7 Safe and Effective OTC Remedies for Dog and Cats!

Don’t give anything to your pets until you ask your vet?

Really?

That is what many ‘pet professionals’ and most veterinary websites tell you to do… .

In veterinary practice I often suggested clients use an array of human medications for their pets, so in fact what you read online is not always true 🙂

One of the MORE common questions I am asked is ‘WHAT can I give my pet to ‘naturally’ calm him?… . Turns out you actually have many options.

I am a BIG fan of the OTC sleep hormone Melatonin being very safe, giving it at doses of 1mg/10lbs daily. The sedating amino acid found in green tea, L-theanine, given at doses of 25mg/10lbs twice daily has been studied and shown to be very helpful.

We now have our OWN Calming Supplement that includes Melatonin, L-theanine, plus Chamomile, Passion flower and Valerian root!

It’s been working VERY well for many dogs (and the occasional cat!)- you can get it here:Dr Jones’ COMPLETE Canine Calming Chews

Human Medications that are Safe and Effective for Dogs and Cats

Gravol (dimenhydrinate)

It can help for vomiting dogs and cats- I found it to help many a dog with car sickness. The dog and cat dose is 12.5mg/10lbs twice a day. That equates to 1/4 of a 50mg tablet.

Clear Eyes (topical eye medication)

The active ingredient is napthazoline, and it has been shown to be safe, and often effective for animals with conjunctivitis (red eyes). Apply 2 drops 4 times/day for 5-7 days

Pepcid (Famotidine)

This antacid works especially well for nauseous cats, and dogs with acid reflux. We often used this for cats with Kidney Disease. The dose is 2.5mg/10lbs twice a day, or 1/4 of a 10mg tablet.

Canesten/Monistat

These yeast medications for people can work very well for our animals that get Ear infections. Most dog ear infections are caused by yeast. If your dog has black waxy discharge from the ear, then it is likely a yeast ear infection. Get the cream, apply 1/4 inch into the ear twice day for 7-10 days. Cats often have patchy areas of hair loss from ringworm. This is a fungus and Canesten works well topically. Appy twice a day for 21 days.

Cortisone Cream

The topical steroid creams for people can often help soothe inflamed/irritated skin. In most cases it means using a 1% corticosteroid, which can be applied twice a day for 14 days to the red, inflamed area. Can be used for dog Hot Spots.

Reactine (Ceterazine), Antihistamine

This is a newer generation antihistamine which lasts much longer, and is often more effective than the older antihistamines (ie Benadryl). It is safe to use on dogs and cats. It works well for allergies, and acute itching (ie hives). The dog and cat dose is 5mg/10lbs given once a day, meaning 1/2 of a 10mg tablet once daily to a 10lb dog or cat.

Chlorhexidine anti-septic flush

This is the anti-septic scrub that is used in surgery, doing a great job of removing bacteria from the skin. Bite wounds/infections are so common, and the most important thing to first do is flush the wound well with an antiseptic. Chlorexidine can often prevent this from turning into an abscess. Flush 2-4 times/day for 3-5 days. I use the brand Stanhexidine.

Aspirin

This OTC Human Medication is FOR DOGS ONLY. If your dog is in acute pain, and NOT on any other pain meds, or a steroid pill, then you can consider using ASA (Aspirin). The Dog Aspirin dose is 325mg (1 regular strength tab) per 40lbs twice daily. NONE of the anti-inflammatories can EVER be given to CATS.

Melatonin

The sleep hormone has been shown to be VERY helpful for many conditions affecting our dogs and cats. It can help with anxiety, it is a sedative, can help with hair loss, it is a potent antioxidant and now is used holistically for cancer. Dog and cat doses of 1mg/10lbs to a maximum of 6mg given 1 hour before sleep. It can be used twice daily for anxiety.

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew

P.S. If you have an anxious dog, or you are dealing with noise/separation anxiety, you may want to consider trying our new Dog Calming Supplement. It’s been getting some great reviews, helping many a pet parent!

It’s here: Dr Jones’ COMPLETE Canine Calming Chews

P.P.S.  About our upcoming Cat Webinar… . Our last webinar was a sellout- meaning not everyone who wanted to see it was able as the seats were sold out. If you are interested in, it’s better to sign up now 🙂