15 Human Medications that are Generally Safe for Dogs
Advertisement

15 Human Medications That are Generally Safe for Dogs

blog, medications / By
15 human medications that are generally safe for dogs petrage

As Recommended by Leading Veterinary Websites

One winter, we were on a vacation in a remote part of Virginia. We brought two of our boxers, Sparks and Storm. When we arrived at our rural destination, we went out for a hike with the dogs. Upon returning, we noticed that Sparks seemed to be having an allergic reaction to something and her tongue began to swell. It was Sunday, and there was no vet in the small town nearby. We went to the grocery store and bought some Benadryl. Fortunately, about an hour after giving Sparks the medication-the swelling went down, and she was fine. With that thought in mind, it’s always good to know which human medications are generally safe for dogs and the dosage. In an emergency situation, it might be a matter of life and death!

Can I give my dog over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve)?

No, you should not give your dog over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen. These pain relievers can cause stomach bleeding, kidney failure, liver failure and other adverse effects-they should NOT be given to dogs.

15 Human Medications That are Generally Safe for Dogs

The link below each of the medications listed will open in a new window and take you to a more in-depth explanation.

1

Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

is a medication used to treat allergic reactions in dogs. It has been tested and is considered safe for dogs. The general dosage for allergy symptoms is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours. It can also be used as first aid treatment for insect stings.

Learn More
2

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol)

used to reduce constipation ; A common dosage is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg/pound once or twice a day.

Small dogs (>24 lbs.) – 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon every 12 hours (2x per day)
Medium sized dogs (25-60 lbs.) – ¼ to ½ teaspoon every 12 hours (2x per day)
Large dogs (<60 lbs.)– ½ to ¾ teaspoon every 12 hours (2x per daily)

Miralax side effects in dogs are rare, but they may include nausea, vomiting, and lethargy.

Learn More
3

Neosporin

As a topical antibiotic ointment, apply a small amount two to three times per day until the wound is fully healed – only apply to minor cuts and scrapes. Care should be taken not to let the dog ingest the ointment.

Learn More
4

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)

Sometimes used for car sickness and/or travel anxiety, but is usually recommend by Vets in dogs to prevent or treat mild allergies and reduce nausea and vomiting; general approximate dosage is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times a day as needed.

Learn More
5

Pepcid (Famotidine)

used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers; general approximate dosage is 0.25-0.5 mg/kg, given every 12-24 hours as needed.

Learn More
6

Imodium (Loperamide)

used to treat diarrhea; general approximate dosage is .04 mg per pound (0.08 mg/kg) three to four times daily or 1 capsule (2 mg) per 50 pounds for larger dogs. To avoid the risk of overdose, it’s essential to administer loperamide in liquid form to animals weighing less than 20 pounds (10 kg).

NOTE : Collie breeds may be susceptible to loperamide poisoning as are dogs with an MDR1 drug sensitivity mutation.

Learn More
7

Melatonin

has shown efficacy in improving anxiety, fear, stress, sleep disturbances, and hormone problems in dogs. Make sure the formula does not contain xylitol.

Less than 5 kilograms 1 milligram every 12 to 24 hours
5 to 15 kilograms 1.5 milligrams every 12 to 24 hours
15 to 50 kilograms 3 milligrams every 12 to 24 hours
Over 50 kilograms 5 milligrams every 12 to 24 hours

Learn More
Advertisement
8

Aspirin

is often prescribed by Vets for dogs with osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal inflammation to reduce pain and inflammation, providing relief from symptoms. Short term use only-never give to puppies or cats. The dose for aspirin is approximately 10mg/lb of bodyweight every 12 hours.

Learn More
9

Reglan (Metoclopramide)

used to treat nausea and vomiting; general approximate dosage is 0.1 to 0.2 mg per pound (0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg) every six to eight hours orally

Learn More
10

Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate) or Pepto Bismol

Vomiting and Diarrhea – 0.5 to 1.5 ml per pound per day (1 to 3 ml/kg/day). Do not use if salicylates are listed as an active ingredient. The total daily dose should be divided into multiple doses.

Learn More
11

Zofran (Ondansetron)

is a prescription medication that treats nausea and severe vomiting in dogs. It’s used for various conditions, including parvovirus, chemotherapy-induced nausea in dogs and vestibular disease; general approximate dosage is 0.05 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg) orally every 12 to 24 hours.

Learn More
12

Prednisone

used to treat inflammation and allergies; typical prednisone dose for dogs is 0.5-1 mg/kg/day

Learn More
13

Zantac (Ranitidine)

Is an acid reducer used to treat and prevent stomach inflammation and small intestine ulcers in dogs; 0.25 mg to 1 mg per lb.of body weight (2 mg per kg) once every 8 to 12 hours- a dosage of 5 mg per kg may be more effective at balancing the pH of gastric acid.

Learn More
14

Gas-X (Simethicone)

used to treat gas and bloating; general approximate dosage is 20 mg for small dogs, 40 mg for medium dogs, and 80 mg for large dogs every 6-12 hours

Learn More
15

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)

alleviate symptoms of car sickness/motion sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness; a common dose is  2-4 mg of Dramamine per pound of body weight three times daily.

Learn More

15 Human Medications that are Safe for Dogs – Final Thoughts

Pet owners should always exercise caution when considering giving their dogs human medications. While there are certain medications that can be safe for dogs in small doses, it is important to remember that every dog is different and may react differently to human medicine. Drug interactions, potential side effects, and the correct dosage are all factors that must be considered before administering any medication to a dog. IF POSSIBLE, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for advice on the proper dosage and specific conditions that may require the use of human meds. Additionally, the dog’s weight should also be taken into account, as dosages may vary depending on size. Ultimately, the health and well-being of our furry friends should be our top priority, and seeking veterinary advice is crucial to ensure their safety and proper treatment.

Leave your vote

2.7k Points
Upvote
Advertisement

Related Posts

Ad Blocker Detected!

We are a free website and the only way we can stay that way is to show a few ads.
Support free content. Please turn off your Ad blocker.

Refresh

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

error: Content is protected !!
Scroll to Top