Over-the-Counter Medications Safe For Pets

March 1, 2022

Your pets can feel under the weather some days the same as us humans. Usually it’s because of something they ate or a stressful situation that caused this feeling of general unwellness. If only there was something in your medicine cabinet you could give them to make them feel better.

Well, there is… 

Often in this kind of situation, the symptoms are mild but bothersome enough to need treatment, but not too serious that you need to take a trip to the vet’s. However, that’s not to say you don’t need your vet’s approval before administering any kind of medication to your pets. 

There are some over-the-counter (OTC) medications you can give your dog that you can’t give your cat, for example. Each pet is different, depending on their age, gender, state of health, what medications they’re currently taking and most importantly, their weight.

So let’s take a look at some examples where OTC medications can be a health benefit to your pet.

Anxiety and Car Sickness

You know how anxious some dogs and cats get when they have to go for a car ride. Most of them associate the experience with a trip to the vet’s, hence their anxiety. Others just have sensitive dispositions to begin with. In such cases, feel free to give your dogs and cats Gravol (Dimenhydrinate). It has a calming effect on most pets and will help them relax and make them feel sleepy. It also helps with motion sickness and is great when you’re on your way to the cottage and have a long drive ahead of you.

Stomach Upset

Let’s face it, it’s impossible to keep your dog’s nose out of everything, especially when you’re out walking. They are bound to find some leftovers or savoury bit of garbage that they just can’t resist, maybe even the remains of a dead animal, if they’re lucky! But they’ll pay the price later when their stomach acts up. All you need is some Pepcid AC (famotidine) to settle the effects of heartburn and stomach acid.

Bee Stings, Hives and Other Allergic Reactions

Lots of inquisitive puppies will learn the hard way that bees and wasps, even though they’re fun to chase, do not have a pleasant after-taste! Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is good for dogs and cats who experience inflammation from hives, stings and other allergic reactions. Just be warned that Benadryl is very sedating and will likely knock out your pet for a few hours.

If your pets’ symptoms worsen or don’t alleviate after 24 hours, contact your veterinarian. While over-the-counter medications can be effective in mild cases, often your pets will need veterinary care. Always check with your vet before you give your pets any kind of medication or supplement intended for human consumption.