Chewy Health has launched its “Do Not Crush List of Pet Medications.” According to the company, similar resources exist in human medicine, but this is the first developed specifically for veterinary medicine.
Developed by Chewy Health’s licensed pharmacists and veterinarians, the resource identifies the medications and dosage forms that should not be crushed when used for pet care. The list has been adapted for use by veterinary professionals — see this reference PDF — and for pet owners — see this PetMD article.
The PDF for veterinary professionals consolidates the information for easy reference when writing prescription instructions, administering medications in the practice, or discussing at-home care with clients.
The PetMD article for pet owners includes the same list and provides additional context on why altering a medication can affect its efficacy, alter its taste, or expose pet owners to safety risks. Chewy encourages veterinary teams to educate clients by providing a link to the article or a printed copy during a veterinary visit.