When a household shares the pill bottle: what compliance studies found, and what clinics recommend

Noncompliance meant the owner later reported not completing the veterinarian’s prescribed course. In cats, oral antibiotics were significantly associated with noncompliance. In dogs, increasing dog age was associated with better owner compliance. Both papers recommend demonstrating technique to every client and discussing administration aids.[1][2]

This does not mean “every Taiwanese household is 39%/47%.” The samples were convenience samples in one country’s primary-care clinics. The narrower claim that is supported: missed courses are common; resistance and lack of demonstration are documented barriers; asking the clinic to show you is reasonable.[1][2]

AAHA’s 2025 One Health guidelines treat client literacy, transport, and caregiver burden as factors that change whether an animal actually receives care, and give examples of concrete aids (such as marking bottles) that can decide compliance.[3] In a shared household the minimum protocol is: names and time slots where everyone can see them; a mark or message after the dose; and an immediate note — plus a call — if the animal vomited, refused, or was missed. Do not let the next person guess a replacement dose.