Human Medications that are Safe and Effective for Dogs and Cats

1. Gravol (dimenhydrinate). It can help for vomiting dogs and cats- I found it to help many a dog with car sickness. The dog and cat dose is 12.5mg/10lbs twice a day. That equates to 1/4 of a 50mg tablet.

2. Clear Eyes ( topical eye medication). The active ingredient is napthazoline, and it has been shown to be safe, and often effective for animals with conjunctivitis (red eyes). Apply 2 drops 4 times/day for 5-7 days

3. Pepcid (Famotidine). This antacid works especially well for nauseous cats, and dogs with acid reflux. We often used this for cats with Kidney Disease. The dose is 2.5mg/10lbs twice a day, or 1/4 of a 10mg tablet.

4. Canesten/Monistat. These yeast medications for people can work very well for our animals that get Ear infections. Most dog ear infections are caused by yeast. If your dog has black waxy discharge from the ear, then it is likely a yeast ear infection. Get the cream, apply 1/4 inch into the ear twice day for 7-10 days. Cats often have patchy areas of hair loss from ringworm. This is a fungus and Canesten works well topically. Appy twice a day for 21 days.

5. Cortisone Cream. The topical steroid creams for people can often help soothe inflamed/irritated skin. In most cases it means using a 1% corticosteroid, which can be applied twice a day for 14 days to the red, inflamed area. Can be used for dog Hot Spots.

6. Reactine (Ceterazine), Antihistamine. This is a newer generation antihistamine which lasts much longer, and is often more effective than the older antihistamines ( ie Benadryl). It is safe to use on dogs and cats. It works well for allergies, and acute itching ( ie hives). The dog and cat dose is 5mg/10lbs given once a day, meaning 1/2 of a 10mg tablet once daily to a 10lb dog or cat.

7. Chlorhexidine anti-septic flush. This is the anti-septic scrub that is used in surgery, doing a great job of removing bacteria from the skin. Bite wounds/infections are so common, and the most important thing to first do is flush the wound well with an antiseptic. Chlorexidine can often prevent this from turning into an abscess. Flush 2-4 times/day for 3-5 days. I use the brand Stanhexidine.

8.  Aspirin. This OTC Human Medication is FOR DOGS ONLY. If your dog is in acute pain, and NOT on any other pain meds, or a steroid pill, then you can consider using ASA (Aspirin). The Dog Aspirin dose is 325mg (1 regular strength tab) per 40lbs twice daily. NONE of the anti-inflammatories can EVER be given to CATS.