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Dogs and Over the counter medication & supplements

DISCLAIMER - The following information is offered for general information purposes only. It is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional veterinary care. The reader should always consult their vet for a diagnosis and to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.

WARNING: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) are toxic to both cats and dogs, even in small doses.  Pepto Bismol can also be highly toxic in cats.

Here is a list of over-the-counter medications that can be safely used for your pet.  Please read everything before administering an OTC medication to your pet.  If it is not on this list -- do not give it!

KAOPECTATE/IMODIUM (loperamide):
Can be given to some dogs and cats for diarrhea.  WARNING: Certain dog breads related to Collies may have adverse reactions to Imodium (loperamide/ivermectin).  Do not give this medicine to Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds and Long-haired Whippets. See this site for more detailed information.  (Thanks to Ken Brookner for this correction.)

For those animals for which this medicine is appropriate give 1 teaspoon for every 20 pounds.  This dosage can be repeated every 4-6 hours for 24 hours, or until symptoms begin to resolve.

PEPTO-BISMOL:
Can be administered to dogs (never cats!) with upset stomach or vomiting.  Give one teaspoon per 20 pounds of weight every 4-6 hours for 24 hours, or until symptoms begin to resolve. I would only use this if it is all you have to get the dog to a vet.

BENADRYL(Diphenhydramine):
Benadryl is an antihistamine that helps relieve swellings and itching from allergic reactions and is used long-term to treat allergies.  The dose is one milligram for every pound given twice daily.  (Although safe to use, Benadryl is not very effective in cats, and other antihistamines are more commonly prescribed.)

ASPIRIN:
Can be given short term to dogs (never cats!) to help relieve inflammation and pain.  Buffered Aspirin (Bufferin) is easier on the stomach but regular (non-coated) aspirin can also be used.  Aspirin may be given once or twice a day.  Always give aspirin with food.

Aspirin has potent blood thinning properties, and continued usage may be dangerous in some animals. For long term pain relief there are safer veterinary-specific alternatives.

DRAMAMINE (Dimenhydrinate):
Dramamine is an antihistamine that works well at preventing motion sickness in both cats and dogs.  This drug works best if given at least ½ hour prior to travel.  

TAGAMET (Cimetidine)/PEPCID-AC/ZANTAC:
Reduces the amount of stomach acids and can be dispensed to dogs and cats suffering from ulcers, acid reflux or belly ache. Sometimes they are used to prevent ulcers in animals taking other medications. These medications are given once to twice daily. It's best to discuss the exact dosage with your veterinarian.

HYDROCORTISONE:
Can help to relieve itchy, raw or irritated skin. It can be used topically to reduce itching from hives, hot spots, and insect bites and stings. Apply a small amount up to two times daily.

GAS medication (Simethicone):
Simethicone is used in dogs to help with unusual flatulence or gas discomfort. Any dog suspected of BLOAT should get 2 doses immediately before transport to the Emergency Clinic. SOme brands have added ingredients. Check the label. 

Gas can be very painful for dogs. If you find your dog is just gassy a lot you can give a supplement called Digest-All. I have used it for many years and it is a wonderful product.

GLUCOSAMINE:
Glucosamine (and glucosamine in combination with chondroitin sulfate) is used to treat joint pain associated with athritis. This is a long term treatment whose effects may not be immediately noticeable.

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENTS:
Are helpful in the treatment of small wounds, bites or minor infections.  Always thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water first.

ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP:
Can be use to clean any wound or injury.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE:
1 - 10 teaspoons given orally will induce vomiting.  (See toxicities.)  Hydrogen peroxide is not as effective to clean wounds as antibacterial soap and water.

NASAL SPRAYS:
Saline nasal spray and pediatric nasal sprays (Little Noses) can be given in kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs to alleviate dryness and nasal congestion associated with a cold.  No other type of OTC nasal medication should be used unless prescribed by your veterinarian.

Bailley's Blog - Bailley was diagnosed with Cushing's in November of 2014. We lost Bailley 8/15/17

This is a record of our journey and how I chose to treat her. It is my hope others will find comfort and answers.

 BAILLEY'S BLOG

Tian Mi Shih Tzu uses Pet Oasis Water Stands with Lixit bottles