When you get a pet, you have a life long friend. Over the years you and your pet spend together, he or she may become ill and need short term, or long term, medication. This medication, just like yours, will come with specific directions.
It is important to remember that even though your pet's medication may come in a form similar to yours, you should never substitute your medication in place of your pet's. In most cases, you can have your pet's medication filled at the same pharmacy that you get your medication filled at. Other medication will be given to you at the office where your pet was seen. However, it will be specifically chosen for your pets weight and breed.
Like with humans, you should give the medication as directed and never double up doses if you were not instructed to do so by your vet. Giving your pet too much medication can result in overdose and make them seriously ill. Pay very close attention when your pet first starts taking a new medication for side effects or adverse reactions. An adverse reaction is any reaction that your pets doctor did not expect to happen or was not an indicated side effect noted in the information given by the pharmacy.
If there are side effects that are severe, you should discontinue the medication and call the vet as soon as possible. If the side effects are anything that you feel threatens your pet's life, or makes him seriously ill you should go to the nearest animal hospital as soon as possible.
Your pet may have an adjustment period, just as you would with a new medication. They may be drowsy or feel lazy until the medication is in their system enough to work, this may take a few days or up to a week. Once the medication is at a stable level in your pets system, they should be feeling better and should be back to their happy go lucky self.
If the medication is not working the way the physician expected, they may have to try a different medication. Just rest assured that they will find the medication that works best for your pet.