Five OTC Medications That You Can Give Your Dogs

You should always consult your vet for the specific dosage for your dog.  This post is meant as a guide or reference only and should not be considered medical advice.  Always consult your vet before giving any OTC medication to your dog.

With any of these medications, make sure you are giving a single ingredient formula, and that the medication you are giving does NOT contain a decongestant, tylenol (acetaminophen) or advil (ibuprofen).  These are toxic to dogs.  Just one Advil (ibuprofen) pill may kill your dog.

Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, is an anti-histamine that is often suggested by vets to treat allergic reactions just like in people.  It can be used to treat itching, rashes, and even nasal congestion.  It can also work to help prevent motion sickness, but only if it makes your dog drowsy.

• Dosage: 1.5- 1mg/per lb every 8 hrs with food.  Just like with people, Benadryl can cause excitability in dogs, or it can cause drowsiness.  Do not give more than 2mg per pound unless directed by a vet.
• Side effects include: dry mouth, sedation, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea
• Signs of Overdose include: powerful sedation, seizures, clumsiness, and respiratory issues.

Dramamine is often prescribed to treat motion-sickness.  I've used both Dramamine and Benedryl (NOT together!) before a long car trip to help prevent my basset, Remy, from suffering from motion sickness.  The backseat of my car suffered several messes until I learned that she could take this. Do not give to a pregnant dog.  

• Dosage: 2-4mg per pound of body weight, given 30-60 minutes before travel.
• Side Effects include: dry mouth, sedation, difficulty urinating, dehydration, appetite loss, excessive thirst.
• Signs of Overdose include: vomiting, seizures, lethargy, respiratory problems

Zyrtec is the brand name for Cetrizine, and though not forulated for dogs, is commonly prescribed by vets for skin issues or allergies.  It seems to be hit or miss - it works miraculously well for some dogs and not at all for others.  Make sure to only give your dog regular Zyrtec or it's generic equivelent, and never Zyrtec-D.  The "D" stands for decongestant and can very well kill your pooch. 

• Dosage: 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, taken either once or twice daily depending on allergy severity. 
• Side Effects include: vomiting, salivation (drooling), urine retention, constipation
• Signs of Overdose include: vomiting, lethargy/heavy sedation, excessive drooling.

Robitussin DM is also known by it's generic name dextromethorphan and guaifenesin and like all of the medications, can be given to your dog after you check with your vet.  Like with people, it's used to treat a hacking cough. It should only be used with your vet's prior approval, and only for very short periods.  If your dog requires more than 2-3 doses, you need to take your dog in to see your vet.  This medication will not cure the cause of the cough, but will suppress the cough. The liquid may contain alcohol, which can be dangerous for dogs, so check the label every time and always consult with your vet.   Also, double check to make sure that the formulation you have does not contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as those are toxic and can be fatal to dogs. 

• Dosage: 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, once every 8 hours.
• Side Effects can include sedation, lack of coordination, weakness, nausea and heightened thirst.
• Signs of Overdose include: heavy sedation, listlessness, restlessness, confusion, tremor, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and difficulty urinating.

Pedialyte can be given to a dog that has experienced vomiting or diarrhea and who may be mildly dehydrated as a result.   Pedialyte contains chloride, sodium, and potassium and drinking it will help your dog restore balanced levels of electrolytes.  Generally speaking, you should try the unflavored pedialyte and avoid the flavored varieties, though the flavored pedialyte probably won't case any harm.  You can mix it with water, but don't mix it with any other fluids.

• Dosage: Since it wasn't formulated for dogs, there is some disagreement over the dose.  I prefer to err on the side of caution and start with a smaller dose and increase if necessary.  A good starting point is around 1/4 cup every hour for a few hours, but you may need to dilute or mix it to get your dog to drink it.
• Side Effects: you may notice your dog has to urinate more often, but for a dog that has been even mildly dehydrated, this is a good thing!
• Signs of Overdose: I couldn't find any clearly documented, but I would advise that if your dog appears to dehydrated even after a couple of cups of Pedialyte, you need to get your dog to the vet for them to assess.  I personally would not give my dogs more than a cup or two of Pedialyte and not see a vet.

SOURCES:

VetStreet

Doginton Post

Can I Give My Dog
VeterinaryPlace
VetInfo