Prepare a pet medication list

Copy the name exactly. The FDA’s page on medication errors describes a dog given hydralazine, a blood pressure drug, instead of the prescribed hydroxyzine, an antihistamine.¹ The names differ by a few letters. The same page says to keep each medication in its labeled container.

Write the instructions in words. The FDA also describes a cat whose once-a-day antibiotic, written as SID, was transcribed as QID, four times a day, and caused an overdose. “Once a day, with breakfast” cannot be misread that way.

In Ontario, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario requires the label to show the name, strength, and quantity, the directions for use, and the dispensing vet.⁴

If a line on the label is unclear, write “unclear” and bring the container. Do not fill the gap from memory.

The same FDA page says the list should include prescription medication, over-the-counter products, and supplements, and that you should bring it to the visit.¹ Zoetis Petcare’s vet visit guide adds flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, and anything given recently that has since stopped.² AAHA’s anesthesia guide names CBD among the supplements to list.³ Before a skin appointment, the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre asks for current and previous medications.⁵ A product left off the list is invisible when the vet checks for interactions.

The FDA also says to tell the vet about any medication your pet is allergic to or that caused problems before.¹ Keep those on the list with the date and what happened, even after the medication is stopped.

Marking each dose as it happens is the printable medication log. Handing the evening to someone else is the handoff note.

Before the visit, set the list next to the containers or the label photos. If a bottle is missing, or a label and the list disagree, mark that line and bring both. The list records what you were given. The vet decides any change.