What Human Medicine can I give my Dog?
While we do all we can to protect our dogs from illness through a healthy lifestyle, plenty of exercise and nutritious food as well as regular veterinary care they will get sick from time to time. Download this guide to what human medicine you can give your dog and keep it in your pet medical box.
Many human medicines are safe and effective for dogs providing that they are used correctly with the right dosage for your dog’s weight and size. Some of which include;
#1 Antihistamine, such as Benadryl
Antihistamines are great at treating dog allergies such as hayfever and soothe itching; they can also be useful to relieve symptoms of bites and sensitive skin reactions. It is important that you don’t use an antihistamine with added decongestants as these can be dangerous for your dog to consume.
Dosage: 0.5mg per pound of bodyweight.
#2 Miconazole
To treat uncomplicated fungal infections, antifungal drugs such as miconazole can be useful to relieve symptoms in your dog, especially as quick relief before you have the chance to visit the vet.
Dosage: use a concentration of 1% and rub a very small amount of lotion into the affected area.
#3 Dramamine
For dogs and owners who suffer from motion sickness, Dramamine is highly effective. Don’t give Dramamine to pregnant bitches and make sure that dose your dog correctly to avoid side effects such as drowsiness or sun sensitivity. Probably cheaper than buying it from the vets. It cost us a fortune everytime we go on a long journey. Will try this in future.
Dosage: 2-4mg per pound of bodyweight, administered no more than three times daily.
#4 Imodium AD
To help relieve diarrhoea and an upset stomach, you can treat it at home with Imodium. Do not give to herding breeds or if the diarrhoea could be because of an infection. It is only wise to give your dog Imodium if they are generally healthy and have no other health conditions.
Dosage: 1ml per pound of bodyweight every eight hours.
#5 Famotidine
Famotidine is a great medicine that helps to reduce the production of stomach acid, helping to relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers, acid reflux and upset stomachs. Do not use with pregnant bitches or dogs with heart, liver or kidney disease.
Dosage: 0.2mg per pound of bodyweight every 12 hours.
#6 Glucosamine
A useful treatment for osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia as it can help to protect cartilage, relieve pain and help joints to have a greater range of mobility. Often glucosamine can have a remarkable effect, but as always, no dog responds to the same treatment in the same way.
Dosage: 250mg per 25 pounds of bodyweight every day. The maximum dosage is 1500mg per day.
#7 Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone cream or spray can be used to help reduce itching and soothe raw or irritated skin. It can be used for hives, spots, bites and stings. Hydrocortisone only helps to alleviate symptoms it will not cure the problem or remove the allergy.
Dosage: Rub a small amount in, and make sure your dog doesn’t immediately try to lick it off.
This page is not meant to take the place of vet’s advice. If your dog is seriously ill than head to your local vet.
We love your feedback. Please let us know if you have any other advice on over the counter remedies that can help your chihuahua.
Follow the link to download your guide.
What Human Medicine can I give my Dog
I’ve given our male Chihuahua Benadryl when his nose gets a little stuffed up and it works great. It makes him a little sleepy but after he wakes up he’s his old self again. I’ve also used eye drops on him in very small amounts when his eyes are a little red this works also but I don’t do this too often. In the winter if he gets a cough and his nose is warm because he’s been outside or gets wet if it rains he gets sick so I’ve also given him about 1/4 Bayer aspirin low dose mixed with warm milk and it helps him almost immediately and he is able to sleep. He’s a good dog he doesn’t mind taking what I give him, I always tell him “you’re going to feel better in a few minutes” and he looks at me with his big brown eyes and he’s like “ok mommy, I know” We have a female Chihuahua but she is very healthy and rarely gets sick.