Seek Complete Information From Your Vet When Your Dog’s Health is at Stake By Kelly Marshall At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Advancements in research and technology have resulted in the discovery and invention of many modern drugs. These drugs have saved the lives of many seriously ill dogs and have also restored a large number of ill dogs to normal health. However, misuse or improper use of these drugs can result in an even more serious threat to the dog. Haphazard and irregular use of antibiotics leads to the creation of a resistant strain. If corticosteroid is discontinued after long usage, the dog may suffer from serious adrenal gland hormone imbalance. Even a casual oversight like giving a drug only two times a day instead of the prescribed four can cause serious problems.

It is the duty of your vet to inform you about the following aspects of the medication that he or she is prescribing for your dog. If your vet omits to inform you, it is your duty to ask and gain this information.

The vet should tell you:

• The expected functions of the medication.
• The time period after which improvement will be noticeable.
• The time period after which lack of improvement is a cause for concern.
• The duration of the medication.
• Whether the medication should be stopped abruptly or the dose be abruptly reduced?
• How the stoppage or reduction should be implemented?
• Whether the medication should be stored away from light or in airtight conditions or in the refrigerator?
• The possible side effects of the medication.

Either the dispensing label or the prescription of the vet should specifically give direction for use of the medication. Do not forget whether the medication should be given before, after or with the food. Follow all instructions which require the stomach to be empty for a specified time before the administration of the dosage. These requirements are imposed due to the possibility of chemic interference of the medication with the stomach or small intestine. Ignore these instructions at your own peril.

If more than one type of medication has been prescribed, confirm whether they can be administered simultaneously or whether there should be a time gap between the same. Certain drugs complement each other while others cause adverse side effects.

Confirm whether ‘three times a day’ means a dose every eight hours or a dose at every meal or a dose at morning, noon and night. These small points, if ignored, may cause a lot of harm.

Some drugs can be reduced in size if the number of doses is increased. Giving a large pill twice a day may be troublesome. Confirm before halving the pill and administering it four times a day. The answer may be ‘yes’ in some cases and a resounding ‘never’ in other cases.

Leave nothing to guesswork. Make it a habit to clarify even the smallest points. Do not hesitate to ask whether the ‘three times a day’ dose begins with effect from the day ‘on which the medicines were prescribed’ or ‘after the day of prescription of medicines’.

There is no need to use any special training equipment for older dogs. Just use the standard chain collar and the six-foot web leash used for all dogs.

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