Over-The-Counter Medications and Your Pets

**Please consult your veterinarian before giving ANY medications at home.**

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Aspirin
Aspirin is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that has been used to reduce pain or inflammation. Dog and cat stomachs do not tolerate aspirin as well as humans do. In fact, a recent study showed that within 24 hrs of one dose of aspirin, 100% of dogs studied had some degree of stomach ulceration within 24 hours. (Reimer, M.E., et.al.) Therefore we now recommend newer NSAIDs safer for dogs such as Metacam or Rimadyl. **Cats are not able to metabolize aspirin in the same way that dogs do, and therefore should NOT be given except under the direct supervision of a veterinarian!**

Tylenol
The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen, which may be in other drugs such as Excedrin. Acetaminophen has pain relieving effects, but does not act on inflammation. Toxic doses cause symptoms such as lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting and liver damage. ***Cats do not possess the proper enzymes to process acetaminophen, and therefore Tylenol is EXTREMELY toxic in cats and should NOT be given at any time!!!***

Ibuprofen
Can be used therapeutically, but it is generally not recommended because of its tendency to cause gastric ulcers and perforations. Levels of toxicity cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, gastric ulceration, abdominal pain, and even seizures or coma. **Cats are considered to be twice as sensitive to ibuprofen as dogs.**

**Do NOT give ANY of the above drugs to your pet at any time unless directed by a veterinarian -- especially if they are using a prescribed steroid (i.e. Prednisone) or another NSAID (i.e. Rimadyl, Metacam, Previcox). If you feel your pet is in pain, please call our office to discuss safer alternatives than human OTC medications.

Other medications

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl is used in dogs and cats to treat allergic reactions to many things from bee stings to vaccines. Benadryl is also used occasionally to slightly sedate a pet that may be overly stressed. Benadryl is generally a safe drug to give to pets. If you have questions about using Benadryl for your pet and a correct dose, please contact us by phone to consult with a doctor.

Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate)
Dramamine is used in dogs and cats to treat motion sickness, just as in people, and is considered to be a very safe drug in pets. Dramamine is also used to slightly sedate pets that are overly stressed by travel or other isolated incidents. If you have questions about using Dramamine for your pet and a correct dose, please contact us by phone to consult with a doctor.