As pet owners, we often treat our canine companions with the same love and care we give to our children. However, it’s crucial to understand that dogs are physiologically different from humans, and medications safe for people may be dangerous, even fatal, for dogs. While veterinarians may sometimes prescribe human medications for dogs, significant differences exist in drug tolerance, potential side effects, dosage ranges, and appropriate applications. Unlike human medications often dosed by age, veterinary medicines are typically calculated based on a dog’s weight. Therefore, never administer any over-the-counter (OTC) human medication to your dog without first consulting your veterinarian. What might seem like a minor inconvenience can lead to serious harm or exacerbate your dog’s existing health issues. Your dog may have unique health conditions that make a medication unsafe, even if it’s generally considered safe for other dogs.
Over-the-Counter Human Medications Potentially Safe for Dogs
In some specific instances, veterinarians may recommend certain OTC human medications for dogs. However, it is never advisable to assume any medication is safe without professional veterinary guidance. Even seemingly benign medications like artificial tears, which have minimal side effects, should be used with caution. Artificial tears can help lubricate a dog’s eyes and dislodge dust particles. However, they are not a cure-all for all eye conditions, and a veterinarian may need to flush foreign material and assess for scratches or ulcers.
Dangers of Human Pain Relievers for Dogs
Pain medications are among the most frequently administered OTC medications by pet parents, and they also pose some of the greatest risks.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol / Excedrin)
Acetaminophen, commonly known by brand names like Tylenol and Excedrin, is a widely used pain reliever. However, in dogs, excessive doses can cause severe liver damage and impair the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen, leading to a condition called methemoglobinemia. Furthermore, OTC acetaminophen for humans is often combined with other medications, such as allergy relievers, which may not be safe for canine consumption.
NSAIDs (Advil / Motrin / Aspirin / Ibuprofen)
While Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently employed in veterinary medicine, human-grade NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Advil, aspirin, and Motrin can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues. These include stomach ulcers, which can manifest as bloody vomit and stool. They also carry the risk of liver and kidney failure, as well as seizures. Administering human NSAIDs before consulting a vet can also hinder your veterinarian’s ability to prescribe more effective pain management options later due to potential increased risks of overdose and fatal side effects.
Veterinary Pain Management Options for Dogs
Veterinarians commonly prescribe canine-specific NSAIDs, gabapentin, and certain opioids like tramadol for pain management in dogs.
NSAIDs Approved for Canine Use
Currently, FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs include carprofen, meloxicam, and firocoxib. These are often prescribed for chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis or for post-surgical pain management. Despite being approved for dogs, these medications are not without risks. Even at prescribed doses, NSAIDs can cause harm to dogs with pre-existing liver or kidney disease. To potentially reduce the required dosage of NSAIDs for arthritis, veterinarians may recommend joint supplements containing ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. Always consult your vet before giving your dog any joint supplement, even those formulated for canines.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is another common pain medication used in veterinary practice. This anticonvulsant has proven effective in alleviating neuropathic pain in animals with minimal adverse effects. It is frequently prescribed for back injuries, often in conjunction with anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants like methocarbamol. Gabapentin is also a viable option for dogs with kidney or liver issues who cannot tolerate NSAIDs.
Opioids in Veterinary Medicine
Opioids are utilized in veterinary medicine to manage a variety of pain conditions. While most opioids are administered in animal hospitals, tramadol and buprenorphine may be prescribed for at-home use. Tramadol is a synthetic opioid often used alongside gabapentin or NSAIDs, while buprenorphine is commonly chosen for dogs suffering from pancreatitis or visceral pain.
Human Allergy Medications for Dogs
Antihistamines are frequently prescribed OTC allergy medications for dogs. However, it is essential to consult your veterinarian before administering any allergy medication. For instance, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) should not be given to pregnant dogs or those with low blood pressure or glaucoma without veterinary approval. While generally safe and well-tolerated, Benadryl can cause drowsiness, and some formulations contain acetaminophen, necessitating a careful review of ingredients. Similarly, cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) should be used with caution in dogs with liver and kidney disease. These medications can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, and sedation in some dogs, although they are generally effective for itching and allergic reactions.
Topical Antibiotics for Dogs
OTC antibiotic ointments like Neosporin can be used for minor scrapes and cuts, but it’s important to prevent your dog from licking the ointment, as this can impede healing and lead to secondary infections. Antiseptic sprays, such as Vetricyn, may be better tolerated by some dogs than thick ointments. For wounds showing signs of infection, such as redness or swelling, oral antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian are necessary.
Human Anti-Nausea and Anti-Vomiting Medications for Dogs
There are no OTC anti-nausea or anti-vomiting medications considered safe for dogs. Administering these medications can mask serious underlying conditions, such as obstructions or severe illnesses, potentially leading to a false sense of improvement while the condition worsens. While Pepto Bismol is not inherently toxic, it can be dangerous if aspirated into a dog’s lungs during vomiting and can interfere with diagnostic X-rays. Therefore, anti-nausea medications should only be administered under veterinary supervision. Medications like Cerenia (a veterinary product) or ondansetron (a human medication) may be prescribed by your vet for relief.
Cough Medications for Dogs
Chronic coughing in dogs is abnormal and requires immediate veterinary attention. Potential causes range from heartworm disease and kennel cough to congestive heart failure, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. Human cough medications should never be given to dogs, as many contain xylitol, a highly toxic artificial sweetener, or other dangerous ingredients like acetaminophen.
Antacids for Dogs
Antacids should only be used when recommended by a veterinarian. Medications such as famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are often prescribed by vets for gastrointestinal ulceration and to prevent ulcers when dogs are on steroid treatment. Long-term side effects of these medications are still under evaluation.
Human Medications for Dog Constipation
Unflavored MiraLAX can be used for short-term or long-term constipation in dogs. However, proper dosage is critical to avoid gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea, so consulting your veterinarian before use is essential.
