There were many times during my undergraduate studies that I fluctuated between career choices of becoming a veterinarian or a pediatrician.

Obviously, I must not like patients who can talk back. As a veterinarian, however, I often equate myself to a pediatrician regarding the role of the "parent" of the pet as a pediatrician would to the parent of their patients. We both rely on the parent to comply to at home care instructions as well as to the proper administration of medications sent home.

Only a small percentage of what is verbally communicated to the pet owner, however, actually is remembered and followed through at home.

I often send home written instructions along with brochures that the pet owner can refer back to, if questions arise at home. It is important for pet owners to have a full understanding of what medications are being sent home.

As a responsible pet owner, one cannot be afraid to ask questions. I encourage all of my clients to call us, if questions do arise once they are at home. If medications or instructions are not carried out properly, a pet may not improve or could get worse.

The pet is relying totally on its owner to follow instructions.

Too often, owners will call on the phone or come in for an exam with a similar or an exact problem with their pet as we have seen before and ask if the remaining supply of a medication that was sent home with them months ago would help. It is puzzling when I know that particular medication stated on the label that it was to be administered until all have been given.

I do, however, restrain from asking why they have that particular medication left.

Both oral and topical medications should always be sent home with a clearly printed and legible prescription label that gives exact dosing regimens. Most 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. For example, 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, are those medications that have a tapering dose over a certain time period. This is commonly seen with steroids and it is extremely 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 hopefully eliminate mistakes in administration.

A common mistake made by pet owners is to double up on a prescribed dose, because they have forgotten one dose or they feel like the recommended dose was not effective. This is never a good idea. If you have for any reason forgotten to give your pet its medication at a certain time, just give the medication as directed in the prescribed amount at the next time it is due. If you truly feel a medication is not being effective, and you have given it an adequate time frame, contact your veterinarian before altering the administration of the medication in any way.

When giving your pet medication it is also important to note if the medication should be given on an empty stomach or with a full meal. Just as with human medications, this can definitely affect the absorption and effectiveness of a medication. Also pay attention if certain foods should be avoided such as dairy products, if food is allowed.

A helpful tip for giving pets oral medication, if allowed with food, is to use some type of treat to hide the medication to ease in acceptance with a pet. It is always best to offer a small tidbit of the treat to your pet first without the medication, to first note if the treat is even accepted by the pet. If you have success with a treat alone, then next place the medication in the treat and offer it to the pet.

Always make sure that the medication is actually swallowed.

When your pet requires either oral or topical medication, it is of utmost importance to follow the prescription label directions exactly. If you have any questions or problems with or about the medication once you are home, contact your veterinarian's office to clarify any issues. Your veterinarian wants your pet to get better, so do your part as the responsible "parent" and follow the instructions always.

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(Dr. Tracy Acosta is a veterinarian at Biloxi Animal Hospital. For questions on this column call toll free at 1-866-450-8255 or write to South Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, 20005 Pineville Road, Long Beach MS 39560 and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.)

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