Dosage

The exact dose given: "1.5ml", "1 tablet", "2 drops per eye". Never record "as prescribed" — the actual quantity administered must be documented each time.

Route

How it was given: Oral, Injection, Topical, Eye Drops, Ear Drops, Inhaler. This confirms the medication was administered correctly and matches the vet's instructions.

Vet Authorisation

Who prescribed it. You cannot administer prescription medication without veterinary authorisation. The log records the vet's name and whether they authorised this specific treatment.

Administered By

The staff member who physically gave the medication. Only trained staff should administer medication — this field creates an accountability trail.

Side Effects

Any observed reactions: vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, loss of appetite. Recording "none observed" is just as valuable as recording a reaction — it shows you checked.

Controlled drugs (Schedule 2-5)

Medications like tramadol, gabapentin, or buprenorphine must be stored in a locked cabinet. Record who accessed the cabinet, the quantity removed, the quantity administered, and the quantity returned. Inspectors may count your stock.

Refrigerated medications

Insulin, some antibiotics and vaccines require cold storage. Note that you retrieved it from the fridge and that it was within its temperature range (2-8°C). Temperature excursion records strengthen your case.

Owner-supplied medication

When owners bring their pet's medication, record the quantity received, check the expiry date, and photograph the label. Log each administration against the owner's supply rather than your own stock.