WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR PET'S MEDICATION

In order for your pet's medication to be of greatest benefit, it is helpful to have some general information regarding the administration and handling of medications. Here are some good rules of thumb for safe and effective use of veterinary medications.

Store your pet's medications in a cool, dry, dark place, never on a windowsill, in a glove compartment, or in a bathroom where steam may damage the contents.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets, even if they are in a child-resistant container.

Check for the expiration date listed on the medication package. Do not give your pet any medications which have passed their expiration date. Outdated drugs may be harmful to your pet.

Observe any changes in color or composition of a drug.

Do not discontinue a medication which is being used to treat a chronic disease, such as heart failure or diabetes, without consulting your veterinarian.

Make every attempt to administer your pet's medication at approximately the same time each day. A regular routine helps you to remember to give the medication and helps your pet become comfortable with taking it. A regular schedule also keeps the drug at a more consistent level in your pet's bloodstream This can be important to the success of the treatment.

Read the medication label carefully. When handling instructions such as "ShakeWell"
"Store in the Refrigerator"
"Wear gloves"appear, be sure to follow them completely.