Over the Counter Medications For Dogs
First and foremost, all over the counter medications should be given to dogs only under the guidance of your veterinarian. There are often conditions that may resemble others and giving OTC meds formulated for human use may not be the most appropriate treatment (ie giving cough syrup assming it is a cold while the cough is due to an underlying heart condition).
In some cases, the use of OTC may do more harm than good and there are several circumstances where they may even be harmful. For instance, dogs with kidney or liver disease must be dosed very carefully or even refained from giving any OTC medications.
As with any medication there are always chances of side effects and complications. Also it is important to not forget that dogs often need pain as a reminder of their injury. For instance, when limping dogs are given aspirin to relieve pain, they may feel better and become hyperactive only to put further strain on the leg and thus, get worse once the aspirin effect vanishes. A dog with pain instead will try to rest more and not put weight on the leg and may recover faster.
Here are some common OTC meds used in Veterinary Care for Dogs: (do not use for cats!)
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-Buffered Aspirin (acetylsalicyc Acid)
Function: Fever reducer, pain reliever
Dosage: 5 mg per pound
*Should be given with food to prevent stomach upset and for no more than once a day, for no more than 2 days
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-Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Function: for allergic reactions, itching and as a sedative
Dosage: 1-2 mg per pound
*Only plain Benadryl should be used every 12 hours. In some cases, the sedative action is not observed and dogs may get anxious and restless instead.
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-Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)
Function: For motion sickness
Dosage: 2-4 mg per pound
*Only plain Dramamine must be used, lower dosage is often suggested to try first to see how dog responds.
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- 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Function: to induce vomiting
Dosage: 1 teaspoon every 10 pounds
* Follow vets advice as some chemicals ingested are more harmful if brought up again, administration can only be repeated twice at 15 minute intervals. Walking the dog after may help induce vomiting.
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-Metamucil
Function: Relieves Constipation
Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs, 1 teaspoon for medium dogs, 2 teaspoons for large dogs
* Always add to some moist food as it may difficult to swallow
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-Mineral Oil
Function: Laxative
Dosage: 5 ml per 20 pounds
* Mix with food, never give without food as this may cause aspiration pneumonia. Do not give more than twice daily for 2-3 days as it interefers with nutrient absorption.
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-Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)
Function: For Diarrhea
Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds every 6 hours
* Contains salicylates, use caution in pets sensitive to aspirin.
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-Pepcid AC
Function: anti-acid, anti-ulcer
Dosage:0.25-0.5 per pound every 12 to 24 hours
*May interact with digoxin and ketoconazole.
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-Robittussin DM
Function: cough suppressant
Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds
*Usually given every 6 hours
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Disclaimer:the above dosages are for reference only and should not be administered without the guidance of a veterinarian. The reader assumes full responsability.