BuckBasset: "Safe" Medications For Your Pet

There have been a number of requests asking about "human meds" to be given to dogs. I have gathered some information and added it to one page to make it easier for you to use. Remember, you can help to ease your pet's symptoms with the use of over-the-counter medicines, but it's always a good idea to at least convey to your family veterinarian a plan of action. As with all illnesses, persistent symptoms should warrant a trip to the doctor's office. ** This information has been gathered from various professionally backed web sites as well as from vets that BuckBasset has had contact with. As with ALL medications PLEASE consult your vet before considering administering any of these to your pet! BuckBasset is simply making the information and resources available to you. We are NOT medical professionals!

Most importantly, the list of POISONOUS medications:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrum IB) are toxic to both cats and dogs, even in small doses. Pepto Bismol is also highly toxic when used in treating cats. In general, it's never a good idea to just assume a human medication will be a safe and effective treatment for your pet. Contact your veterinarian before starting any medical therapy, to discuss your options.

Now, the list of "okay" medications. ALWAYS consult your vet before using any medications on your pet!!!

KAOPECTATE: Can be given to dogs and cats (1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds) to help ease vomiting and diarrhea. This dosage can be repeated every four hours or until your pet is resting comfortably.

PEPTO-BISMOL: Can be administered to dogs with stomach problems. Give one teaspoon per twenty pounds of weight every four to six hours. Again, Pepto Bismol should never be given to cats.

ASPIRIN: Can be given to dogs (never cats!) to help relieve inflammation, arthritis pains and general suffering. Buffered Aspirin will be much easier for your dog's system to tolerate, but if you must, regular (non-coated) aspirin can be used with a small amount of food. Give one-quarter of a 325-milligram tablet for every ten pounds of dog, once or twice daily.

DRAMAMINE (or Dimenhydrinate): works well at preventing motion sickness in both cats and dogs. Medium to large dogs can take 25-50 milligrams safely, an hour before traveling. For cats and smaller dogs, give 12.5 milligrams.

TAGAMET (or Cimetidine): Can be dispensed to dogs suffering from ulcer pains or to help reduce the amount of acid irritation in the stomach. It's best to discuss a proper dosage with your veterinarian.

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENTS: Are helpful in the treatment of small wounds, bites or minor infections. Since animals instinctively lick their wounds in an attempt to heal themselves, it's important to bandage the injured area with gauze after applying ointment, and then use clear tape to keep the gauze in place.

BENADRYL(or Diphenhydramine): Helps to relieve allergy suffering. One to three milligrams for every pound of animal is enough to relieve allergic skin irritation and respiratory discomfort.

ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP: Can help to treat ringworm and acne problems. Canine acne generally appears on the chin and cheeks, and can be washed daily with a mild antibacterial soap. Wash ringworm infected areas on dogs and cats with a mild soap twice daily to prevent further spreading and infection.

HYDROCORTISONE: Will help to relieve itchy, raw or irritated skin. It's perfect, applied in light coat directly on the animals skin, for treating hives, hot spots, and insect bites and stings. Apply a small amount up to two times daily.

ALOE VERA: Is a proven method of relieving flu symptoms in cats. Dip towlettes in Aloe Vera and use to moisten and clean mucous deposits from your cat's nose and eyes. (Cats can also be given saline nasal drops-two in each nostril-to help loosen phlegm and encourage healing.)

MOISTURIZER: Will help ease your pet's discomfort when suffering from skin irritations like dandruff. Apply a small dollop of moisturizer to your palms and then spread evenly through the animal's coat, paying special attention to problem areas of itchy, dry, irritated skin.

VAPORIZERS: Much like humans, dogs and cats do suffer colds and flus that leave them just as miserable as you and I during flu season. A vaporizer (positioned in a safe place where curious pets aren't likely to get at it) will help to relieve congestion and the discomfort of kennel cough and asthma symptoms.

GAS-X: Used if you suspect bloat. Call the vet ASAP if symptoms indicate possible bloat!!

PEROXIDE: 1 - 2 capfuls to induce vomiting.

IMODIUM AD - This anti-diarrhea medication is useful in both dogs and cats. It seems to work better with small intestinal diarrhea, and is available in both tablet and liquid form. Check with your veterinarian if your pet could take this drug, and at what dosage.

PEPCID AC- Now available over-the-counter as 10mg tablets, Pepcid AC is a useful drug for vomiting in the dog. Designed as an antacid, Pepcid AC decreases the acid secretion in the stomach, thereby alleviating associated discomfort and nausea.

MELATONIN - Often used for noise phobias (thunderstorms, fireworks, etc.) You may find Melatonin in health food stores, pharmacies, and some supermarkets. When selecting the Melatonin make sure to examine the labels carefully and select a product that contains the proper dosage for dogs. Make sure that it does NOT contain other herbs or nutrients. The usual dosage is 3 mg for a dog that weighs over 30 pounds. In a few cases, very large dogs weighing well over 100 pounds needed 6 mg, but that's unusual. For dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, give 1.5 mg. For a tiny dog, reduce the dosage even further.

Remember, you can help to ease your pet's symptoms with the use of over-the-counter medicines, but it's always a good idea to at least convey to your family veterinarian a plan of action. As with all illnesses, persistent symptoms should warrant a trip to the doctor's office.

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