There are some medicines for people that are safe for use on your pets, believe it or not.
Your dogs may benefit from some of the same medicines you do! Here is a list of some common stuff in your medicine cabinet that may be useful for your pups. It is always best to check with your vet before giving your pet ANY human medicine.
PLEASE NOTE: This list is not intended to diagnose problems or be a substitute for proper veterinary care. If your pet has a serious health issue, please call your vet immediately.
- Anbesol: Can be used up to twice a day on your dog for mouth pain. Do not use for more than two days without contacting your vet!
- Benadryl: Give one milligram per pound — a 50 pound dog can get 50 milligrams of Benadryl every six to eight hours for allergies.
- Calamine lotion: Paint on itchy/sore areas for relief.
- Cortaid/hydrocortisone cream: Apply up to twice per day to itchy areas.
- Dramamine: Give two milligrams per pound — a 50 pound dog can get 100 milligrams of Dramamine for carsickness. Do not give more than three times per day.
- Metamucil: Mix powder into food. Use one teaspoon for every 20 pounds of dog. A 50 pound dog can get two and a half teaspoons.
- Neosporin/antibiotic ointment: Can be used up to four times daily on wounds to help prevent infection.
- Pedialyte/Gatorade: Dilute with equal amounts of water for treating dehydration.
- Vicks VapoRub: Dab onto your dog’s chin to help ease breathing.
Please keep in mind that if you are planning to treat any of your dog’s problems with human medicine, you should give your veterinarian’s office a quick call first. Double check your pet’s weight so you can give the appropriate dose, and ask about interactions with any medicines your pet may already be taking.
If you need to chop a human-sized pill into dog-sized doses, you can try a pill cutter (available at your local drug store) or crush the pill into powder and divide it that way. Powder form may be easier, as you can sprinkle the dose onto a treat and watch it disappear without much struggle!