Prescription medication for dogs is similar to prescribed human medication. Both have printed expiration dates that signal specific time frames to the people prescribing the medication and to the patients. Though most medications are usable after their expiration date, chances should not be taken if a dog receiving such medication has severe health problems.
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Prescriptions
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Dogs, like humans, may sometimes require prescription drugs to help ease pain or overcome an illness. These drugs are more potent than the medications that can be bought over the counter. Prescription drugs for a dog should be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian who has physically examined the dog.
Expiration Dates
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A prescription drug expiration date, according to The Pet Center website, indicates the date through which a given prescription should be dispensed or sold. Expiration dates are safeguards for a veterinarian as well as the dog owner and the dog. The dates are good guidelines to follow as well as insurance for the veterinarian that a prescribed dosage will have an accurate effect on whatever ails the dog.
Expired Medication
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PetPlace.com's Irreverent Vet says that most canine prescriptions are good for up to 2 years after their printed expiration dates. The potency of the drugs may decrease, however, as time passes beyond an expiration date. The Irreverent Vet also suggests that critically ill dogs should not be given expired medication.
Dangers
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According to the Institute for Medication Management's website, administering expired medication can be harmful. Dangers include giving a dog an unknown dosage, giving ineffective medication and giving toxic medication. Because the potency of a drug decreases after its expiration date, its actual potency and effectiveness after its expiration date aren't known. As well, some expired medications can be lethal.
Disposal
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Proper disposal of expired or unused prescription medication is critical not only to the health of a dog but also to the dog's owner and community. Flushing medication down the toilet, for example, can lead to traces of that medication in drinking water. The Office of National Drug Control Policy's website information suggests taking the drugs out of their original container, combining them with cat litter or used coffee grounds and putting that mixture into a disposable container in the trash. Removing identification from empty prescription bottles before throwing them away also is advised.
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