Luna, a 7-year-old cat with severe allergies, won’t stop scratching. You prescribe a short course of prednisolone to relieve her itching, but her owner hesitates.
“Steroids? I’ve heard they cause diabetes.”
Now you’re at a crossroads—say too little, and she may not trust you. Say too much, and she might be too worried to move forward with treatment.
Talking to pet owners about potential veterinary medication adverse effects can feel like walking a tightrope. But when handled well, these conversations can build trust, reduce anxiety for clients, and improve adherence to treatment recommendations.
Here’s a simple, 4-step approach to help you keep pet owners informed and confident—without overwhelming them.
Step 1: Start With Why The Medication Matters
How you introduce a medication sets the tone for the entire conversation. Start by explaining the why behind your recommendation. When clients understand how a medication helps their pet, they’re more likely to follow through with treatment.
For example, “Prednisolone will help relieve Luna’s itching and make her much more comfortable.”
Leading with the benefits builds a positive foundation from which to address risks. This can help pet owners see veterinary medication adverse effects as something to monitor for, rather than a reason to avoid treatment.
Step 2: Frame Adverse Effects as “Things to Watch For”
Pet owners often hear ‘side effects’ or ‘adverse effects’ and assume the worst. So shift the framing: Instead of presenting veterinary medication adverse effects as inevitable, position them as possibilities to watch for, while reassuring pet owners that most pets tolerate the medication well. Make it clear that you’ll be there to help if something comes up.
Instead of:
✖ “Prednisolone causes excessive thirst, increased hunger, and can lead to diabetes.”
Try:
✔ “Most cats tolerate prednisolone well, but some may experience increased thirst or appetite. This is usually expected. With long-term use, there’s a slight risk of diabetes, but we’ll monitor Luna closely. If you have any concerns, just give us a call.”
Both statements share the same information, but the second option provides context and reassurance.
Step 3: Keep Medication Discussions Clear and Concise
Pet owners don’t need a pharmacology lesson. What they do need is a clear sense of what to watch for and when to call the practice. Skip the medical jargon and stick to clear, simple explanations.
Focus on common, clinically significant adverse effects. If a rare but serious reaction is worth mentioning, frame it as something to watch for—not something to expect.
Keeping the conversation straightforward and actionable helps pet owners feel informed—not overwhelmed—leading to better compliance and fewer unnecessary worries.
Struggling with tough client conversations? Find fresh ideas and real-world advice for client relationships from Clinician’s Brief.
Step 4: Build Trust With Open Communication
Reassure pet owners that they’re not alone in managing adverse effects. This can help them focus on solutions rather than worst-case scenarios. And make sure they know they can always reach out with questions. A simple invitation to call goes a long way in building trust and ensuring pet owners don’t jump to conclusions or stop treatment too soon.
Try this:
✔ “If you have any concerns, give us a call before stopping the medication—we may be able to adjust the dose or try a different medication.”
Instead of this:
✖ “If you notice adverse effects, you may need to stop the medication.”
The first response reassures pet owners that there are options and offers partnership. The second option can make pet owners feel like they’re on their own. Keeping the conversation open builds trust and ensures pets get the care they need.
Support Confident Care Beyond the Exam Room
Even when you’ve explained everything thoroughly, it’s easy for clients to forget the details once they leave. That’s where Plumb’s client drug handouts come in.
Written in clear, easy-to-understand language, Plumb’s drug handouts help pet owners:
- Remember key details about their pet’s medications
- Feel more confident about their pet’s care
- Know when to reach out with concerns
Handouts also help your whole team stay consistent, so every pet owner receives the same clear, reliable guidance.
Addressing common questions upfront prevents confusion, boosts compliance, and reduces unnecessary worry—and last-minute, panicked phone calls.
How Plumb’s Drug Handouts Support Veterinary Teams
Plumb’s drug handouts don’t just help pet owners. They also make life easier for veterinary teams. Because while clear, consistent communication about medications is essential, it can be a challenge in a busy practice.
Drug handouts take pressure off your team by providing pet owners with clear, easy-to-understand guidance they can refer to as needed.
Here’s how Plumb’s handouts can help veterinary teams:
✔ Fewer callbacks: When pet owners know what to expect, they’re less likely to call in a panic over mild, expected side effects—saving your team time and giving pet owners peace of mind.
✔Stronger client relationships: Clear, supportive communication builds trust and reassures pet owners that you’re there to guide them every step of the way.
✔ Better patient care: When pet owners feel confident in their pet’s care, they’re more likely to follow through with medications, leading to healthier, happier pets.