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Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications That Are SAFE for Dogs (And How Much to Give)
Medicine
Common Usage
Possible Side Effects
Dose Rate
Benadryl®
Generic Benadryl
(not combination
formulas with other
ingredients)
Irritation of the skin
Sleeplessness in dogs
Effects of vaccinations
Motion sickness
Insect bites & stings
Inhalant allergies
Stuffy nose
Muscle tremors
Bodily knots
Diarrhea
Respiratory difficulty
Vomiting
1 mg per lb. every 8 hours
Minor aches
Pain & swelling
Fever reduction
Inflammation
Mild arthritis
Mild joint disease
Stomach upset
Stomach upset
Ulcer formation
(seen as blood in stool)
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Buffered Aspirin®
Gravol®
Due to motion/car
sickness
Regular tablets come in 25 mg
strength. Children's liquid
Benadryl is half strength at 12.5
mg per teaspoon. Can be used
long-term to treat allergies.
Example Dog Dosage Calculations
Dogs weighing 30 lbs or less approx. ½ to 1 tablet or 2.5 tsp.
Between 30 and 50 lbs approx. 1 to 2 tablet(s) or 2 to 4 tsp.
Between 50 and 100 lbs approx. 2 to 4 tablets or 4 to 8 tsp.
Between 100 and 150 lbs approx. 4 to 6 tablets or 8 to 12 tsp.
Between 150 and 200 lbs approx. 6 to 8 tablets or 12 to 16 tsp.
5 mg per lb. every 8 to 12 hours
Between 30 and 50 lbs approx. ½ to 1 tablet
Available in tablet form containing
approx. 325 mg per tablet. Give
with food or immediately after. Do
not give to puppies less than 6
months of age, or dogs less than
24 pounds in weight.
Between 50 and 100 lbs approx. 1 to 1.5 tablets
1 mg per lb. or approx. 12.5 to 50
mg every 8 hours
Between 30 and 50 lbs approx. 1 tablet
Between 100 and 150 lbs approx. 1.5 to 2 tablets
Between 150 and 200 lbs approx. 2 to 3 tablets
Between 50 and 100 lbs approx. 1 to 2 tablets
Available in tablet form containing
approx. 50 mg per tablet. Give
approx. one hour before car ride.
Between 100 and 150 lbs approx. 2 to 3 tablets
Between 150 and 200 lbs approx. 3 to 4 tablets
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Medicine
Common Usage
Possible Side Effects
Dose Rate
Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
Used to induce vomiting
within two hours of
accidental ingestion of a
toxic substance i.e.
antifreeze
Vomiting
1 tsp. or 5 ml per 10 lbs.
By mouth or mixed with water
every 15 minutes (not to exceed 3
doses. Walk with the dog for 15
mins to encourage vomiting).
DO NOT induce
vomiting if your dog has
swallowed bleach, drain
cleaners, substances
that burn on the way
down will burn on the
way back up, putting
your pet at risk for
secondary burns.
Kaopectate®
Diarrhea
Stomach upset
Nausea
Example Dosage Calculations
Between 30 and 50 lbs approx. 3 to 5 tsp.
Between 50 and 100 lbs approx. 5 to 10 tsp.
Between 100 and 150 lbs approx. 10 to 15 tsp.
Between 150 and 200 lbs approx. 15 to 20 tsp.
Constipation
(at high doses)
1 ml per lb every 4 to 6 hours
(10 ml = approx. 2 tsp.)
Between 30 and 50 lbs approx. 6 to 10 tsp.
Between 50 and 100 lbs approx. 10 to 20 tsp.
Fever
Lethargy
Abdominal pain
By mouth. Treatment should only
be needed for 1-2 days.
Between 100 and 150 lbs approx. 20 to 30 tsp.
Between 150 and 200 lbs approx. 30 to 40 tsp.
Pepto Bismol®
Severe diarrhea
Upset stomach,
Vomiting
Gas
1 tsp. per 5 lbs or 1 tablet per 20
lbs every 6 hours
Between 30 and 50 lbs approx. 6 to 10 tsp. or 1.5 to 2.5 tablets
Between 50 and 100 lbs approx. 10 to 5 tsp. or 2.5 to 5 tablets
By mouth. Treatment should only
be needed for 1-2 days.
Between 100 and 150 lbs approx. 5 to 7.5 tsp. or 5 to 7.5 tablets
Between 150 and 200 lbs approx. 7.5 to 10 tsp. or 7.7 to 10 tablets
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Medicine
Common Usage
Gas-X®
Gas discomfort
Unusual flatulence
Bloat
PEPCID-AC®
or
ZANTAC®
Reduces stomach acid
Ulcers
Acid reflux
Stomach ache
Mineral Oil
Constipation
Possible Side Effects
Dose Rate
Example Dosage Calculations
Less than 30 lbs approx. ¼ adult dose.
Any dog suspected of Bloat should
get 2 doses immediately before
transport to the Emergency Clinic.
Between 30 and 60 lbs approx. ½ adult dose.
More than 60 lbs approx. 1 adult dose.
Between 30 and 50 lbs approx. ½ tablet.
Given once to twice daily.
Up to 4 tbsp. daily as a mild
laxative.
Over 60 lbs approx. 1 tablet.
Less than 25 lbs approx. 1 tsp.
Between 25 and 50 lbs approx. 1 tbsp.
Add mineral oil to food and let the
dog eat it.
More than 50 lbs approx. 2 tbsp.
Warning! Never administer
mineral oil directly in your dog's
mouth! It can pass into the
respiratory system and cause
aspiration pneumonia
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Medicine
Common Usage
Possible Side Effects
Dose Rate
Activated Charcoal
Upset stomach
Toxic ingestions
Dehydration
Vomiting Hypernatremia
Diarrhea or Constipation
Black Stools
1 to 3 g/kg by mouth for first
dose
Activated charcoal is
what you will give if it
has been more than an
hour after your dog has
ingested a poison and
also after you have
induced vomiting (if
that is what’s required
based on toxin type).
DO NOT give if already
exhibiting signs of toxicity
(e.g. tremoring, agitated) as
poison has already been
potentially absorbed.
Check with vet – may need
to induce vomiting first. See
Hydrogen Peroxide 3%.
Less than 25 lbs approx. 10 to 35 g.
Between 25 and 50 lbs approx. 35 to 70 g.
Should be administered as soon as
possible after the exposure.
Patients should be adequately
hydrated when given activated
charcoal.
Between 50 and 100 lbs approx. 70 to 140 g.
Between 100 and 200 lbs approx. 140 to 280 g.
Multiple doses of activated
charcoal are indicated at half the
dose rate when the toxin is a
delayed release product
Medicine
Antibacterial Soap
Example Dosage Calculations
Common Usage
Can be used to clean wounds or injuries.
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Antibacterial Ointment
(Polysporin® and
Polysporin Eye®)
Wound Granulator
(Derma Gel®)
Apply Polysporin to a wound to help prevent or treat infection.
Apply Polysporin Eye to the eye as directed if you suspect a scratch or infection.
Promotes wound healing in large open wounds.
Note - Derma-Gel is not an OTC medication but can be purchased online.
Silver Nitrate Sticks
Stops bleeding i.e. if you accidentally cut the quick during nail trimming.
*Always consult your veterinarian to ensure that each OTC medicine is one that is safe and appropriate for your pet should the need arise. If so, your
veterinarian should be able to give you an idea of safe dosage range based on the weight, age, and condition of your particular pet. Always ask your
veterinarian about any potential side effects and/or possible drug interactions with your pet’s current prescription medications.
*WARNING – DO NOT administer any of these medications and dose rates to cats, they are not just small dogs with attitude!
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