Printable pet medication log

One sheet per medication keeps an old set of instructions from sitting next to the new ones. When the vet changes the instructions, replace the sheet. The FDA’s page on medication errors says to read the label and follow it, and not to cut, crush, or break a tablet or capsule unless the vet says to.¹ In Ontario, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario requires the label to give the dose, how it is given, how often, and for how long.³

Mark a time only after the dose is given. A mark made in advance hides a missed dose from the next person. If you are not sure it was swallowed, write what you know instead of filling in a tidy time. The full inventory of every product belongs on the pet medication list, not this sheet.

Write how much is left and the day you’ll check again. That day is not a calculation of when the bottle will run out. As-needed use, a dose that was spit out, and a wrong count all change how long the supply lasts. If the count looks wrong, say so on the sheet and ask the clinic or the pharmacy.

When someone else takes the next stretch, give them the handoff note as well as this sheet.

Write what happened on the sheet first, with the time. The FDA says what to do after a missed or vomited dose depends on the medication, so ask the vet.² If too much was given, the FDA says to call the vet right away.