How to keep track of your pet's medications

Start with one list

For each medication, write down:

• The name and strength, exactly as printed on the label.
• How much to give, such as "1 tablet" or "0.5 mL".
• How often, and at what times.
• With food or on an empty stomach, if the label says.
• The start date and how long to give it.
• What it's for and which vet prescribed it.
• When you'll need a refill.

Use a chart, and initial every dose

Poison Control recommends a schedule or checklist whenever more than one person gives a pet medicine, so the pet doesn't get double doses or miss doses entirely. Keep the chart where the medication lives, with a pen beside it. Check the chart before every dose, and initial the box right after.

Set reminders

Set a phone or calendar alarm for each dose time, and a reminder on the same date each month for monthly preventives. Tying a daily dose to something you already do, like your pet's breakfast, makes it hard to forget, as long as the label allows giving it with food.

Give it exactly as labeled

• Give the amount on the label, at the times on the label.
• Keep giving it for as long as the label says, even if your pet seems better, unless your vet tells you to stop.
• If pills turn into a fight, ask your vet whether a liquid, chewable or other form is available, rather than skipping doses.
• Never give your pet human medicine unless your vet says it's OK. Many human medicines are poisonous to pets.
• Don't give one pet's prescription to another pet unless your vet says it's OK.

If you miss a dose

Call your vet or the pharmacy that filled it and ask what to do. Don't give an extra dose to catch up unless they tell you to. Mark the missed dose on the chart so the next person knows.

Store it safely

Keep every medication out of your pets' reach. Poison Control notes that pets get into medicine left on countertops, on nightstands and in purses. Flavored chewables are made to taste good, so keep them closed away like food. Store pet and human medications in separate places so they can't get mixed up.

Stay ahead of refills

Note the refill date on your list and reorder when about a week's worth is left. Some prescriptions need your vet to approve a refill, which can take a day or two.