Dog Medicine
"Dog Medicine is only a good idea if under the advice of a veterinarian or according to the label of the drug."
If you have a specific question regarding your dog and dog medicine use our ask a veterinarian service.
Common Dog Medications for Home Use
Dog Home Analgesics and Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
Dog Pain Medication
Aspirin (coated and/or buffered) - 5mg per pound orally every 12 hours. Works out to 1 adult tablet/60lbs with food,2-3 times/day. If it isn't helping, see your veterinarian. Most pet stores sell aspirin made for dogs or buy it online from Amazon.com.Side Effects: Possible side effects include vomiting and diarrhea. If you see either side effect do not use and call your veterinarian.
Precautions: Do not use if your dog is allergic to aspirin or or other NSAIDs. If symptoms last more than 3 days, stop use and call your veterinarian.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)-NEVER give your dog Tylenol/acetaminophen since it is toxic to the liver.
Ibuprofen (Nuprin, Motrin, Advil): Ibuprofen is very toxic and fatal to dogs at low doses such as 1 human tablet. Only aspirin is safe for dogs, and buffered aspirin or ascriptin is preferred to minimize stomach upset. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen when prescribed under the direction of a veterinarian for dogs is in minuscule dosages (Acetaminophen at 15 mg/kg and Ibuprofen at 10 mg/kg to avoid liver and kidney damage. For more information follow this think to a study on dogs and ibuprofen.
Dog Antiseptic:
Betadine Solution - Apply on skin - dilute to .2 percent (2 ml to 2 quarts of tap water)Dog Antihistamine
Benedryl (diphenhydramine) - 2 mg per pound orally every eight hoursSide Effects: The side effects of hydroxyzine may include sleepiness and sedation, lack of coordination, weakness, nausea and heightened thirst.
Precautions: Do not use if your dog is allergic other antihistamines. Use with caution in dogs with heart disease, glaucoma, urinary obstruction or intestinal obstruction. Do not use in pregnant or nursing dogs . Seek the advice of a veterinarian if using with with other CNS depressant drugs such as acepromazine; monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegilene and Preventic collars; anticholinergics such as atropine and metoclopramide; and medications used for wheezing such as theophylline, epinephrine or ephedrine.
Antacid/Laxative:
Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hyroxide) - 2 to 5 ml per pound orally every 4 to 6 hours (antacid) or 7 to 25 ml. per pound orally once only (laxative)Mineral Oil - 10 to 50 ml. per dog, add to food
How to make a Dog Vomit
Only make your dog vomit if what was swallowed is not caustic (acidic) or sharp (i.e.tennis ball, chocolate) and if swallowed within a half hour.Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) - 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds orally, may repeat every 15 to 30 minutes (3 times only). 1/4 to 1/2 cup depending on size of dog.
Dog Diarrhea Treatment Medicine
It's best to check a stool sample for parasites first. If there is no vomiting, try a bland diet of broiled or boiled hamburger or chicken and rice for a few days. You can also use kaopectate, peptobismal, and on large dogs, Imodium (2mg/60-80lbs). If there is vomiting or blood in the stool, it's better to take your dog to the veterinarian.Kaopectate - to 1 ml per pound (or 1 to 2 teaspoons per 10 pounds) every 4 hours
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) - .5 to 1.5 ml per pound orally every 12 hours
Canine Home Cough Remedies - Supressants and Expectorants
Expectorant (to help with mucus):Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough Syrup - 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds orally every 4 hours as needed. Check the label to make sure the medicine does not contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Look for products containing Guaifenesin and/or DextromethorphanCough Suppressant:
Robitussin Dm, Benylin Expectorant (destromethorphan) or Siltussin DM (Silarx) - Look for products containing Guaifenesin (100mg) and Dextromethorphan. While these products are not approved for veterinary use by the FDA they are common practice in the veterinary community.
Dosage:(10mg) per teaspoonful..5 to 1 mg per pound (or 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds) orally every 6 hours. The dose for Robitussin DM in small dogs is 1/2 teaspoon every 4 hours. The usual dose in large dogs is 1 teaspoonful every 4 hours.
Side effects:Number 1 side effect is sleepiness. If your dog shows other symptoms such as dry heaves and shows changes in behavior such as lethargic behavior, take your dog to the Emergency Room or veterinarian as soon as possible.
Precautions:Do not use these products with an MAO inhibitor such as Anipryl (selegiline) or Preventic Tick Collar.
Motion Sickness Dog Medicine
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) - 2 to 4 mg per pound orally every eight hours
Poison Removal
Charcoal (compressed activated charcoal) - 1.5 gm tablet per 10 pounds, keep at least 30 tablets available.
Dog Vomit Treatment
Dog vomit can be due to parasites, infectious diseases, foreign bodies, tumors and inflammation. The most common reason is when a foreign body or something else that shouldn't have been eaten is digested. If vomiting is occasional and the dog is acting normally, try no food for 24 hours and only small amounts of water at a time or an ice cube.
You can also try Kaopectate or Pepto bismal at 1 Tbsp/30 lbs 3-4 times. If the vomiting continues, see your veterinarian.
Natural Dog Medicine
Herbal supplements can have a positive impact on your dog's health without the side effects of prescription or over the counter dog medicine. They work by combining natural ingredients which are known to support the body's natural defenses against many canine diseases and conditions. This approach can work with specific therapies prescribed by a veterinarian to accelerate healing and then to maintain good health after prescription approaches are completed.
Some ailments that could benefit from homeopathic support include:
Digestive System Problems
Constipation
Cough
Arthritis, Rheumatism and Degenerative Joint Disease
Skin and Coat
Sinus Conditions
Herbal Supplements, such as the products available from Pet Alive are safe and have few side effects if any. Click the above link to learn more.
Sources for Dog Medicine
Canine First Aid WorkshopAugust 8, 1999, Standish, Maine
Presented by VMD Eve Knowles
The Hound Health Book
Betsy Brevitz, DVM
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