Going to the vet is expensive, and while we want the best for our pets, we don’t always take them in for a checkup. This may cause you to wonder if human medications or supplements are safe for pets to consume. The answer to that question is complex, so read on to learn more.
Always Consult Your Vet Before Administering Medication
Before you read this article, it’s important to remember that you should never give your dog human or pet medication without first receiving direction from a veterinarian. It is also wrong to assume that any medicine is safe for dogs, even if it contains ingredients that are safe for dogs.
For example, Honest Paws dog-friendly CBD oil is completely safe for dogs to eat, but your dog may need a different amount depending on their size. It’s also good to start slowly for any medication, as your dog might allergic to supplements and may have adverse reactions.
What Over-the-Counter Human Medicines Are Safe for Dogs?
Image Source: Unsplash
While the following advice can help you stay away from dangerous drugs, it should not be used as dog health advice. Talk to your local veterinarian before giving your puppy medications or vitamins.
Can You Give Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine to Dogs?
Of all the over-the-counter human medications given to dogs, pain meds are among the most common and the most dangerous. For this reason, you should not give your pet:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Causes liver damage and impairs blood circulation.
- NSAIDs (Advil): Causes stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and seizures.
It is best to avoid this category if your puppy is sick. Instead, go to the vet and get a dogs and FDA-approved NSAIDS, such as carprofen, deracoxib, and meloxicam. You can also get dog-friendly gabapentin, CBD oil, and opioids from your vet to help with chronic pain.
Can You Give Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine to Dogs?
Benadryl (as long as it doesn’t contain Tylenol), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) are generally well tolerated in dogs if they don’t have kidney or liver problems or are pregnant. However, they can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, and sedation in dogs if they drink too much.
There is no safe human medication that prevents vomiting or nausea, so if your dog’s allergy symptoms are causing these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can You Give Over-the-Counter Topical Medications to Dogs?
Neosporin is safe to use on dogs, but you have to make sure they don’t lick it off. This can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. An antiseptic spray, such as Vetricyn, can also work. However, if your dog shows signs of infection, take them to the vet for an antibiotic.
Can You Give Over-the-Counter Cough Medicine to Dogs?
Because many over-the-counter cough medicines contain xylitol and acetaminophen, ingredients that are toxic to dogs, you should never give them human cough syrup or tablets. If your dog is coughing, it could mean they have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
A cough is a common symptom of:
- Jail cough
- Heartworm disease
- Tracheal collapse
- Congestive heart failure
- Chronic bronchitis
A cough can also be a symptom of many cancers and various heart diseases.
Can You Give Over-the-Counter Antacid Medicine to Dogs?
Only use antacids such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and famotidine (Pepcid) under the direction of your veterinarian. If your dog is also constipated, you can also give them unflavored MiraLAX. With that said, the right dosage is important, or you could make the problem worse.
Can You Give Over-the-Counter Supplements to Dogs?
Never give your dog human vitamins or even over-the-counter dog supplements before talking to your vet. It is very possible that these pills contain doses that are toxic to dogs. If you are concerned about your dog’s nutrition, talk to a veterinarian or buy a high-quality dog food.
Related Posts
- Can CBD Be Safely Given to Dogs?
- Supplements You Should Give Your Pets
- Don’t Give Your Dog These 13 Spices and Seasonings– They’re Poisonous!
