Human Medications for Dogs

Always contact a vet before giving any medications to your dog.Dog image by Westy;] from Fotolia.com

Many human medications are not approved for use in dogs but are prescribed off-label by veterinarians because so few medications just for dogs exist, according to "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat." Dosages for dogs are usually based on the dog's weight. This means that dosages for humans are far too much for a dog. But some common non-perscription medication is safe for dogs when given in the right dosage. Always call a vet if unsure about the correct dosage.

Aspirin

There is a type of aspirin for dogs and cats called Aspirin 60 Grain, made by Butler, but dog owners may only have human aspirin on hand. Give only the buffered kind with food once every 12 hours. The dosage is 4 to 10mg per 1 lb. that the dog weighs (or 10 to 20mg per kg that the dog weighs), according to veterinarian Mark Papich.

Sold under the brand name Pepto Bismol, this helps stop diarrhea. The dosage is 0.5 to 1.5mg for every 1 lb. of the dog's weight once every 12 hours. That is about 1 tsp. for every 5 lbs. the dog weighs.

Sold under the band name Dramanine, dimenhydrinate helps ease motion sickness in dogs and puppies, but may cause drowsiness. The dose is 2 to 4mg per 1 lb. that the dog weighs. You can give this drug to your dog every eight hours, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook."

Sold under the brand name Benadryl, this is an antihistamine given for allergies or allergic reactions to bee stings. The "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" says to give 2mg for every 1 lb. of your dog's weight every eight hours.

This is to help stop persistent coughing. This is sold under many brand names, including Robitussin DM and Benylin. Avoid any formulas that include caffeine or alcohol, because dogs are highly sensitive to those ingredients. Give 1 tsp. for every 20 lbs. that the dog weighs. If the dog is less than 20 lbs., give 0.5 to 1mg per 1 lb. that the dog weighs. Dose every six hours, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook."

Sold under the brand name Metamucil, psyllium husk helps relieve constipation. You can mix this into the dog's meal once per day. Add 1/2 tsp. for every 5 lbs. that the dog weighs, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook."

Sold under the brand name Zantac, this helps acid indigestion in dogs. You should give the medicine with the dog's meals to help aid digestion of that meal. The dose is 150 to 300mg per 1 lb. that the dog weighs, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Always contact a vet if you are unsure what dose the dog should get.