Pets and pills are a common worry. It is hard to have an understanding what human medicine is safe for dogs.
There are a number of medications that your dog shouldn’t be taking or accidentally ingesting. However, there are actually a number of pills that work as both medicine for humans and dogs.
In fact, a number of commonly prescribed medications for dogs are actually medications for humans, but packaged in appropriate dosages for dogs.
Below is a list of good and bed medicines for your dog. We hope it provides a clear understanding what medicine is safe for dogs.
Let’s be honest – when our furry friends are feeling under the weather, we’d do anything to make them feel better I’ve been there myself, standing in front of my medicine cabinet wondering, “Can I give my dog some of my medicine?” It’s tempting to reach for human medications when your pup is uncomfortable, but this can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore which human medicines are actually safe for dogs, proper dosing considerations, and why you should always consult your vet before administering any medication to your pet.
Why You Can’t Just Give Dogs Human Medicine
Before diving into which medications might be safe, let’s understand why this is such a tricky area:
- Dogs are not small humans – Their bodies process chemicals differently
- Size matters – Dosages for humans are not appropriate for dogs
- Breed sensitivity – Some breeds (like Collies) have genetic sensitivities to certain medications
- Toxic ingredients – Many human medications contain additives that are poisonous to dogs
- Underlying conditions – Your dog may have health issues that make certain “safe” medications dangerous
Remember, even medications considered “safe” for dogs should only be given under veterinary supervision. Never try to calculate dosages yourself or administer medicine without talking to your vet first.
Safe Human Medications for Dogs (When Vet-Approved)
Here’s a list of human medications that may be safe for dogs in certain circumstances and only with veterinary approval
1. Antihistamines
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Benadryl is commonly used for allergies, insect bites, and mild anxiety in dogs. However, it can cause drowsiness in some dogs and hyperactivity in others. Important: Only use plain Benadryl that contains no additional ingredients like decongestants, which can be harmful to dogs.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Zyrtec can help with allergies and itchiness but should not be given to dogs with liver or kidney disease. Make sure you’re using regular Zyrtec, not Zyrtec-D, which contains pseudoephedrine (toxic to dogs).
Loratadine (Claritin)
Another option for allergies, but like Zyrtec, it should not be given to dogs with liver or kidney disease. Never give Claritin-D to dogs, as the decongestant component is dangerous.
2. Gastrointestinal Medications
Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
This can soothe an upset stomach and reduce acid production. It’s used to treat or prevent gastrointestinal ulcers, gastritis, and esophagitis in dogs.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
May help with mild digestive upset, but should never be given without veterinary approval. It can cause darkening of the stool and interfere with X-ray imaging if needed later.
Loperamide (Imodium)
Used for diarrhea in some cases, but dangerous for Collies and other breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation. It can also mask symptoms of more serious conditions.
Simethicone (Gas-X)
Can help relieve gas in dogs but should only be used short-term and with veterinary guidance.
3. Acid Reducers
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Sometimes prescribed for gastritis, reflux, esophagitis, and mast cell tumors in dogs. It can interact with other medications, so veterinary supervision is essential.
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
More effective than cimetidine for treating ulcers or excess stomach acid, but should only be used under veterinary guidance.
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Another acid reducer that may be used to treat ulcers and reflux, though it’s considered less effective than other options. Should not be given with food.
4. Topical Treatments
Hydrocortisone creams
Can be used in small amounts for itchy skin, but only in areas where your dog can’t lick it off. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to prevent ingestion.
Neosporin
This topical antibiotic ointment can be used on minor cuts and scrapes, but you need to prevent your dog from licking it off. For more serious wounds, oral antibiotics prescribed by your vet are necessary.
5. Other Medications
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
Can help with motion sickness and travel anxiety, but proper dosing is crucial to avoid overdose.
Artificial tears
Generally safe for lubricating dry eyes or flushing out dust particles, but won’t help with all eye conditions.
Human Medications That Are NEVER Safe for Dogs
I want to emphasize that some common human medications are extremely dangerous for dogs, including:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Can cause liver damage and affect oxygen transport in blood
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Can cause stomach ulcers, liver and kidney failure
- Naproxen (Aleve) – Toxic even in small doses
- Cold and cough medicines – Many contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs
- Pseudoephedrine – Found in many decongestants, can be lethal even in small amounts
What About Pain Relief for Dogs?
Many dog owners wonder what they can give their dog for pain. Instead of human pain medications, consider these safer options:
FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs:
- Carprofen (Rimadyl, Vetprofen)
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
- Firocoxib (Previcox)
- Grapiprant (Galliprant)
- Meloxicam
These medications are specifically designed for dogs and are much safer than human pain relievers.
Important Guidelines When Using Human Medicines for Dogs
If your veterinarian has approved the use of a human medication for your dog, follow these guidelines:
- Get exact dosing instructions – Dog dosages are calculated based on weight and differ significantly from human doses
- Watch for side effects – Monitor your dog closely after giving any medication
- Don’t combine medications without veterinary approval – Drug interactions can be dangerous
- Use the simplest formulations – Avoid medications with multiple active ingredients
- Check the ingredients list – Make sure there are no additional harmful substances
- Never use extended-release formulations – These are designed for human metabolism
When to Call the Vet Instead of Using Human Medicines
While it might be tempting to treat your dog at home, there are times when a vet visit is absolutely necessary:
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of pain (whining, shaking, reluctance to move)
- Eye injuries or issues
- Any sudden change in behavior or symptoms that worry you
Natural Alternatives to Consider
If you’re hesitant about giving your dog human medications, some natural alternatives might help with minor issues:
- For joint pain: Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements
- For inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric (with veterinary guidance)
- For anxiety: CBD oil designed for pets (where legal)
- For digestive upset: Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
Final Thoughts
While some human medications can be safe for dogs in certain circumstances, the risks of improper use are significant. I always recommend:
- Keeping a pet first aid kit with vet-approved medications
- Having your vet’s contact information readily available
- Knowing the location of the nearest emergency vet clinic
- Saving the Pet Poison Helpline number (855-764-7661) in your phone
Remember, what works for one dog may be dangerous for another. Your dog’s breed, size, age, and overall health all factor into medication safety. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication not specifically prescribed for them.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I gave my dog an incorrect dose of an otherwise “safe” medication and ended up with an expensive emergency vet visit. Trust me, it’s better to be cautious and consult the professionals!
Have you ever had to give your dog human medication under veterinary supervision? What was your experience like? Share your stories in the comments!
FAQs About Human Medications for Dogs
Q: Can I give my dog Benadryl for allergies?
A: Yes, Benadryl is generally considered safe for dogs with allergies when used under veterinary guidance. Make sure it contains ONLY diphenhydramine and no other active ingredients.
Q: What can I give my dog for pain if I can’t get to a vet immediately?
A: Unfortunately, most human pain medications are dangerous for dogs. Call your vet or an emergency vet for guidance rather than giving human pain relievers.
Q: Is it safe to give my dog Pepto-Bismol for an upset stomach?
A: Pepto-Bismol may be used in certain situations, but only with veterinary approval. It can cause darkening of the stool and may interfere with X-rays if needed later.
Q: What about antibiotics? Can I give my dog leftover human antibiotics?
A: No. Never give your dog antibiotics prescribed for humans or leftover from previous prescriptions. Improper antibiotic use can lead to bacterial resistance and won’t treat the specific infection your dog may have.
Q: How do I know if my dog is having a reaction to medication?
A: Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, excessive thirst or urination, skin rash, or behavioral changes. If you notice any of these after giving medication, contact your vet immediately.
Remember, your veterinarian is always the best resource for determining what medications are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs and health conditions.
Medications that are Dangerous for Pets
While some human medications are safe for dogs, others can be deadly. Avoid your dog ingesting the following types of human medication:
- Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Acetaminophen, Tramdol – These are products like Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, Ultram, Aleve, and Naprosyn that are all pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine.
Dogs are extremely sensitive to all of these and they can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure. Stick to just plain old aspirin.
- Xanax (Alprazolam) – An anti-anxiety medication for humans, when ingested by most dogs they get wobbly and sleepy.
However, some may become agitated instead. In large doses, it can cause a blood pressure drop that leads to weakness and collapse.
- Adderall – As an amphetamine treatment for ADHD, in dogs this can lead to elevated heart rate and body temperature.
This can lead to hyperactivity, but more dangerously, tremors and seizures.
- Ambien (Zolpidem) – Used as a sleep aid in humans, it can work the same in dogs, but most become agitated and develop elevated heart rates.
- Klonopin (Clonazepam) – Used as an anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety medication in humans, when ingested by dogs they can become wobbly and sleepy.
Like Xanax, when taken in large amounts it can lead to weakness and collapse.
- Cymbalta (Duloxetine) and Effexor (Venlafaxine) – Both are anti-depressants and both have the same effect in dogs. It can cause agitation, excessive barking, tremors, and seizures.
Medications that are Safe for Dogs
If your dog has minor problems, many times your veterinarian will recommend simple over-the-counter human cures to help ease the symptoms.
If this is the case, you need to be very specific and always use the correct dosage of the following medications that are safe for your dog:
- Benadryl – This is the most common one. This can treat allergies and itching in dogs. It can also be used to lightly sedate them if they get anxious on car trips or during storms etc.
Unless advised otherwise, the dosage is 1 mg per pound.
- Buffered Aspirin – Aspirin is used as an anti-inflammatory and for pain relief, but you need to be very careful.
Only actual aspirin should be used in a dosage of 5 mg per pound.
- Imodium – This can be extremely useful in treating diarrhea. However, you need to watch for the dosage difference between pill and liquid form.
The pill is 1 mg per 20 pounds while the liquid is 1 ml per pound.
- Pepto Bismal – This is another anti-diarrheal as well as a treatment for vomiting and gas.
Like Imodium, the dosage can differ between liquid and capsules. In this case, liquid form is one teaspoon per 5 pounds while the capsule is one per every 20 pounds.
- Robitussin DM – This is typically a surprise, but Robitussin is a great treatment for coughing and hacking.
Of course, if your dog is doing that, you should contact your veterinarian immediately, but it can be treated with 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds.
- Mineral Oil – If your dog is suffering from constipation, mineral oil can provide some relief, but only at a maximum of 4 tablespoons daily, any more and you will be dealing with diarrhea instead.
@grunner_kimber