also see Arthritis and its treatment in dogs
Dog Medicine
Much like people medicine, dog medicine can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription. In many cases, over-the-counter dog medicine will do the trick and in others, a stronger (and monitored) prescription might be in order. If your pet has a simple cut, he’s constipated, or has a cough, over-the-counter dog medicines can be effective and they are easy to acquire and administer. Coated and/or buffered aspirin works as an excellent anti-inflammatory remedy for dogs, while milk of magnesia is an excellent laxative for dogs. Dog medicine such as Robitussin is effective as a cough suppressant. While over-the-counter dog medicines might be the quickest and easiest way to stop a cough or relieve constipation, they can have some fairly unpleasant side effects. Aspirin, for instance, can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, while cough suppressants can cause sleepiness and dry heaves. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can cause some of the same side effects that humans experience such as lack of coordination, sleepiness, heightened thirst, and nausea. A number of natural dog medicines exists that claim to be effective in treating a many common dog ailments with little to no side effects. Just a few homeopathic dog medicines include flower essences and herbs such as herb tea and other plants. As with all dog medicine, prescription, over-the-counter or homeopathic, it’s best to consult a vet if you are unsure about what or how much of any given medicine you should give to your dog.