5 Over-The-Counter Medications That Are Safe for Dogs
Have you ever wondered whether you might be able to manage your pooch’s aches and pains by using over-the-counter medications, rather than having to pay for an expensive prescription from your vet? Obviously, it’s fair to say that if your dog has a specific ailment, you’ll need to take him or her to see a professional, and you should definitely take a vet’s advice for what kind of medication to give.
However, for very slight problems, there are some safe over-the-counter solutions that can help. Just make sure that you get the nod from your vet before you begin medicating.
1. Cimetidine
A type of stomach drug designed to reduce the body’s production of GI acids, cimetidine is good for pets when their gastric juices start to go into overdrive. They’re often given to dogs for simple instances of stomach inflammation. The dosage that you’ll need to give will depend on your pet’s condition, and his size – so check with your vet first.
2. Corticosteroid Gels and Creams
Typical over the counter corticosteroid ointments and creams can be useful for reducing your dog’s discomfort when red patches and rashes appear. However, it’s worth remembering that you should try to prevent your pet from licking the itchy spot after these creams have been applied.
3. Artificial Tears
Gentle artificial tears and lubricants can be useful for when your dog suffers from an eye-based irritation. Most of the time, a very mild case of conjunctivitis can be alleviated with a few artificial tears over the course of a couple of days. However, if your dog is suffering from discharge or swelling, make sure you head straight to the vet.
4. Claritin
These are some useful drugs to use if you notice hives or itchiness. Keep in mind though that these drugs can also cause reactions in some pets. You might notice that your dog starts to experience some sedating effects, particularly if Claritin is taken along with other medications. Make sure you call your vet first to ask if it’s okay.
5. Antibiotic Gels
For very slight scrapes and scratches, you can apply Neosporin or antibiotic gels to your dog’s skin. These remedies should only be applied for a day or two and must be applied to clean skin. Remember to avoid getting any fancier gels that might contain dangerous substances like alcohol.
