Often it seems that pets become sick when it's after hours, a holiday, or you are out of town! There is lots of information available online about over the counter (OTC) medication, but some information is misleading and even dangerous for your pet. We want you to have a safe OTC reference that is always available to you on our website!

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Although the following medications are generally safe when administered as described below, the information is NOT meant to replace an examination and diagnosis of a veterinarian.

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VOMITING and/or DIARRHEA:

 

As a first step if your pet is experiencing GI issues you should withhold food for 12-24 hours and reintroduce it in small portions. If symptoms persist beyond this time frame you should have your pet seen by a veterinarian. Pumpkin should NEVER be given to treat diarrhea! It is a great source of fiber that actually promotes having bowel movements. Pepto and Kaopectate can be given to dogs ONLY. Cats should NOT be given these meds. Use the info below to properly dose your dog.

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PEPTO

Under 10lbs - DO NOT GIVE

10lbs - 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) 2 times daily.

25lbs - 1 teaspoon (5 mL) 2 times daily.

 50lbs - 2 1/4 teaspoons 2 times daily.

75lbs - 3 1/4 teaspoons 2 times daily.

100lbs - 4 1/2 teaspoons 2 times daily.

 

 

 

KAOPECTATE

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Under 10lbs - DO NOT GIVE

Give 1 teaspoon per 10lbs 3-4 times daily.

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PAIN:

 

NEVER GIVE IBUPROFEN, TYLENOL, MOTRIN, OR ALEVE TO YOUR PET!

NEVER GIVE ANY OTC PAIN MEDICATIONS TO CATS!

The only OTC pain medication that you may give your dog is Aspirin. If your dog is taking any NSAIDs, or steroids, Aspirin should NOT be given.

Aspirin should only be given for 2-3 days before seeking veterinarian intervention if your dog's pain persist. 

Below are the Aspirin doses for dogs.

 

ASPIRIN 81mg

Under 5lbs - DO NOT GIVE

5lbs - 1/4 tablet 2 times daily.

10 lbs - 1/2 tablet 2 times daily.

20lbs - 1 tablet 2 times daily.

40lbs - 2 tablets 2 times daily.

 

ASPIRIN 325mg

50-75lbs - 3/4 tablet 2 times daily.

90-100lbs - 1 1/4 table 2 times daily.

 

 

ITCHING and ALLERGIES:

 

Benadryl is an antihistamine that helps relieve swellings and itching from allergic reactions and can be used to treat chronic allergies. Benadryl is not effective in cats with allergies. Use the information below to appropriately dose your dog. 

 

Under 4lbs - DO NOT GIVE

 

Children's Liquid Benadryl (12.5mg) 

4-6lbs - 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) 2 times daily.

7-9lbs - 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) 2 times daily.

10-12lbs - 3/4 teaspoon (3.75mL) 2 times daily.

 

Adult Benadryl 25mg

13-15lbs - 1/2 tablet 2 times daily.

25lbs - 1 tablet 2 times daily.

40lbs - 1 1/2 tablets 2 times daily.

50lbs - 2 tablets 2 times daily.

75lbs - 3 tablets 2 times daily.

100lbs - 4 tablets 2 times daily.

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SEIZURES:

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In the event of a seizure, remain calm to reduce to stress on your pet. Wrap your pet in a blanket and lay them on their side. Also, reduce lighting and sounds until the seizure stops. Most seizures stop within 3 minutes or less. DO NOT PUT FINGERS IN YOUR DOG'S MOUTH! Contact your vet as soon as possible and if the seizure continues beyond 5 minutes seek emergency help!

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THE FOLLOWING INFO IS TO HELP YOU IDENTIFY

 

SUBSTANCES THAT ARE TOXIC TO YOUR PETS.

 

Toxic substances come in many forms such as some foods, chemicals, essential oils, and even plants. The list below are some of the most common toxicities.

- Grapes

- Chocolate

- Raisin

- Onion

- Garlic

- Artificial sweeteners 

- Macadamias

- All spoiled human foods

- Antifreeze  

- Rodenticides (rat poisons)

- Marijuana

- Sago palm

- Oleander

 

If suspected ingestion of a toxic substance has occurred you should seek veterinarian intervention when available! You can also try to induce vomiting in you pet with the use of peroxide administered orally. 

Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) 2 -10 mL per pound of body weight. DO NOT EXCEDE 50 mL in dogs and 10 mL in cats for total dose volume.

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