BUFFALO, N.Y.-  Buoy, a three-year-old labrador retriever, died in 2013 of kidney failure. The cause was the pain medication he was given after surgery.

What You Need To Know

  • Buoy's Law went into effect in June

  • It stems from the 2013 death of a New York dog after mediciation caused his kidneys to fail

  • Buoy's Law ensures you get side effect information from your vet if your pet is prescribed medication 

That prompted a lot of lobbying and pleading with state lawmakers to pass what’s called Buoy’s Law. What does that entail? 

Putting it simply, Buoy’s Law now requires all vets to provide pet owners with information about medication before prescribing or dispensing it. This can be either face to face, or via print/email.

It went into effect in June. It was passed two years ago, however. There are a couple of catch-22s to the law. Vets have been concerned that getting all the medication info together and then chatting with pet owners will take up already limited time. Some have found ways to streamline this process.

The other concern is pet owners will refuse medication based on side effects. That, of course, could lead to their fur baby not getting the care they need. Tim Atkinson, executive director of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, has some advice.

“The vast majority of side effects might be some gastrointestinal trouble, you know, upset, which we experienced," Atkinson said. "So, you know, the dog might have a little diarrhea, nothing really life-threatening, even those are rare.”

He goes on to say that if you are ever concerned, don’t hesitate to call your vet. But he adds that what happened to Buoy is very uncommon.

Like across the health care system for humans, there is a shortage of veterinarians. Atkinson asks for your patience and kindness, especially in emergency situations.