OTC MEDICINES SAFE FOR DOGS

DRUGS AND OTHER ITEMS THAT CAN BE GIVEN SAFELY TO DOGS. If its not on the list DO NOT GIVE IT!

Antibiotic ointments- treatment for small wounds, minor infections and bites. Always clean the area well with soap and water first.

Antibacterial Soap - can be used to clean any wound or injury.

BENADRYL - great for allergic reactions, insect stings, severe itching.

Give twice daily.

Weight        Dosage

12 lbs         12 milligrams (pediatric dose)

25 lbs          1 tablet (adult dose)

50 lbs          2 tablets (adult dose)

BUFFERED ASPRIN - use for pain relief or for the anti-inflammatory effects.

Give once or twice daily with food.

    Weight                  Dosage

less than 10 lbs      1/2 baby asprin

10-30 lbs                   1 baby asprin

30-50 lbs                1/2 regular asprin

50-100 lbs                 1 regular asprin

100 + lbs                  2 regular asprin

Canned Plain Pumpkin - can also be used to combat constipation in dogs - give 1 tablespoon twice a day until the problem is relieved.

Digel - Liquid form can be give to help with gas and as an antacid - give up to 4 tablespoons 3 times a day.

DRAMAMINE - Used to combat motion sickness. Note: This will make your dog very drowsy.  Also you can not use this product when shipping a dog via airlines.

Give this product 1/2 hour before travel.

Weight                Dosage

small                 12.5 milligrams

medium             25 milligrams

large                  50 milligrams

EPINEPHRINE - This is given to treat severe allergic reactions that cause anaphalaxis.   Use this as a last resort. Try using the benadryl first. This must be given very carefully as it elevates heart levels and if given in overdose can be very dangerous. I would consult a vet when giving Epinephrine - give 1/4 - 1/2 or less cc injected intramuscularly.

GAS-X - Give to dogs to help relieve excess gas and flatulence. Can also be given to help prevent bloat. Dogs suspected to have bloat should be given 2 doses immediately before transport to emergency clinic.

Weight                 Dosage

small                   1/4 adult dosage

medium               1/2 adult dosage

large                    1 adult dosage

Ginger - can also be used to combact motion sickness in dogs and is more gentle and natural.

Gulcosamine - used to treat joint pain associated with arthritis. This is for long term treatment.

Weight                  Dosage

Under 25 lbs         500 milligrams

25-50 lbs               1000 milligrams

over 50 lbs            1500 milligrams

Hydrocortisone - helps to relieve itchy, raw or irritated skin. It is given topically to help reduce itiching from hives, hot spots, and insect bites and stings. Apply a small amout up to two times daily.

Hydrogen Peroxide - in dogs this is like Ipecac. Use it to induce vomiting after accidental injestion - 10 ccs by mouth every 15 minutes until desired effect is produced.

KAOPECTATE or IMMODIUM - used to stop diarrhea. This is used instead of Pepto due to it containing aspirn which can cause stomach problems - give 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight every 4-6 hours for 24 hours until diarrhea stops. Note: can cause the stools to become dark in color. This is normal.

Mineral Oil- can be used to combat constipation in dogs - give up to 4 tablespoons daily until condition is reversed.

Nasal Sprays - Saline and pediatric nasal sprays can be given to alleviate nasal driness and congestion. No other type should be given unless recomended by your vet.

Tagament/ Pepcid AD/ ZANTAC

Used to relieve excessive stomach acid or to keep dogs on long term meds from developing ulcers.

Give once or twice daily

Weight                Dosage

small                    1/4 tablet

medium               1/2 tablet

large                    1 tablet