My dog was recently diagnosed with a health condition that required medication for treatment. His veterinarian prescribed an antibiotic, a steroid, and a drug to suppress his immune system. I received no written information about any of the medications. The vet told me my dog would experience increased thirst and urination. But I received no other information about potential medical side-effects.

My dog had been taking his medications for two days when he suddenly leaped from the couch and attacked my 3-year-old son who was walking nearby. My son’s injuries required a trip to the emergency room and plastic surgery. He was emotionally traumatized by the attack.

A friend later asked if my dog’s sudden aggression could be linked to any of the medication that I’d given him recently. That’s when the lightbulb went off in my head. I remembered that one of the drugs was a steroid -- Prednisone. I did some research and discovered that “sudden aggression” was a common side-effect. I was stunned.

Had I been informed about this dangerous behavioral side-effect of the medication, I would have asked the veterinarian for an alternative. I also could’ve taken steps to keep the kids away from the dog while he was on the medication. What I didn’t know caused me to put my own family at risk.

I believe that every pet owner should be fully informed of any potential side-effects or interactions of a medication on their pet.

Please sign my petition and tell Congress to mandate FULL WRITTEN INFORMATION about pet medication to pet owners today.