22 Human Medicines That Work For Pets
Before you give anyone or any animal any medication, please consult your doctor or veterinarian about dosage and side effects. The medications and their dosages in the following list are only guidelines. You should call your veterinarian for your animal dosages today. That way you can place a list in your first aid kit with specifics for your pets before an emergency happens. The dosages are for dogs only unless otherwise stated.
Anbesol. Topical anesthetic for mouth pain. For DOGS dab on liquid 2-3 times per day. FOR CATS – only use ONCE.
Aveeno Oatmeal Shampoo. Great to cool down itchy inflamed skin – for especially irritated pets you can do this daily. Then a typical maintenance is once a week.
Benadryl. Up to 1 mg per pound every 8 hours to treat allergies, itching, etc. Can also be used as a mild tranquilizer when the dosage is reduced. (Feline dosage is the same as the canine dosage.)
Betadine Skin Cleanser. Antiseptic skin cleanser. Apply directly to affected area.
Dulocolax. This can be used for constipated pets. The dog dose is 5mg per 20lbs once daily. The cat dose is 5mg once daily.
Epsom Salts. Used as an antiseptic soak- 1 cup per 2 gallons of water.
Gravol/Dramamine. Up to 50 mg every 8 hours to reduce motion sickness (Feline dosage: up to 10 mg every 8 hours.)
Hydrogen Peroxide. To induce vomiting in dogs and cats after a non-caustic poisoning. Use 3% peroxide. Give 1 teaspoon (5ml) per 10lbs every 10 minutes for a MAXIMUM 3 times until your pet vomits.
Imodium AD 2mg. 1 caplet per 30 lbs every 8 hours to relieve diarrhea. NOT to be given to Collies or Collie X Dogs
Ipecac Syrup. FOR DOGS ONLY. To induce vomiting after a non-caustic poisoning. 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs-Max 3 teaspoons.
Kaopectate. 1 ml per pound every 2 hours for diarrhea (Feline dosage is the same as the canine dosage.)
Lanacane. A topical anesthetic FOR DOGS ONLY. Apply directly to painful area.
Mineral Oil. Up to 4 Tbsp. daily to eliminate constipation (Feline dosage: up to 2 tsp. daily)
Metamucil. For Constipation. For Dogs, 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs per day. For Cats, 1/2 -1 teaspoon per day.
Mylanta. FOR DOGS ONLY. An antacid for stomach upset. The dose is 1 Tbsp. per 10lbs twice daily.
Pain Relief. FOR DOGS ONLY. Regular Aspirin (non-enteric coated) 325mg per 40 pounds of dog every 12 hours for pain relief. Also an anti-inflammatory.
Pain Relief for CATS and DOGS. Homeopathic Arnica. Give your dog 2 and your cat 1 30C tablet every 4-6 hours.
Pepto-Bismol – FOR DOGS ONLY. 1 tsp. per 5 pounds every 6 hours for relief of vomiting, stomach gas or diarrhea
Pedialyte. Mix 50:50 with water and offer as much as your pet will take when dehydrated.
Pepcid AC. This is an antacid, which is safe for cats. The dog and cat dose is 5mg per 10lbs twice daily.
Preparation H. FOR DOGS ONLY. Apply to an irritated anal area 3 times daily.
Robitussin. A cough suppressant safe for dogs and cats. The dose is 10mg per 10 lbs 3 times daily.
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM
I just read your article 22 Human Medicines That Work For Pets, and I’m surprised that you list all these drugs instead of natural remedies.
We love natural remedies too, but this article was about sharing safe options for times when pets may need extra support. The goal is always the same: helping dogs and cats live healthier, happier lives.
I’m just wondering if Prep H is dangerous if the dog licks it off.
A small lick is unlikely to cause a problem, but Preparation H is best used on the area only and not eaten in large amounts. If your pup keeps licking it off, try to prevent that so it can do its job
We don’t all have the resources to have immediately on-hand natural remedies that work for specific health concerns in our pets. If your beloved animal companion gets sick in the middle of the night (& you are far from a city/town), it is good to know that we may have something already in our medicine cabinets that may help them too – or certainly until we are able to get the natural remedy required.
Thank you Dr. Jones for posting this list!! I have used a few of these meds myself when in a pinch & particularly for my pets immediate need. It is a relief to know what is alright to administer for our canine & feline friends!
p.s. I have also found aloe-vera gel is very good for a Prep-H alternative…
Having a few safe options on hand can bring peace of mind when help isn’t close by. Just remember, the right medication and dose depend on the pet, so it’s always best to check with your vet first. And with aloe vera, keep it for external use only and prevent licking.
thank you so much DR.ANDREW
We’re always happy to share simple ways to help keep your furry family members healthy. Just remember, even common medicines need the right dose and guidance for each pet, so always check with your veterinarian first. Stay curious and keep those tails wagging!
Love the info, but sometimes can’t read for various ads coming up and covering the article. If you look at name, couldn’t correct name even. Very frustrating!
We’re sorry the ads are getting in the way of your reading experience. We’ll pass this feedback along because we want the articles to be helpful, not a game of dodge the pop ups.
We appreciate you sticking with us and hope the information helps you and your furry friends!
Very, very informative! I’m going to bookmark this list, and share with my friends!
Thank you so much, Dr. Andrew!
We’re happy you found it helpful. A little pet first aid knowledge can go a long way. Always check with your vet for the right dosage for your furry friend.
Thank you for this handy list.
Is the Mylanta dosage a typo? One tablespoon per 10 lbs. seems like a lot.
Thank you
Great question! It’s not a typo from the original guideline, but we always recommend checking with your veterinarian for your pet’s specific needs and the exact product being used. Thanks for looking out for your furry friend!