Consider this scenario. You, the family and your puppy are camping in the wilderness. You’re hundreds of miles away from home and a veterinarian. The puppy develops diarrhea. What can you do?
Fortunately, there are human medicines that you can use to treat some puppy ailments. Many of the same drugs are used to treat human and canine health problems. However, NEVER assume that a human drug is safe for your puppy. It is a good idea to discuss options with your puppy’s veterinarian, who can supply you with a list of common over-the-counter drugs that you can safely use for Fido.
Buffered or coated aspirin can be used to treat puppies that may be feeling stiff from excessive exercise or those experiencing a fever. Try using a children’s variety. An acceptable dose is 5mg per pound. Do not use aspirin on a prolonged basis because the drug can cause stomach problems.
Never use acetaminophen, which is commonly known as Tylenol. In fact, it is best to avoid ibuprofen drugs such as Nuprin, Motrin and Advil. Some veterinarians may choose to prescribe these drugs in minuscule dosages, but you should avoid giving the medicines unless your puppy’s veterinarian has prescribed them because using too much can cause liver damage.
Benadryl is commonly prescribed for dogs. The average oral dose is 2 mg per pound every eight hours. Benadryl is good for bee stings and insect bites. The drug can cause drowsiness, weakness and excessive drinking. Do not use Benadryl if your puppy is known to be allergic to any other antihistamines.
Milk of magnesia can be used as an antacid and a laxative. If using as an antacid, give 2 to 5 ml per pound of body weight every four to six hours. If using as a laxative, give 7 to 25 ml per pound one time only.
Mineral oil can be used for puppies that are having a hard time making a bowel movement. Try adding 10 ml to the puppy’s food.
Metamucil is safe for puppies. Check with your dog’s veterinarian for a safe dosage.
Pepto-Bismol can be given to puppies experiencing diarrhea. Administer 0.5 to 1.5 ml per pound of body weight orally every 12 hours.
Kaopectate can also be used to treat diarrhea. Try one or two teaspoons for every 10 pounds of body weight.
Puppies that are vomiting can be treated with one tablespoon of Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol three or four times a day. However, if vomiting persists, call the puppy’s veterinarian.
Neosporin can be used as a safe and effective antibiotic ointment for puppies. Simply apply to the skin after cleaning cuts and abrasions. Try to keep the puppy from licking the medication.
If you left the puppy’s sunscreen behind, you can use products made for human use that do not contain paraminobenzoico acid.
Charcoal tablets, which aid in removing toxins from the system, can be given to puppies that may have gotten into the garbage and eaten something they shouldn’t have. Give according to the directions on the bottle. However, if you suspect that your puppy got into any sort of poison, call a veterinarian immediately.
Dramamine can be used for dogs that suffer from motion sickness. Administer orally at 2 to 4 mg per pound every eight hours.
If you are in doubt about the safety of a human medicine for your puppy, do not use it until you receive the okay from a veterinarian. If you have even a sliver of a doubt about a medication, call the puppy’s doctor before you do anything.
Related posts:
- Should I Panic Over Missing a Dose of Heartworm Medicine?
- What To Do When Your Dog Won’t Take That Medicine
- Herbal Remedies For Puppies
- Not All Human Foods Are Bad For Your Dog
- Dog Year to Human Year Equivalency
