9 Human Drugs That Are Also Prescribed for Dogs

Image: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/02/26/16/32/dog-1224267__340.jpg

If you’re like most pet parents, you’ve more than once contemplated giving your pet human medications. After all, you want your pet to heal as soon as possible, right?

However, before giving your dog human medicine, it’s imperative that you first consult your vet to determine whether it’s the right thing to do. Even if the medicines are safe for your pet, comparing the difference in sizes, the doses will be completely different.

Luckily, you have come to this post. Below you’ll learn about human drugs that are safe for your dog. Read along to learn more.

1. Cephalexin

Cephalexin is a common antibiotic for both humans and pets. It is designed to fight bacterial infections in the body. Ideally, Cephalexin can be used to treat ear, respiratory, bone, urinary tract, skin, and upper respiratory tract infections.

Vets recommend antibiotics like Cephalexin for dogs are effective in treating a broad range of bacterial infections. The main ingredient in Cephalexin is Cephalosporin, which prevents the bacterial from building the cell wall.

2. Glucosamine

It seems humans are not the only beings that suffer from hip dysplasia and joint problems. Your canine friend is also at risk of these problems.

Unfortunately, no known supplement can help reverse joint problems in dogs. Luckily, glucosamine is effective in treating dip dysplasia and arthritis in dogs. Even so, ask your vet to recommend the best product since the quality of products on the market varies. You should, however, be patient to notice the benefits of glucosamine on your dog.

3. Pepcid

Pepcid is effective in treating ulcers and inflammation in both humans and pets. It is also used by some pet parents to help stop vomiting in pets. However, ensure to talk to your veterinarian if your dog is vomiting and has a reduced appetite.

Pepcid can lead to drowsiness and loss of appetite in pets. You should also be on the lookout for overdose symptoms like increased heart rate, restlessness, low blood pressure, vomiting, pale gums, etc.

4. Benadryl

Benadryl is another human drug that can be given to dogs. Diphenhydramine, as it is commonly known, is effective in treating allergic reactions in dogs. It can also be effective in treating motion sickness in dogs.

However, as with any other medication, ensure to talk to your dog before giving it to your dog. Avoid using it if your dog has glaucoma or heart problems.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Sometimes you may want to induce your dog to vomit. Whether it’s because they have overeaten or ingested something harmful, hydrogen peroxide can help. However, it’s recommended that you call your vet first as inducing your dog to vomit after eating some items may damage the esophagus.

6. Prilosec

Your doctor may prescribe Prilosec if heartburn is stopping you from enjoying your favorite meals. Well, it seems it can be helpful to your canine friend as well. Your vet may recommend Prilosec for your dog if they suspect that they’re developing intestinal or stomach ulcers. Prilosec will help reduce stomach acid and irritation in your dog’s stomach. It comes with some side effects, including vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, behavior change, flatulence, etc.

7. MiraLax

When given in small doses, MiraLax can help reduce pain and discomfort caused by constipation in dogs. While it’s not harmful to your dog, it’s advisable to talk to your vet to determine the right dosage. Overdosing MiraLax can lead to stomach and diarrhea in dogs.

8. Lomotil

Commonly used to treat diarrhea in dogs, Lomotil can be used to suppress cough in dogs. It does this by drying the air passages and reducing spasms that could otherwise cause coughing. While it is a safe drug to use for dogs, it can cause some side effects, including constipation.

9. Artificial Tears

Sometimes you may notice that your dog is squinting or blinking uncontrollably. This can be a sign of dust or debris in their eyes. As with humans, dust or debris can be irritating to your dog.

Luckily, you can use artificial tears to remove the specks and make your dog feel comfortable. If the problem persists, consider consulting your vet as soon as possible. Your vet will analyze your dog to see whether they have any underlying problem like infection or even a foreign object. Also, consult your vet if you notice that your dog’s eyes are swollen or a discharge.

These are some human drugs that can be used in pets. While most of these drugs won’t affect your dog, you must consult your dog before administering them to your dog.