Pet Medications: Prevention and Awareness of Side Effects May Save Your Pet's Life

Dogs and cats can have adverse reactions to medications just as people do. The difference between pets and humans however, is that you do not know when your pet is experiencing an adverse reaction until serious symptoms occur. It is important to be aware of potential side effects of any medication or supplement that your pet takes as well as how the drug you are planning on administering to your pet works.

When we are given medications from our doctor or pharmacy, drug fact sheets are included with the prescriptions. These sheets provide us with the information we need to better understand how the drug works, its potential interactions and side effects. While drug companies do provide these drug fact sheets to veterinarians, they are typically not included when you are provided with the purchased medication for your pet. This is due to the fact that veterinarians usually only prescribe small amounts to owners, taking the needed pills out of the manufacturers' bottles and re-labeling the smaller vials.

You should ask your veterinarian for this drug fact sheet if you are not provided with it, prior to leaving with the medication prescribed. It is not enough to simply take your vet's word that the drug will be safe. Be a knowledgeable and informed consumer by asking the following questions when your pet is prescribed any medication:

What does this medicine do?
How does it work?
Why does my dog need to take it?
Are there any other treatment options?
How and when should my dog take it, and for how long?
What are the possible side-effects and what should I do if my dog experiences any?
What are the most common side effects of this drug?
What are some of the less common, and rare side effects that have been reported in pets taking this drug?
Where can I go for more information?
How effective is this drug in treating my dog's condition?
Are there any interactions with this drug with heart worm medication, flea/tick medications, vitamins, aspirin, arthritis medications or food supplements my dog is or may be taking in the future?
What does the research say about this drug? (including adverse events reported in the research)
Have there been reports or complaints to the FDA on adverse side effects of this drug?
What are the short term/long-term effects of this drug?
How do I administer this drug to my pet?
Should my pet take this medication before, after or during eating?
What other interactions with other drugs are there that I should be aware of?

When giving your pet medication, you should be alert to any possible side effects your pet may experience, including more common and rare side effects reported. Here are some of the more common (but not all) signs you should be alert to in your pet. Remember you know your pet better than anyone. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, immediately stop giving your pet the prescribed medication and contact your veterinarian. Some drugs such as Rimadyl and Deramaxx, for example have resulted in the death of dogs from continued use of the drug when side effects were occurring even after only one or two doses of these drugs.

What to look for in your pet after administering medications:

Changes in appetite (decrease or increase)
Changes in behavior (lethargy, depression, aggression)
Changes in frequency or color of urination
Changes in stool (soft, hard, color, frequency)
Changes in coloration of the gums
Rashes, marks, spots on fur or skin, skin infections
Loss of hair, increased shedding, thinning of hair, change in shine of hair
Vomiting (especially of blood as this may be a sign of an ulcer)
Diarrhea (especially containing blood or discoloration such as becoming black and tarry as this may also be a sign of a bleeding ulcer or organ failure)
Constipation, difficulty defecating
Seizures
Tremors
Changes in gait (walking)
Non-responsiveness (such as when you call or touch her)
Weight changes (loss or gain)
Runny, watery eyes

Any marked change at all that you notice may be out of the ordinary should be investigated. Not all medications are safe for our pets and it is important for their health that pet owners are aware of potentially negative side effects of any medication or supplement given. Do not just take your vet's word for the drug's safety. While many medications may be safe for most dogs or cats, some pets may experience violent reactions to them or have sensitivities to certain drugs. After understanding as much as you can about a drug, weigh the benefits to the possible risks to see if the medication is an absolute necessity. If you must give your pet a medication, just be aware of any changes, symptoms or signs of problems that can arise. Your awareness may just save your pet's life.