Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Starting a New Pet Medications

A new year brings a fresh opportunity to build healthier habits for the whole family, including the four-legged members of your home. Small, thoughtful changes can make a powerful difference in your pet’s long-term health and quality of life.

One of the most important parts of responsible pet ownership is feeling confident when discussing medications with your veterinarian and pharmacist. Knowing what to ask helps you make safe, informed choices for your pet.

Before beginning any new medication, a thoughtful conversation with your veterinarian and pharmacy team can help ensure you’re choosing the safest and most effective option for your pet

1. What Is This Medication For and How Does It Work?

Understanding the purpose of a medication helps you know what results to expect and how it supports your pet’s condition. Ask what symptoms it treats and how it affects the body so you can monitor progress at home with confidence.

2. What Is the Correct Dosage and How Should It Be Given?

Correct dosing is critical for both safety and effectiveness. Ask how often the medication should be given, whether it should be taken with food, and what to do if a dose is accidentally missed.

3. What If My Pet Refuses the Medication?

Many pets are sensitive to taste, texture, or smell. If giving medication is stressful, tools like Greenies Pill Pockets can help make tablets or capsules easier to administer by disguising them in a soft, palatable treat.

Compounded medications can also help. Compounded options can include custom flavours and alternative forms such as liquids, soft chews, or transdermal gels to make administration easier and less stressful. These options can be discussed with your veterinarian and pharmacy team.

4. How Should I Store This Medication and for How Long?

Proper storage plays an important role in medication safety and effectiveness. Ask whether the medication needs refrigeration, protection from light, or special handling. Many pet medications should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity, and always out of reach of children and pets.

It is also important to confirm how long the medication is safe to use after opening and when it should be properly discarded. Using tools like pill organizers, clearly labelled containers, or oral syringes can help keep doses organized and reduce the risk of missed or double doses. If you are unsure how to store or measure a medication correctly, a pharmacy team can help clarify best practices.

5. Should I ask my vet for a refillable prescription?

You may already know that you can save on pet medications by asking your vet for a prescription to bring to a pharmacy like us - but did you know that you can also request a refillable prescription for longer treatment schedules? For daily and long-term medications, requesting a prescription with sufficient refills can save you frequent vet visits and fees.

Building Healthier Habits for the Year Ahead

Wellness goes beyond medication. Setting achievable goals around regular exercise and play, proper nutrition, dental care, and daily enrichment creates a strong foundation for lifelong pet health.

Pharmacy support should feel approachable and trustworthy. Pets Drug Mart aims to be a reliable pet health partner through our products, and by informing pet owners about overall pet health, medications, and treatment options.

A healthier year starts with informed choices, better conversations, and a supportive healthcare team by your side. Please don’t hesitate to Contact Us!