Writing pet medication instructions for a caregiver
By The Pet Care Card teamUpdated 5 min read
Short answer
Copy each medication exactly as your vet labelled it: medication name, dose, how often, how it is given, and start and end dates. Add where it is stored, what to do about a missed or spat-out dose, and the vet number to call with questions. Never ask a caregiver to judge a dose.
The app does not provide medical advice or recommend medications or dosages. It only helps owners organize instructions they provide. Always follow your veterinarian.
Medication is the part of pet care where vague notes cause real harm. The goal is a caregiver who never has to interpret anything.
Copy the label, do not paraphrase
Write the medication name, strength and dose exactly as printed on your vet's label, including the units. If the label says half a tablet, say half a tablet and note whether it is scored.
One line per medication
- Medication name and strength
- Dose, exactly as labelled
- Times of day, written as clock times
- With food or without
- How it is given: tablet, liquid, ear drops, injection
- Start and end date, if the course ends
- Where it is stored, including anything refrigerated
Make the timing unmissable
Attach medication to something the caregiver already does, such as the morning feed. A reminder on their phone plus a written schedule works better than either alone.
Missed and refused doses
Ask your vet in advance what to do if a dose is missed or the pet spits it out, and write down their answer. Then the caregiver follows your vet's instruction rather than guessing.
When to call
- Two or more missed doses
- Vomiting shortly after a dose
- Any new symptom after a medication change
- Anything the caregiver is unsure about
Hand over the actual packaging
Leave the medication in its original labelled container. It confirms your written notes and gives a vet everything they need if something goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I ask a pet sitter to give injections?
- Only if they have agreed and are comfortable doing it, and only for a medication your vet has already prescribed and demonstrated. Confirm it before booking rather than on the day.
- What should I do if the caregiver is unsure about a dose?
- They should not give it and should call your vet clinic, which is why the clinic number belongs on the same page as the medication list.