When administering medication to your dog, it is important that treatments are given correctly. The team at the veterinary clinic are trained in administering medication but it is important that they also ensure that you are able to do so once you get home with your dog. If in doubt, ask your vet or the veterinary nurse to show you.

Administer medication

To be effective, you should follow your vet's advice when administering medication. Most treatments must be administered on a regular basis and for a specific period of time. Otherwise, the active ingredient may be poorly absorbed or the dose may be inadequate. If the dose delivered to the animal is reduced, this may lead to delayed healing or recurrence of the illness.

There are several important components to giving medication:

  • Care must be taken to ensure that the drug is administered correctly and at the right dose.
  • It is necessary to ensure the safety of the animal and the people involved in the procedure. In many cases, it is easier to administer a treatment effectively if an assistant is present to help: one person restrains the animal and the other person administers the medicine. However, experienced owners are quite capable of administering medication to their dog if it is cooperative.
  • Ensure that the drug is properly stored and handled according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • If your pet experiences any adverse reaction, or unusual signs, these should be reported to the veterinarian. Adverse effects are rare but possible!

What happens if I forget an administration? When should I proceed with the next administration?

In many cases, you can give the missed dose as soon as you remember. The next dose will be given as originally planned. However, some drugs require a specific time interval between two administrations. It is therefore best to always check with your veterinarian. An interval of 1 to 2 hours is generally inconsequential.

Prescription medications are making my dog sick - what should I do?

Contact your veterinarian without hesitation for advice.

My other dog develops similar symptoms - can I use the treatment already prescribed?

No, medication should only be administered to the dog that it was prescribed for and you should always finish the course, unless advised otherwise by your vet. Your dog must be examined by a veterinarian before receiving any treatment.

Medi-Productions