Dog Friendly Household Medications for Pets Chart: A Guide to Over-the-Counter Choices

When choosing over-the-counter (OTC) medications for your furry friend, it's essential to select options that are safe for them to ingest.

Some common household medications that are dog-friendly include Benadryl, which can be used to treat itching and hives.

Ibuprofen, found in medications like Advil and Motrin, is not recommended for dogs, but acetaminophen, found in Tylenol, can be used in small doses to treat pain and fever.

Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication, as they can provide guidance on the proper dosage and potential interactions with other medications.

The FDA has approved several medications for use in dogs, specifically to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. These medications include Carprofen (Rimadyl, Vetprofen), Deracoxib (Deramaxx), Firocoxib (Previcox), and others.

Carprofen, Deracoxib, and Firocoxib are commonly prescribed to dogs suffering from chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis or to help control pain after surgery. These medications can be used in conjunction with joint supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to reduce the dose of the prescribed NSAID.

Some important notes to keep in mind: Meloxicam is approved for use in both dogs and cats, but only as an injectable or oral medication for dogs, and as an injectable only for cats. Robenacoxib is approved for use in both dogs and cats, but only for a maximum of 3 days after soft tissue surgery.

Here is a list of FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs:

Carprofen, Deracoxib, Firocoxib, Grapiprant, and Meloxicam are FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs.

These medications are often prescribed to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis or to help control pain after surgery.

Deracoxib, Firocoxib, and Meloxicam are available in different brand and generic names.

Carprofen and Meloxicam are approved for use in dogs only, while Meloxicam is also approved for use in cats.

The dosage of NSAIDs in dogs can be adjusted by veterinarians to reduce the risk of injury, especially in dogs with pre-existing liver and kidney disease.

Some common joint supplement ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which can be used in combination with NSAIDs to help manage arthritis.

Here are some FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs:

Always ask your veterinarian before giving your dog any human medication, as NSAIDs can be toxic to dogs, even if they are safe for humans.

If your veterinarian recommends it, you can give your dog an antacid to help with GI issues. Antacids like famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are commonly used for GI ulceration and preventing it while on steroids.

Famotidine and omeprazole are the antacids most often recommended by veterinarians. Studies are being conducted to evaluate the long-term side effects of these medications.

Your veterinarian will only recommend antacids if they're necessary for your dog's specific health needs.

Over-the-counter (OTC) options can be a convenient way to treat minor issues in your furry friend. Neosporin, a common OTC antibiotic ointment, can be used to treat minor scrapes and cuts.

However, be aware that your dog may lick the ointment off, which can delay healing and increase the chance of a secondary infection. Take precautions to prevent this.

Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are also available OTC and can be used to treat allergies in dogs. But, don't give Benadryl to pregnant dogs, dogs with low blood pressure, or dogs with glaucoma without consulting your vet first.

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that has been shown to relieve neuropathic pain in animals.

Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for back injuries, often in combination with an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxer. This combination can be very effective in managing pain and promoting recovery.

Gabapentin may also be prescribed for dogs with kidney or liver issues who can't take NSAIDs, providing an alternative pain relief option for these animals.

Antihistamines are some of the most commonly prescribed OTC allergy medications for dogs, but it's essential to talk to your vet before giving any allergy medications to your dog.

Always read the ingredient list, as some products may contain Tylenol.

You should not give diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to dogs that are pregnant or have low blood pressure or glaucoma without talking to your vet.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) can cause vomiting, hypersalivation (drooling), and sedation in some dogs.

Do not give cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) to dogs with liver and kidney disease without talking to your vet.

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You can use Neosporin, a common OTC antibiotic ointment, to treat minor scrapes and cuts on your dog, but be sure to prevent them from licking the ointment off.

Neosporin can delay healing and increase the chance of a secondary infection if your dog licks it off.

An antiseptic spray like Vetricyn may be a better option for some dogs, as they may tolerate it better than a thick ointment.

However, wounds that show signs of infection, such as redness or swelling, need oral antibiotics, not just topical treatments.

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Don't reach for your own medication cabinet to help your furry friend feel better. Medications meant for humans can be toxic to dogs and cats.

The fact is, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are commonly used in people but can be harmful to pets. Even if you have a medication that worked for your other dog, it's not guaranteed to be safe for your current pet.

Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication, as they can recommend the best course of action and prescribe a safe and effective treatment.

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Don't give your dog human pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications can cause stomach bleeding, kidney failure, and liver failure in dogs.

It's true that some medications are safe for both humans and dogs, but the dosing is usually different, and the form of the medication can be toxic to pets. A human's metabolism is also much different than a dog's, making some medications that are safe for people potentially fatal for dogs.

Some common over-the-counter human pain relievers that are toxic to dogs include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). Never give your dog these medications without consulting your vet first.

If you're unsure about what medication to give your dog, always check with your veterinarian. They can advise you on the best course of action and help you choose a safe and effective pain reliever for your pet.

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If your vet has determined that your dog needs additional pain relief, there are other options available.

Tramadol is a common pain medication prescribed for dogs, often used to manage moderate to severe pain.

Amantadine can also be prescribed to help manage pain, as well as other conditions such as arthritis.

Your vet may also recommend Librela, a pain medication specifically designed for dogs.

Here are some common pain medications for dogs that your vet may prescribe: