarding handling and administering pet medications

Kim, Customer Care Specialist, and Buddy

  1. Read the label.
    When you initially receive your pet’s prescription, take time to read the label. Make sure your pet’s name is on the label and the medication is what you expected to receive. If you note something unexpected, such as a change in appearance or color of a regularly received medication, or the medication is not what you were expecting, call your veterinarian or pharmacist. It is always better to double-check before giving the medication. There may be a perfectly good explanation for the difference or change, but even the very best veterinarian or pharmacist can make a mistake. By checking first, you’ll catch any error, clear up and confusion and be able to confidently give your pet the medication they need.

  2. Follow the instructions.
    Read the instructions so you know how to give the medication, and pay special attention to any auxiliary labels or instructions on how to properly use or store the medication, for example: “shake well before use,” “give with food,” or “store in refrigerator.”
    • Do not refrigerate medications, unless instructed to do so.
    • Store medications away from sources of heat, light and humidity.
    • ALWAYS store medications out of reach of children and animals!
    • Store your pet’s medication in a different location than where you store your own or family members’ medications. This will help to avoid an accidental mix-up, such as you taking your pet’s medication or vice-versa. It’s an all-too-common occurrence with potentially serious consequences.

 

Additional safety tips for handling pet medications

Another way to avoid accidentally giving the wrong medication – follow these steps each time you are ready to give your pet medication:

  1. Always pick up the bottle and read the label; make sure this is the medication you wish to give to this animal.
  2. Review the directions for administering and any special instructions for handling, such as “wear gloves when administering.”
  3. For all medications, wash your hands after handling the medication.
  4. For your own safety, never taste or use your pet’s medication. Just as some human drugs can be toxic to pets, some veterinary medications can be toxic to humans.
Some medications, like chemotherapy drugs for cancer, have additional requirements for handling the medication, disposing of your pet’s waste, and unused drug disposal. If you are treating your pet for cancer, be sure to discuss these requirements with your veterinarian or pharmacist.

If you give your pet injections at home, you’ll need to know how to safely dispose of used needles. Check with your veterinarian or pharmacist for options in your area.

Remember these 2 very important safety tips: First, read the label, then follow the instructions. If you have any questions, call your veterinarian or pharmacist.

 

Veterinarians: Learn more about treating pet poison victims

Pet Poison Helpline has many critical resources on pet poisonings, some of which we've compiled for you in one eBook. Download the eBook from the Resources for Veterinarians section of WedgewoodPetRx. Additionally, you can attend webinars for CE credit. Register for the next online presentation at PetPoisonHelpline.com. Pet Poison Helpline will be guest blogging here in the weeks to come to share with you this important information on treating pet poisonings.

Renee Lupo, R.Ph., F.A.C.A., F.A.C.V.P.
Renee Lupo, R.Ph., F.A.C.A., F.A.C.V.P.
Technical-Services Pharmacist
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About Renee Lupo

Renee Lupo, R. Ph, F.A.C.A., F.A.C.V.P., technical-services pharmacist for Wedgewood Pharmacy, was the company's lead technical/clinical pharmacist, working with prescribers and their staffs to develop custom formulations. She passed away on May 31, 2012, after a brief illness. A scholarship was established in her name at the University of the Sciences.

Disclaimers:
The views expressed on this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Wedgewood Pharmacy.

Medications compounded by Wedgewood Pharmacy are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Many compounded preparations are commonly prescribed, and supported by literature, to treat particular disease states, but you should always consult your veterinarian before taking or administering any compounded medication. Wedgewood Pharmacy does not make claims for the efficacy of its compounded preparations.