TERRI JOHNSON, AAHA PRACTICE ACCREDITATION

Pets age at a much faster rate than people. So when you think about how important it is for us to be seen regularly by a doctor, it’s even more important for our pets—especially if they are on medication. Pets age five to seven times faster than we do. This makes having your pet examined at least once a year or more frequently before having prescriptions refilled the logical and right thing to do.

AAHA-accredited practices go through an evaluation process based on 19 sections of standards. The Pharmacy section of the AAHA Standards of Accreditation focuses on providing a safe, efficient and well-run pharmacy in a veterinary practice. These standards help veterinary teams set up a system of checks and balances to make prescribing and filling patient prescriptions run smoothly. Practices are evaluated at least every 3 years. The evaluation provides the team the opportunity to look at what they’re currently doing, see if they’re up-to-date and adhering to current best practices, and to make changes where necessary and appropriate.

You are your pet’s advocate, and even though you know a lot about what’s going on with your pet, you probably aren’t aware of all the symptoms your pet is experiencing when it’s not feeling well. You may know your dog is vomiting and lethargic, but you may not know if he or she also has a headache, or is in pain or about to experience diarrhea. That’s why it’s so important to communicate with your veterinarian and to take your pet in for examinations. While pets get viruses very much like we do, some illnesses may be the first steps in a developing disease. Talking to and working with your veterinary team is very important in helping your pet stay healthy.

Veterinarians are sometimes faced with clients who request medications or drugs without bringing the pet in for a diagnosis. Under the requirements of the FDA, only products specifically labeled and packaged for over-the-counter sale may be dispensed in that manner. Any prescription drug or medication labeled with “Caution: to be dispensed by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian” cannot be dispensed without a veterinarian–client/patient relationship. Veterinarians could face loss of their license as well as a fine if they do not have a working knowledge of the conditions and treatment of a particular patient. The foundation of this relationship is the in-office physical exam and without it, the veterinarian–client/patient relationship does not exist.

Communication is critical to this relationship and to providing the best possible care and most appropriate medications for pets.

Usually, clients may have a pet’s prescriptions filled in the office. But if you choose to fill the prescription elsewhere, or use an Internet pharmacy, select an Internet pharmacy certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (www.nabp.net). These online pharmacies are appropriately licensed and prepared to practice pharmacy via the Internet. The article, “Purchasing Pet Drugs Online: Buyer Beware” (www.fda.gov/downloads/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm115432.pdf) educates consumers about what to look for and what to watch out for when considering an Internet pharmacy.

Veterinarians are uniquely educated and trained to make treatment decisions for pets. You are probably aware that there are many medications and treatments that can be used both for people and animals. But, did you know there are many human medications that could endanger or even cause death in animals? (See the sidebar.)

It’s important to your pet’s health to nurture the veterinary–client/patient relationship. Because you’re with your pet every day, subtle changes may be hard to see and recognize. Following your veterinarian’s recommendations for giving medication and periodic follow-ups and rechecks, especially if your pet takes a medication all the time, will help maintain your pet’s health and quality of life.