The Importance of Proper Medication Use for Pets

Medications can provide pets with much-needed relief and help manage ongoing symptoms—but only when used exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Adjusting your pet’s dosage on your own may seem harmless, whether it’s splitting doses to make a prescription last longer or doubling up in hopes of extra relief. In reality, altering medication doses is a dangerous practice that can put your pet’s health at serious risk.

Veterinarians carefully prescribe medications based on a pet’s unique needs, taking into account factors like weight, breed, species, and overall health. Giving the wrong dose—or the wrong medication entirely—can cause harmful side effects or dangerous interactions between drugs. In addition, some manufacturers’ warranties become void if the medication isn’t administered exactly as directed, which can impact your pet’s treatment options down the road.

The safest and most effective path is to always follow your veterinarian’s instructions precisely. Never share medications between pets, and never substitute human medications for animal prescriptions. By sticking to recommended doses and medication types, you’re not only protecting your pet’s health—you’re giving them the best chance to heal, thrive, and live their happiest life.

At Jackpot Veterinary Center, we’re here to ensure your pet receives the right medication and care tailored to their needs. If your pet requires a prescription, avoid giving them unprescribed medications and reach out to us for guidance. We also recommend contacting us well before you run out of your pet’s prescription, as some medications take time to fill. Planning ahead helps us keep your pet’s treatment uninterrupted.

Contact Jackpot Veterinary Center today to schedule an appointment or request a prescription refill—we’ll help you keep your pet safe, comfortable, and healthy.

Questions? Give us a call at (520)999-3888