OTC Medications - What is Safe and What is Not!

To a very large degree, a mammal is a mammal.get out? Syrup of ipecac, commonly used to
The anatomy and physiology of dogs and cats isinduce vomiting in children, can also be used to
very similar to humans. It stands to follow thatcreate vomiting in pets in cases of toxic ingestion.
most pharmaceuticals have uses that transcendIn the miscellaneous category, motion sickness
species lines. Almost all medications used incan sometimes be alleviated with Dramamine and
veterinary medicine have counterparts (often thethe antacid magnesium hydroxide is given as an
exact chemical) in human medicine.adjunct to treatment of kidney failure.
But just like humans, not all medications are safeRESPIRATORY
and appropriate for all animals. And just because aOther than antihistamines for cold-like symptoms,
drug can be sold without a prescription does notthe only other respiratory condition commonly
imply that it is without risk or side-effects.treated with OTC medications is a cough.
No medications, even those sold readilyProducts containing dextromethorphan and
over-the-counter, should be given without theguafenesin are safe for use in animals, but like the
expressed permission of a doctor.cold/flu products, cough suppressants often
When conditions arise that are not immediately lifecontain cocktails of ingredients we don't want.
threatening or when there is a less expensiveRead the labels carefully!
alternative to prescription medication, you mayTOPICALS
find a source of therapy right in your ownMany minor injuries such as scrapes, abrasions,
medicine cabinet. Just don't forget to ask yourlocalized allergic reactions, and minor infections can
veterinarian first!be treated with topical medications. The difficulty
So what are some common medications that canin using topicals is that what you apply, your pet
be used for your pet?(if they can reach) can lick off. The trick is to
Which medications should be avoided completely?apply topicals, massage in well, then keep your
The list below will help you separate the goodpet distracted for at least 5 minutes. Generally
from the bad and the ugly. Purposely omittedlicking the medication is not harmful, but it won't
from most of the list are exact dosages. Dosageswork on your pet's tongue when we need it on
are best determined by a trained medicalthe boo-boo. Common OTC topicals would include
professional...you got it... this means call the vet.cortisone creams and antibiotics like Neosporin.
Did I mention you must call your vet?Often a combination of the two will treat both
ANTI-INFLAMMATORIESinfection and inflammation.
Anti-inflammatories are used for a variety ofEar infections are one of the most common,
reasons ranging from pain to heart disease. Therecurrent, painful, annoying, smelly, (I'm running
most common OTC anti-inflammatories are calledout of adjectives) medical problems your pet can
NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)have. Since prevention is always the best
which means they do not contain cortisone.endeavor, anything you can do to reduce the risk
NSAIDS are generally labeled for the treatmentof ear infections is worth trying. If you have a
of headaches and arthritis and would include drugspet with a history of recurring ear infections, or
like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), and naproxenan animal that likes to swim, using a 1/2x1/2
(Aleve). Although it is not an NSAID, we willsolution of vinegar and rubbing alcohol can work
include acetaminophen (Tylenol) in this group aswonders. Applied once or twice weekly and
well.especially after exposure to water, vinegar and
Out of this group, aspirin is the only commonlyalcohol will prevent many ear infections. Don't
used OTC anti-inflammatory in veterinaryapply this solution to an already irritated ear...you
medicine. Acetaminophen is highly poisonous topet will never forgive you.
cats and can create liver problems in dogs.Another handy topical product is saline, generally
Ibuprofen and naproxen carry increased risks ofpackaged for use with contacts. Using saline
upset stomachs and kidney damage.solution is a great way to clean wounds or flush
In dogs it is critical to use either baby aspirin oreyes.
buffered aspirin in order to prevent GIHydrogen peroxide is also an acceptable wound
side-effects. It is important to note that coateddisinfectant, just don't overdo it. With persistent
aspirin is not the same as buffered aspirin. Catsor repetitive use, peroxide can become irritating.
lack the ability to quickly metabolize aspirin, soBEHAVIOR
small doses last for several days. In fact, aspirin isMore pets are surrendered to animal shelters and
only given to cats once or twice weekly. A criticalultimately face euthanasia because of behavioral
point to remember: never give acetaminophenproblems than from medical problems.
(Tylenol) to cats!Veterinarians now commonly prescribe
ANTIHISTAMINESantidepressant medications to treat behavioral
Antihistamines are chemicals which block thedisorders. Melatonin is an OTC medication that has
effect of histamine, a chemical released in thebeen used alone and in combination with
body during allergic reactions. The most commonprescription drugs to treat behaviors like
use of antihistamines in veterinary medicine is forseparation anxiety and noise phobias.
itchy skin symptoms, but might also be used forSUPPLEMENTS
respiratory problems and for insect bites.We all want to take the best care possible of our
The most commonly used OTC antihistaminespets, and commonly this leads owners into the
include diphenhydramine (Benedryl), clemastinewide world of supplements which would include
(Tavist), Loratadine (Claritin), and chlorpheniramine.but not be limited to products like vitamins,
If your veterinarian directs you to use an OTCarthritis remedies, and dermatological aids.
antihistamine, be certain to examine the labelA strong word of caution: just because a label
closely and be sure the product does not containsays "natural" doesn't make it safe or even
a decongestant. Many human cold and fluadvisable. Many supplements may cause severe
medicines contanine antihistamines andside-effects or interfere with other prescribed
decongestants, usually pseudoephedrine, whichmedications. Another point of concern is that
creates undesirable side-effects in animals.supplements and other holistic products are
The dosing of antihistamines is also different forcompletely unregulated. They are not under the
animals. For instance, it takes a tremendouscontrol of the FDA or the DEA. There is no
amount of diphenhydramine to work for a dogguarantee that what the manufacturer claims is in
compared to a human on a pound for poundthe bottle is actually in the bottle. Buyer beware!
basis. Also antihistamines are extremely variable inThat being said, there are some supplements that
their effectiveness. In allergic dermatitis, forhave very specific uses and can be helpful. Two
example, it is estimated that antihistamines workchemicals that are commonly used in both human
only 5 to 20 percent of the time.and veterinary medicine are glucosamine and
GASTROINTESTINALchondroitin sulfate. Classified as nutraceuticals,
What pet owner hasn't experienced vomiting orthese products help to slow the formation of
diarrhea from their beloved companion?arthritis and are best used preventatively.
PeptoBismol, Kaopectate, and diphenoxylateEssential fatty acids, especially in the group known
(Immodium) can all be used to treat smallas Omega 3 fatty acids, are helpful in treating
intestinal diarrhea. Antacids like cimetidineallergic skin problems.
(Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid),With any OTC medication, the message to take
and omeprazole (Prilosec) all have uses in dogshome is ALWAYS ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN
and cats.BEFORE ADMINISTERING ANY DRUGS.
What if your pet eats something that we need to