Dogs Medicine Articles

The amount of dog medication that is available to help treat your dog and relieve him of symptoms or a disease can be overwhelming. Some human medication can be used for dog symptoms, while others can be toxic to your dog's health. You also might have a few different prescription medications available to treat one disease, as well as homeopathic options. Learn what the difference is between medications, the types available, the side effects on your dog, and simple remedies you can do at home for common ailments.

• Which Dog Diarrhea Medicine Has Proven Results?

  One of the most effective dog diarrhea medicine options is easy to find and safe for all ages. Canned pumpkin is something dogs love and seem to help control mild cases of diarrhea.

• Which Antibiotic for Dogs Has Risky Side Effects?

  Just about any antibiotic given to dogs has a potential for risky side effects. Adverse effects of antibiotics fall into three main categories: toxicity, allergic reactions and increased drug resistence of bacteria.

• What Is the Best Pet Heartworm Medicine?

  With many pet heartworm medications on the market, it's hard to know which medicine is best. The medications range in prices, offer different dosing instructions...

• What Is the Best Heartworm Treatment for Dogs?

  The severity of canine heartworm infection has to be diagnosed before any heartworm treatment for dogs is administered. Heartworm medication is generally...

• What Is the Best Dog Pain Medication?

  There are many different types of dog pain medication available on the market. However, not all of them will be right for your dog.

• What is Temaril-p?

  Temaril-P® is an FDA-approved prescription medication for dogs that provides three forms of relief: for itching, for inflammation, and for coughing.

• Vaccination Problems

  On the other hand, there is evidence that vaccinations do sometimes cause complications, such as a brief period of immune suppression, allergic reactions and evidence that vaccines can on rare occasions induce immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs.

• Using ZENIQUIN to Treat Canine UTI

  Zeniquin-also known as marbofloxacin-is a well-known antibacterial medication that is frequently recommended to canine UTI or cystitis. If you notice...

• Using Xanax for Dogs With Anxiety Disorders

  Xanax for dogs is often used to treat anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or the symptoms of extreme grief. While Xanax is often used to treat the symptoms...

• Using Pimodendan for Dogs for Treating Congestive Heart Failure

  Pimodendan is a dog medication used to manage mild, moderate or severe heart failure symptoms and can even assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure in canines. The brand-name for pimodendan is "Vetmedin".

• Using Percoten to Treat Addison’s Disease in Dogs

  Percoten is the drug prescribed by veterinarians to treat Addision's disease in dogs. Addison's disease is a failure of the adrenal glands in the dog to produce the proper hormones.

• Using Human Antibiotics on Dogs: Why to Avoid Them

  When it comes to antibiotics, dogs' prescription medications contain the same properties as human medications. The medications contain the same compounds, but dosing is very different.

• Using Clomipramine for Dogs to Treat Separation Anxiety

  Veterinarians are commonly prescribing Clomipramine for dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Many dogs with separation anxiety exhibit destructive behaviors...

• Using a dog laxative for your dog’s digestive problems

  Dog laxatives are a type of medication to relieve dog constipation. The best type of canine laxative and dosage amount can be recommended by your vet.

• Urinary- Incontinence in Dogs

  There is a veterinary phenylpropanolamine product available called Proin (Rx), for the treatment of incontinence in dogs. This is not a new drug but was previously a human drug now removed from the market . The side effects phenylpropanolamine like high blood pressure problems reported in humans that caused the human product recall have not been shown to occur in pets. Phenylpropanolamine has been used for many years to successfully treat incontinence in dogs.

• Unsafe Human Medications for Dogs

  There are many unsafe human medications for dogs that can cause damage and prove fatal. Exercise caution when administering human medications and check with your vet to avoid harmful effects.

• Treating Skin Allergies With Chlorpheniramine for Dogs

  Chlorpheniramine for dogs is an effective antihistamine used to treat skin allergies and other allergic reactions. Skin allergies in dogs cause irritation, itchiness, rashes and even hair loss.

• Treating Respiratory Infections With Doxycycline for Dogs

  Doxycycline for dogs is a prescription antibiotic to treat dog respiratory infections caused by bacteria. Doxycycline cannot be used to treat fungal or viral infections.

• Treating Osteochondritis (OCD) in Your Dog With Cosequin

  Osteochondritis dessicans can be a debilitating condition, but with cosequin dogs have responded well to treatment. A combined course of treatments...

• Treating Hypothyroidism With Thyrozine for Dogs

  Thyrozine, also known as Levothyroxine Sodium, is a common medication used by veterinarians to treat hypothyroidism in dogs. Thyrozine acts as the naturally occurring thyroxine, which is the thyroid hormone that dogs normally produce themselves.

• Treating Heart Failure With Enacard for Dogs

  Enacard is often used to treat cardiac failure in dogs. Heart failure can be of two types: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, when the walls of the heart chambers thicken...

• Treating Dermatitis With Medrol for Dogs

  With the prescription medication Medrol, dogs can get relief from the numerous symptoms associated with dermatitis. Dogs affected by this skin condition often experience inflamed, scaly, red, sore or infected skin. Allergic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of this disease, and is often caused by a dog allergy to mite or flea bites.

• Treating Canine UTI With PRIMOR

  Primor is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat bacterial infections in dogs.

• Treating Canine Kennel Cough With Doxycycline

  Canine kennel cough (tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious disease caused by several airborne bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza and mycoplasma. Dog kennel cough symptoms develop within a week of exposure and are most commonly a dry, hacking cough followed by retching and coughing up a white foamy discharge.

• Treating Canine Inflammation and Chronic Pain With Norocarp

  Norocarp is a kind of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug prescribed for dogs suffering from chronic pain or inflammation. A brand name of the NSAID Carprofen, Norocarp is frequently used to treat the uncomfortable symptoms associated with degenerative joint disorders like canine osteoarthritis.

• Treating Canine Diarrhea With Tylan

  Tylan is an antibiotic used to treat different infections. Tylosin is a main component in it.

• Treating Canine Cushing’s Disease with Vetoryl for Dogs

  Vetoryl has been widely used in the United Kingdom for quite some time, but only gained approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use...

• Treating Canine Arthritis Pain With Tramadol for Dogs

  Symptoms of canine arthritis can be controlled and treated using Tramadol for Dogs, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. This medicine reduces inflammation...

• The Side Effets of Phenobarbital for Dogs

  In epileptic dogs, Phenobarbital is the most commonly prescribed medication. Epilepsy is most common in certain breeds of dog, like German Shepherds, Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers, for which Phenobarbital, a barbiturate, is very effective.

• The Side Effects of Tapazole for Dogs

  Tapazole is thyroid medication, which veterinarians regularly prescribe this dog medication for their canine patients with thyroid conditions. Dog hyperthyroid is a condition in which too much of the dog thyroid hormone is being produced, will need to be a on a lifetime treatment of thyroid medication for their condition.

• The Side Effects of Soloxine for Dogs

  When prescribed with the growth-stimulating drug Soloxine, dogs rarely develop side effects at all. Soloxine is a safe and effective drug, FDA approved for use in dogs.

• The Side Effects of Rimadyl for Dogs

  Rimadyl is often used for the treatment of arthritis symptoms in dogs. However, it has some serious side effects of which owners should be aware.

• The Side Effects of Metacam for Dogs

  Metacam for dogs is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used primarily to treat arthritis. Given daily in liquid form, Metacam dosages are based on the animal's weight and can also be used as a temporary pain reliever for cancer and recovery from injuries or surgery.

• The Side Effects of Meloxicam for Dogs

  Veterinarians generally prescribe Meloxicam for dogs as a painkiller. It is common in dogs with arthritis or cancer, and for treating post surgery pain. Meloxicam has a number of very serious side effects, though it can be safely and effectively used with caution and careful dosage.

• The Side Effects of Ivermectin

  Ivermectin is an effective drug. It can be used to treat a wide range of conditions.

• The Side Effects of Cephalexin for Dogs

  Veterinarians prescribe cephalexin for dogs to treat bacterial infections. While the medication is approved for human use, the FDA has not issued the same approval for animals.

• The Optimal Canine Pain Medicinal Choice

  Pinpointing the cause of canine pain can be tricky if you are not familiar with some of the most common dog conditions. What's even trickier is finding the right combination of canine pain medicine on your own.

• The Difference Between Prednisolone and Prednisone for Dogs

  Canine prednisolone and prednisone for dogs are medications frequently prescribed to treat pain and inflammation associated with injury, illness and surgery.

• The 5 Most Popular Remedies for Dog Urinary Tract Infection

  A dog urinary tract infection is frequent in most dog breeds and may cause a lot of pain. The urinary tract infection is caused by harmful bacteria and more female...

• Side Effects of the 4 Most Common Prescription Drugs for Dogs

  While many drugs for dogs help relieve painful symptoms and conditions, they usually come with costly side effects. Consider the medication's side effects when looking for treatment.

• Side Effects of Previcox for Dogs

  Previcox for dogs is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for canines that weigh over 7 lbs. to help control pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, joint abnormalities or soft-tissue surgery.

• Side Effects of Prednisolone for Dogs

  Prednisolone for dogs is a prescription drug commonly used to reduce swelling or relieve pain caused by trauma, injury or illness.

• Side Effects of Penicillin for Dogs

  It is possible for vets to prescribe penicillin for dogs. The medicine is one of the few that works on both animals and humans.

• Side Effects of Chondroitin for Dogs

  The use of chondroitin in dogs is an increasingly popular form of alternative therapy for canine arthritis and other degenerative joint and bone disorders.

• Should a Dog on Antibiotics Be Quarantined?

  Certain diseases transfer through saliva. Therefore, if your dog takes antibiotics for some diseases, it might be best to keep the dog away from others.

• Seizures in Dogs

  Lack of oxygen to the areas of the brain controlling balance. This could happen because of traumatic injury to the region, blood vessel damage or blood clotting. It can also happen from things like carbon monoxide poisoning but that is probably not too likely with the chronicity of the symptoms.

• Seizure Control in Dogs

  Potassium bromide serum levels should also be monitored if signs of toxicity occur, such as incoordination, skin rashes or irrational behavior. They should also be monitored if seizure control is not adequate. It probably is just a good idea to check them three or four weeks after starting on the potassium bromide

• Seizure - Epilepsy

  The phenobarbital dosage is producing a serum phenobarbital level in the high end of the therapeutic dosage range, which is good considering the experience with seizures in the past. It is OK to give higher than normal dosages of phenobarbital if that is what it takes to get the blood values in the range necessary to control seizures.

• Safely Administering Aspirin for Dogs

  Aspirin for dogs can be a safe and effective way to ease dog pain. However, it can sometimes be challenging to get your dog to actually swallow the aspirin.

• Restoring Dog Mobility Through Physical Therapy

  If your dog suffers from mobility issues, physical therapy can help your pet restore movement, reduce discomfort and help him adjust to his new physical condition. Dog physical therapists or physiotherapists can utilize the following 6 methods to treat your pet's leg injury, disease or disability, even if your dog is an amputee.

• Relieving Allergy Symptoms with Steroids for Dogs

  Veterinarians sometimes prescribe the short-term use of steroids for dogs with allergies resulting in severe itching and inflammation. Due to their potentially serious risks, they are often prescribed as a last resort when all else has failed. With carefully regulated dosage, steroids can be used safely and effectively for allergies in dogs.

• Prozac and Your Dog

  At the present time the majority opinion seems to be that there are no well defined side effects from fluoxetine (Prozac Rx) in dogs. However, it is important to consider that the types of side effects seen in people would be really hard for a dog to communicate about--

• Precautions for Giving a Dog Prednisone

  Before giving a dog prednisone, precautions should be taken in order to ensure the drug's effectiveness and avoid unpleasant side effects. Prednisone is used in treating allergies and allergy symptoms, kidney disorders and helping the body recover from organ transplants and injuries.

• Polyarthritis Conditions in Dogs

  Polyarthritis conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus and Lyme disease, are also considerations and they would be more likely to elevate the white blood cell count. The clinical signs seem more in line with a myositis, to me, though.

• Pituitary Gland

  Dr. Richards, I have a 5 year old Boston terrier (Simmi) who was diagnosed today with probable Cushing’s disease based on a low dose dex supp test. 

• Phenylpropanolamine and Your Dog

  There is a veterinary phenylpropanolamine product available called Proin (Rx), for the treatment of incontinence in dogs. This is not a new drug but was previously a human drug now removed from the market . The side effects phenylpropanolamine like high blood pressure problems reported in humans that caused the human product recall have not been shown to occur in pets. Phenylpropanolamine has been used for many years to successfully treat incontinence in dogs.

• Phenobarbital and Other Seizure control Medication used in dogs

  There is a dietary approach to seizure control in humans that is referred to as a ketogenic diet. In this diet, a patient is kept off food for several days to induce a ketoacidotic state (a situation in which fats are being broken down and producing more acidity in the blood than normal). After this state has been induced it is maintained by feeding a high fat, low carbohydrate diet.

• Pet Meds: Top Selling for Topical and Oral Medications

  For just about every ailment, there is a variety of pet meds to choose from. Some of the most common ailments include: ear mites, fleas, ticks, heartworms, hookworms, whip worms, injuries causing pain, mange, and joint pain.

• Parainfluenza Vaccination

  Parainfluenza must be an inexpensive virus to include in vaccines. It is in almost all the combination vaccines even though it is probably only a minor contributor to the problem of tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) in dogs. 

• Pancreatic Insufficiency

  Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is usually a life long problem. It may be a good idea to try to confirm that it is present, although the response to treatment is certainly very suggestive.

• Pain Medication for Dogs

  There are many pain medication for dogs that address pain on different levels but can cause hurtful side effects. Aspirin has been widely used for dogs and is proven effective.

• Pain and Pain control in Dogs

  There are two broad categories of pain that are useful to think about because treatment options vary pretty significantly between them. Acute pain is suddenly occurring pain in response to an injury that disappears as the injury heals. Chronic pain is pain that persists after an injury has healed or that persists due to a damaging process that also persists, such as arthritis.

• Ovaban and Cheque use in Dogs

  An alternative medication with less side effects, although not entirely free of problems, is megestrol acetate (Ovaban Rx). This is a pill. It can be given right at the start of the estrus to delay it a while or given in anticipation of estrus over a longer period of time.

• Multiple Cancers in Dogs

  I have had several patients develop more than one metastatic cancer at the same time, although the one I remember most clearly had lymphoma, mast cell tumors and possibly osteosarcoma (or possibly a spread of the lymphoma to the bone) at the same time.

• Medications for Managing Canine Distemper Virus Symptoms

  The canine distemper vaccine is the best protection against the canine distemper virus. This disease is highly contagious with a high mortality rate, although not as high as canine parovirus.

• Medications for Dog Depression Treatment

  Dog depression may be caused by an event, physical illness or chemical imbalance. The depression may be temporary or last for an extended period of time...

• Medications - Side Effects, Reactions and Intolerance

  There are a number of medications which are very helpful for most pets but which make a few pets ill or even cause death in extreme instances. Using these medications is often necessary in spite of the possible side effects, especially when there are no other medications for a condition. In other cases, the beneficial effects may justify some risk taking even with serious potential consequences.

• Medication Questions

  There are a number of medications which are very helpful for most pets but which make a few pets ill or even cause death in extreme instances. Using these medications is often necessary in spite of the possible side effects, especially when there are no other medications for a condition.

• Medication and Your Dog

  There is a significant cost factor when treating a larger dog with Florinef (Rx). If compounding pharmacies can provide a less expensive alternative for patients with hypoadrenocorticism this may help some dogs who might not otherwise get medicated.

• Medication and Your Dog

  Aspirin is reasonably likely to cause gastric ulcers, which can be life threatening if ignored but which respond to withdrawal of the medication. Acetaminophen doesn’t seem to cause ulcers but there are uncommon reactions to it in which liver failure occurs and this may not respond to therapy, so death is a possibility. 

• Medication - Selegiline (Anipryl Rx)

  We have received several questions about the use of l-deprenyl (Anipryl Rx) recently. This medication was approved this year for the treatment of uncomplicated pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease).

• Medication - Rimadyl

  Almost every medication that is used in veterinary medicine has the potential to cause side effects. Many of them have the potential to cause death as a side effect. The list of these medications is very long.

• Medication - Prednisone and other Corticosteroids

  Corticosteroids occur naturally in both dogs and cats. They are produced by the adrenal gland. They have effects on most of the body's systems. For this reason, using them therapeutically tends to produce a lot of side effects. Prednisone and other corticosteroids may cause other side effects, as well.

• Medication - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)

  Aspirin is reasonably likely to cause gastric ulcers, which can be life threatening if ignored but which respond to withdrawal of the medication. Acetaminophen doesn't seem to cause ulcers but there are uncommon reactions to it in which liver failure occurs and this may not respond to therapy, so death is a possibility

• Medication - Aspirin

  Aspirin has the same problems in dogs that it has in people. It can cause gastrointestinal upsets and ulcers if the GI signs are ignored. It can cause renal failure if overdosed. It causes an increase in clotting time.

• Medication - Amitriptyline (Elavil Rx)

  The most common side effect of amitriptylline (Elavil Rx) is sedation. Some dogs also experience "dry mouth" effects from a decrease in salivation and sometimes increase their drinking, which may be an effort to combat this effect. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is possible when using amitriptylline, as well.

• Medication - Acepromazine

  Acepromazine is one of the most commonly used tranquilizers in veterinary medicine. It is a phenothiazine compound. Its mode of action is only partially understood but it involves blockage of dopamine nerve receptors in the brain.

• Medical Error, Malpractice - Unexpected Pet Death

  Sucralfate is not absorbed well from the digestive tract, so most of its actions occur at the local level in the GI tract. It can decrease the absorption of several medications (including Baytril) so it is usually used several hours before or after administration of these medications.

• Mange Treatment With Ivermectin for Dogs

  Ivermectin for dogs is useful both in the diagnosis and treatment of mange caused by sarcoptic mites, also known as scabies mites. Ivermectin, a relatively new alternative...

• Managing Dog Leg Pain with Carprofen

  Carprofen, a generic form of rimadyl, can be used to manage pain and inflammation due to canine arthritis, dog leg pain, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

• Managing Canine Epilepsy With Epiphen

  Epiphen is a brand of phenobarbital, a prescription drug used in the management of canine epilepsy. Dogs with the disease typically experience sporadic seizures, or involuntary movements or behaviors caused by moments of rapid electrical activity in the brain.

• Managing Canine Depression With Phenobarbitol

  Sometimes a stressful experience can lead to short-term canine depression, although most dogs will recover from a temporary stress in a brief period of time.

• Leptospirosis Vaccination

  This is actually a bacterial disease, so the protective "vaccination" is actually a "bacterin". In many areas of the country, this disease is not common and the leptospirosis portion of the vaccine combinations is thought to be the most common cause of reactions.

• K9 Advantix: Topical Prevention For Your Furry Friend

  As a highly rated topical prevention against ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes K9 Advantix is the number one choice to kill these pests tormenting your pet and kill them fast.

• Joint Support With Glucosamine Chondriotin for Dogs

  Glucosamine chondroitin for dogs is a supplement used to help support joints damaged by canine arthritis and other degenerative disorders. Glucosamine...

• Is Zyvox a Cure for MRSA-Positive Dogs?

  MRSA positive dogs may be carriers who never show symptoms. MRSA treatment can be difficult because these bacteria are resistant to many forms of traditional antibiotics, including the penicillin based drugs.

• Is It Safe to Give Your Dog Pepto Bismol?

  As one of the few drugs that can be used by both humans and animals, it is safe to give your dog Pepto Bismol. It can be bought with a prescription or over the counter but it is a good idea to get a vet's opinion before administering this medicine to your dog yourself.

• Illness Management - Caring for your Sick Dog

  Liquids can be hard to administer to dogs but usually it can be done by tilting their head back, holding their mouth shut by putting a hand around their muzzle and then working the tip of the syringe into the fold of the lip (back corner of the mouth) and giving the medication just slowly enough that it doesn't run out all over as the dog swallows.

• Illness - Caring for your pet

  Canine Medical Encyclopedia - Tips and info for pet owners on how to administer dog medicine.

• Homeopathic Nosode: An Alternative to Dog Vaccines?

  Nosode is a homeopathic remedy that is used to prevent disease, much the same as a traditional vaccine.

• Heartworm Treatment: A Necessary Risk for Your Pet

  The two options available for heartworm treatment are Carparsolate and Immiticide. The later being the most popular amongst veterinarians, pet owners, and pets alike.

• Heartworm Medicine: Understanding the Types, Benefits, and Side Effects

  Heartworm disease can be treated effectively with a number of different types of heartworm medicine that are readily available through your vet.

• Heartworm Disease - Treatment

  Heartworm treatment should be much safer for dogs now that a new medication, Immiticide (rx), is available to veterinarians. This medication has fewer side effects and kills a higher percentage of heartworms than Caparsolate (rx), which has been the only medication available until now.

• Heartworm and flea control medication and Your Dog

  I have recently been informed that collies should not be given once a month heartworm preventative because it can cause organ damage, seizures and even death in some collies.  Would this also apply to shelties or any other breeds?  My source was the Collie club of America.
  

• Guidelines for Choosing Between Over-the-Counter Canine Eye Drops

  Many problems that dogs have with their eyes can be treated with canine eye drops. The first step in treatment is always to determine what type of eye problem is present.

• Grief in Dogs

  I think that dogs experience grief, personally, but some behaviorists view this problem as more of an anxiety problem associated with loss of social structure. Since that seemed somewhat reasonable, we have tried anti-anxiety medications, both diazepam (Valium Rx) and buspirone (Buspar Rx).

• Giving Dogs Antibiotics and Probiotics

  Giving dogs antibiotics may be required to fight infections after surgery or injury. Antibiotics also have a tendency to kill off "good" bacteria in addition to the bad.

• Giving a Dog Benadryl to Stop Itching

  Giving your dog Benadryl can help relieve a number of symptoms. Although it can be a useful medicine it's a good idea to check if it will be suitable for your dog before giving it to him.

• Etodolac (Etogesic Rx) and Dogs

  Etodolac (Etogesic Rx) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. It is a relatively new medication and it is considered to be less likely to upset the gastrointestinal tract than older NSAIDs, such as aspirin. This medication can be used long term but it is recommended to use the lowest dose

• Eliminating Unnecessary Dog Shots

  Over-vaccinating your dog can be dangerous, and eliminating an unnecessary dog shot can preserve your dog's health and save you money in the long run.

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