Expert: Becky - 6/15/2006

Question
Is it ok to give Dogs Humans medicines for some symptoms?

Answer
Hi Cody,
Yes, in some cases, human meds are ok to use if used properly.  But please be advised that you can easily poison a dog or cat if you are not very careful. I am going to copy and paste the information that I give out on two of the most used meds which is aspirin and benadryl.
It is strongly advised to check with a veterinarian before giving any over the counter meds to your dog or cat.

God Bless,
Becky

Benadryl for Dogs or Cats

Benadryl is a brand name for an anti-histamine (diphenhydramine).  Although it is considered fairly safe for use in dogs and cats,  please be aware that it does have potential adverse side effects.  It may interact with other meds that your pet is taking, so do not use it without first consulting your veterinarian. You should also use extreme caution using Benadryl in dogs that have glaucoma, prostatic disease, cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism.  

Benadryl is quite effective when used in proper dosages.  
Stops itching
Controls vomiting
Good for motion sickness
Can be used as a mild tranquilizer
Good for snake bites
Useful for vaccination reactions
Good for bee stings and insect bites

Be sure to use only the plain Benadryl formula. Giving benadryl with other combination of meds could be fatal, so be sure to read the box.

Liquid Benadryl is too high in alcohol content to be safely used for animals.  Please use capsule or pill form.  

Dosage every 8 hours
Dogs under 30 lbs and Cats :  10 mg
Dogs 30-50 lbs:  25 mg
Dogs over 50 lbs: 50 mg


Giving your dog Aspirin

Aspirin can be given safely to your dog if used in the correct dosage.  It is usually given to relieve the pain of arthritis, joint pain and other situations where your dog is in pain.  It not only reduces pain, but will help with swelling and fever.  Please remember though, that your dog is not human and aspirin should not be given freely or just because you think he or she does not feel good.  It is best to use it only in the cases of extreme discomfort.  A veterinarian would prescribe Rimadyl which is really a better pain killer and anti-inflammatory than aspirin. Please note that I am NOT a veterinarian and  I highly recommend that you consult with a veterinarian before giving any over the counter meds.

Do not give aspirin to very young dogs as their body is not able to process it properly.  NEVER give aspirin to Cats as it can be fatal!

Never use Tylenol as it is toxic to the liver.  Never use Ibuprofen (Nuprin,Motrin, Advil etc) as it can be fatal if given in low doses.  Do not use the enteric coated type of aspirin.  Most of the time, the coating is not digested in dogs and the aspirin will be excreted in the stool.  

Aspirin can be toxic if given in high doses.  Even baby aspirin could be poisonous to dogs weighing 2 lbs. or less.  An adult aspirin would be toxic to a 10 lb. dog.   Please carefully note the correct dosage for your dog!  
Use 5 grain (325 mg) tablets.   
A 15-20 lb dog would take ¼  tablet twice a day.   A 30-40 lb dog would take ½ tablet twice a day.  A 60-80 lb dog would take 1 tablet twice a day.  
Here is a chart that might make it easier.
Weight of dog in pounds   Number of tablets each 12 hours   mg
8   1/2 baby aspirin or less    40 mg
16   1 baby aspirin    80 mg
32   1/2 adult or 2 baby    160 mg
48   3/4 adult or 3 baby    240 mg
64   1 adult or 4 baby    320 mg
80   1 1/4 adult or 5 baby    400 mg
96   1 1/2 adult or 6 baby    480 mg


There is a possibility that gastric ulcers can develop. If your dogs stops eating, or has blood tinged vomit, then please stop giving aspirin.