For a number of reasons, it is always preferable to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter drugs.
You must first determine the proper dose to deliver because there are differences between the doses for humans and canines. In order to prevent any negative outcomes, your veterinarian should check your dog’s medical history. Drug combinations can be harmful. Third, many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs should not be used on canines. Making the assumption that a medicine is safe for your dog simply because you can buy it over-the-counter might have harmful implications.
Antihistamines. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin), which reduce allergy symptoms or prevent allergic responses. Antihistamines are mostly safe, however some dogs may become drowsy or hyperactive when taking them. OTC antihistamine medications could also have unsuitable components for dogs, including decongestants. Verify that the product solely includes antihistamine by carefully reading the label. Make sure the antihistamine you have is appropriate for your dog by consulting the medical staff at your local animal hospital.
Antidiarrheals/Antinauseants. For stomach problems, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is frequently stored in medicine cabinets and can be given to your dog. Consult your veterinarian healthcare team before administering if your dog has never taken it before. To treat both diarrhea and vomiting, a dose of 1 teaspoon for every 5 to 10 pounds of body weight may be used. However, contact your veterinarian if your dog throws up the Pepto-Bismol. Another anti-diarrheal that calms unsettled stomachs and is normally harmless is kaopectate. A large dog, however, requires a lot of Kaopectate at a dose of 1 ml per pound. You can get a dog-specific medicine from your vet.
Loperamide (Imodium). If given to your dog at a dose of 1 mg per 20 pounds of body weight, it should be safe to treat diarrhea in an emergency. Give just one dosage. Contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea does not stop. The condition can only be effectively treated if the cause of the diarrhea is correctly identified.
Cimetidine plus famotidine (Pepcid AC) (Tagamet). These drugs can be used to treat or prevent heartburn in humans, and they also function in canines. These drugs can improve a dog’s condition by reducing the generation of stomach acids. For dietary transgressions, it is acceptable to use them sometimes; nevertheless, if your dog continues to experience gastrointestinal problems, consult your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.
creams, gels, and sprays containing steroids OTC steroid formulations are often quite safe and have a lower percentage of active components than prescription steroids. They have the advantage of making hot areas and bug bites less itchy. Steroids have the drawback of delaying healing, particularly if the incision is infected. Have your dog’s wound examined by your veterinarian if it still doesn’t appear to be healing after a few applications.
antibacterial topical cream. A typical topical antibiotic used on minor wounds and scrapes is neosporin. Every first aid kit should contain this ointment because it is generally safe for dogs. Check to be sure the cream only contains antibiotics and not steroids, which can actually slow healing. Before administering the antibiotic ointment, make sure your dog’s wound is clean. Cover the wound to prevent your dog from licking the lotion off.
Sprays, gels, and creams that are anti-fungal. The majority of fungal infections are too complex to be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, but you can use them while you wait to take your dog to the vet. It’s crucial to rapidly and successfully treat these diseases since some fungal infections can spread from pets to people.
Peroxygenated water. If your dog consumes something he shouldn’t have, hydrogen peroxide can be administered orally to cause vomiting in addition to being applied topically to wipe out a superficial flesh lesion (i.e., your medications, rodenticides, toxic plants). However, vomiting can do more harm than good, so speak with your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital PRIOR to giving your dog an oral dose of hydrogen peroxide to find out how much to give.
a mineral oil There are several applications for this generally safe liquid. To prevent soap stinging your dog’s eyes, put a few drops in his eyes before bathing him.
synthetic tears Your dog may have dry eyes or may have some dust or debris in his eyes if he blinks or squints too much. The smallest speck in your eye or dry eyes can irritate you. Sometimes all that is required to clean junk out is a tiny amount of lubricating eye drops. Take your dog to the vet straight soon, though, if he continues to blink or squint. He might need to have a foreign body removed, have a scratch on his cornea, or have an eye infection. Contact your veterinarian right away if you observe a discharge or if your dog’s eyes appear red or inflamed. A prompt treatment helps ease your dog’s discomfort and could perhaps save permanent visual loss.
How can I treat my dog’s motion sickness with medication?
Panting, drooling, trembling, swallowing, restlessness, lip-licking, retching, vomiting, and anxiety are signs of pet sickness. Behaviorally, sick animals may display signs of worry, anxiety, uneasiness, vocalization, and/or hyperactivity.
It is typically advisable to limit your pet’s diet for 12 to 24 hours following the last episode of vomiting when pets experience nausea and/or vomiting from any of the aforementioned causes, depending on the precise cause of the vomiting. Small amounts of water and subsequently a bland diet can be resumed if enough time has passed. When reintroducing solid food, homemade hamburger and rice or chicken and rice are both appropriate starter options. Pets who are motion ill can also benefit from commercial veterinarian diets. It is not advised to feed your pet at least two hours before short excursions when traveling with pets. Prior to long journeys, it is preferable to restrict eating for a few hours.
Numerous prescription drugs are frequently prescribed by veterinarians to treat nausea and/or vomiting in animals. Metoclopramide, Cerenia (for dogs), and Famotidine or Pepcid are a few suggested options. The additional benefit of Cerenia is that it helps dogs who are motion ill and experience nausea and vomiting. Among the natural homeopathic medicines for nausea and vomiting are pulsatilla, arsenicum album, and Nux Vomica. Probiotics may aid in reestablishing healthy gut flora, while the plant slippery elm can soothe an inflammatory digestive tract. Fast Balance-G.I. and NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotic are two top-notch products for this. These are suitable for both short- and long-term use. Cocculus, a homeopathic medication, and Easy Travel Solution by Pet Alive are both great for motion nausea. Another wonderful natural calming agent for animals is Be Serene, which is produced from a variety of flower essences.
When traveling, it generally benefits for dogs and cats to stay in cages, carriers, or pet booster seats since these frequently make them feel more safe and less likely to experience unwelcome motion sickness. Pets may be able to view out windows when riding in these vehicles, and they may feel safer overall.
Try to stop frequently on long journeys to lessen your pet’s stress and anxiety. Making frequent stops enables animals to stretch their legs, consume food and/or water, and go for walks outside so they can relieve themselves. One can also provide cats with access to a litter box during rest stops.
Keep the door open if this is your pet’s first time using a crate so they may explore it and become used to it.
What can I feed my dog at home to relieve nausea?
Many individuals find themselves dealing with a dog whose stomach is disturbed, which frequently results in vomiting. Even though many home cures are quite effective, they are frequently not the only option. Here are some of the most effective home cures for your dog’s upset stomach and vomit that have undergone comprehensive testing.
One) Ginger
Due to its anti-spasmodic properties, ginger is one of the finest natural treatments for your dog’s vomiting and upset stomach. It is thought to ameliorate nausea and upset stomach, making your dog feel better. It also functions as a simple-to-digest antacid for your dog.
For at least a week, add a tiny bit of ginger to your dog’s food or water at least three times per day. This will aid in easing the discomfort and motion sickness.
Vinegar made from apple cider
You can add apple cider vinegar to the water that your dog drinks. It can soothe upset tummies and is a wonderful source of carbonation. Use the following formula as a general rule:
Your dog will be able to easily drink it if you add small quantities frequently. Try adding two additional teaspoons of water and re-mixing if your dog vomits after drinking. Make sure the apple cider vinegar is fresh as well. Numerous dogs have proven that these natural cures for dog vomiting and upset stomach are quite effective. To check if they help your dog’s vomiting and upset stomach, buy some of these at pet supply stores or give them a go at home.
I have nausea, can I give Pepto Bismol to my dog?
Although Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is safe to give to the majority of dogs, AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein says he rarely advises it because the medication’s salicylates may cause gastrointestinal bleeding and the bismuth may conceal any ensuing bleeding by turning the stool black. If it must be administered, he advises speaking with your veterinarian first and giving no more than one or two doses. Instead, your vet may advise using the Corrective Suspension bismuth subsalicylate medication designed for dogs. Any form of bismuth subsalicylate should not be administered to dogs with bleeding disorders, those who are pregnant or nursing, or those who are receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Bismuth subsalicylate is hazardous to cats and should never be given to them.
- Dr. Klein advises giving dogs 1 teaspoon of pepto-bismol for every 10 pounds of body weight. The dog can have it every 6 to 8 hours, but if the diarrhea persists after a few doses, stop giving the medication and contact your veterinarian. Additionally, if you’ve never administered Pepto-Bismol to your dog previously, clarify the dosage with your vet.
- Pepto-Bismol administration for dogs: Give your dog the medication using a plastic syringe that is empty (no needle). He should first open his lips, insert the empty syringe below his tongue, push the plunger, and then hold his snout for a brief moment to make sure he swallows it.
Another over-the-counter drug that can be given to dogs to treat diarrhea is Imodium (loperamide). Consult your veterinarian before giving Imodium to your dog if they have any medical issues or are taking any drugs. Before administering this drug to a cat, seek veterinary advice. Cats may react to it.
- Imodium Dosage For Dogs: According to Dr. Klein, a dog can take one 2-milligram pill for every 40 pounds of body weight, two to three times each day. To confirm the dosage, please call your veterinarian. Give this drug to patients for no longer than two days. If the symptoms continue, get veterinarian help.
- Imodium administration for dogs: The GreeniesTM brand of pill pockets or food-wrapped tablets should be given to your dog (like cheese). Use just enough food to cover the pill’s taste in order to avoid further upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Many veterinarians advise Pepcid (famotidine) if your pet has problems with stomach acid buildup, gastric ulcers, or other stomach- or GI-related concerns. Although the FDA has not approved this medicine for use in animals, it is common for veterinarians to suggest its usage in some dogs and cats. If your pet is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical problem, talk to your veterinarian before giving it to them.
- Pepcid Dosage for Dogs: According to Dr. Klein, the dosage for both dogs and cats is one 10-milligram tablet for a 20-pound dog every 12- to 24-hours. Giving this medication an hour before meals is recommended. For confirmation that the dosage is correct for your pet, consult a veterinarian. Make sure to choose Pepcid Original Strength if you decide to buy Pepcid (10 milligram tablets). Pepcid Maximum Strength and Pepcid Complete both include more active components and medication per pill, respectively.
- How to Give Pepcid to Dogs: Giving Pepcid with meals can reduce the medication’s effectiveness. Instead, softly touch your dog’s throat or blow into his nose to encourage swallowing while tilting his head back, placing the pill on the back of his tongue, holding his mouth shut for a brief period of time. Ask your veterinarian for guidance if you have never given medicines to your dog without a treat.
Rice and pumpkin are two meals that can aid dogs with gastrointestinal problems. Find out more about that here.
According to Dr. Klein, he has also recommended probiotics like Pro-Viable or Fortiflora to treat diarrhea. “Results are noticed within 24 hours, he explains, if diarrhea is not severe. Ask your veterinarian where you can buy comparable products.
Emergency First Aid for Dogs
A sudden injury or illness cannot always be prevented, even by the most diligent pet owner. Receiving emergency medical care for your pet could mean the difference between life and death. To find out more about what to do in an emergency, download this e-book.
Can my dog take Dramamine for motion sickness?
Veterinarians may give Dramamine as an antihistamine to help dogs who are experiencing motion sickness and nausea. In reality, it is one of the well-known brand names for the generic drug dimenhydrinate.
The medicine makes the canine feel less lightheaded and queasy by having an effect on the vestibular system. You may need a veterinarian’s prescription to buy some of the drug’s formulations, which come in tablet and liquid form.
Dimenhydrinate vitamins for dogs are simple to get online from Chewy, but you must first speak with your veterinarian before providing them to your dog. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for the right dosage and frequency very closely.
The usage, dosage, and negative effects of Dramamine for dogs are listed here.
Can I give a Zofran tablet to my dog?
An antiemetic called ondansetron (trade names: Zofran, Zuplenz) is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting in canines and felines.
It is “off label” or “extra label” to use it to cure vomiting in cats and dogs. In veterinary medicine, many medications are frequently used for off-label uses. In these situations, carefully adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions and warnings as they may change dramatically from those on the label.
How is ondansetron given?
With or without food, ondansetron is administered orally in the form of a pill or liquid. Give subsequent doses with food or a treat if vomiting occurs when the medication is taken on an empty stomach. It’s important to measure liquids precisely. Make sure your hands are dry before handling any medications that can dissolve.
Gloves must be worn when using the topical gel form of ondansetron, which can also be compounded. In the hospital, it is also injected into a vein, a muscle, or the skin using a liquid injectable.
In about 1 to 2 hours, this medication will start to work, and improvements in clinical indicators should follow.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you recall, but if it is almost time for the next dose, omit the missed dose and take the following one as scheduled. Then, resume your usual dosing schedule. Never administer additional dosages or two doses at once to your pet.
Are there any potential side effects?
Rarely do side effects occur. Constipation, drowsiness, or head shaking are rare adverse effects. Atypical cardiac rhythms and low blood pressure are uncommon but dangerous adverse effects that can result in fainting, collapsing, or extreme lethargy.
The effects of this quick-acting medicine should wear off after 24 hours, though they may last longer in animals with liver or renal illness.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Pets who are allergic to ondansetron shouldn’t be given the medication. In animals suffering from liver disease, certain irregular cardiac rhythms, or gastrointestinal blockage, it should be administered with caution. Given that its safety has not been conclusively shown, ondansetron should be handled with caution in pets that are either pregnant or nursing.
Collies, sheepdogs, and collie- or sheepdog-cross breeds are a few dog breeds that are more sensitive to medication than others. This is often caused by a certain genetic mutation (MDR1) that reduces their tolerance for large dosages of a particular medicine. Ondansetron should be administered with caution in these situations.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Apomorphine, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, some cardiac medications, serotonergic pharmaceuticals, or tramadol should all be administered with caution when combined with ondansetron.
Tell your vet about any medications your pet is receiving, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal treatments.
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
While your pet is receiving this medication, no special monitoring is necessary. To ensure that the drug is having the desired effect, your veterinarian may check on your pet.
What should I do in case of emergency?
Call your veterinarian’s office right away if you think your pet may have taken too much medication or is having an unfavorable reaction to it. Follow their instructions for contacting an emergency facility if they are not readily available.
