What Human Medicine Can I Give to My Dog?

Dogs suffer from many of the most common human ailments---pain, allergies, diarrhea, constipation---and their symptoms can sometimes be treated with the same over-the-counter medications. According to the veterinarian-owned website www.PetEducation.com, some medications for humans are safe for dogs in certain dosages. Confirm all treatments with your veterinarian.

  1. Buffered Aspirin

    • For pain or fever, give dogs buffered aspirin. Give 5 to 12 mg per pound every twelve hours. Use buffered aspirin only and do not give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

    Benadryl®

    • Benadryl® can be used for allergic reactions in dogs. An itchy, sneezing dog can take 1 to 2 mg per pound every eight hours. It may make him drowsy.

    Kaopectate®

    • Kaopectate® can be used to control diarrhea. Give 1 ml per pound of body weight every six hours but be aware that prolonged use can cause constipation.

    Pepto-Bismol®

    • Pepto-Bismol® can also treat diarrhea. Give 1 ml per 10 pounds every eight hours.

    Hydrogen Peroxide

    • Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean wounds and induce vomiting. Check with your veterinarian before inducing vomiting; some toxins should not be treated this way.

    Dramamine®

    • If your dog is prone to car sickness, you can give her Dramamine. Give her 2 to 4 mg/pound 30 minutes before the trip. It may cause drowsiness and dry mouth.