How to Safely Store Pet Medication

Most people are very careful to see that the pets they love get their medicine on time and in the right dose. Often little thought is given to the storage of these medicines. When prescription bottles are left out on the counter with the microwave oven and the morning mail, it can create a health risk for everyone in your home. Here are some tips for safe storage of your pet's medication.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Original prescription bottles
• Cabinet locks
• Locking box
• Cool, dark, out of reach cabinets
• Refrigerator

1. Always store your pet's medicine in its original packaging. Medicines in unmarked containers can lead to misuse over time.

2. Be sure to store pet medicine at the proper temperature. Your veterinarian should let you know what you need to do to keep your pet's medicine from spoiling. Some pet medicines need to be refrigerated to keep them fresh. If you don't receive specific instructions, it is best to store pet medication in a cool, dark place where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight or temperature extremes.

3. Make sure your pets and kids can't get into pet medicine. Kids and animals are both curious by nature, so prescription bottles need to be well out of their reach and you should ask your veterinarian for childproof medicine bottles. Depending on the age of your children, you may have to take further precautions. Cabinet locks and locking boxes have saved many lives. If you are storing your pet's medicine in the refrigerator and you have young children, you'll probably need a small locking box for the fridge.

4. Old medicine can be dangerous. When your pet's treatment is complete, ask your veterinarian if any leftover medicine should be kept for possible future use. Usually it is best to just throw away old medicines. It is important not to throw old pills out in a garbage can where kids or pets could get into them. The best way to get rid of old pet medication is to flush it down the toilet.