Over the Counter Meds for Dogs

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-Buffered Aspirin (acetylsalicyc Acid)
Function: Fever reducer, pain reliever
Dosage: 5 mg per pound
*Should be given with food to prevent stomach upset and for no more than once a day, for no more than 2 days
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-Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Function: for allergic reactions, itching and as a sedative
Dosage: 1-2 mg per pound
*Only plain Benadryl should be used every 12 hours. In some cases, the sedative action is not observed and dogs may get anxious and restless instead.
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-Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)
Function: For motion sickness
Dosage: 2-4 mg per pound
*Only plain Dramamine must be used, lower dosage is often suggested to try first to see how dog responds.
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- 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Function: to induce vomiting
Dosage: 1 teaspoon every 10 pounds
* Follow vets advice as some chemicals ingested are more harmful if brought up again, administration can only be repeated twice at 15 minute intervals. Walking the dog after may help induce vomiting.
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-Metamucil
Function: Relieves Constipation
Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs, 1 teaspoon for medium dogs, 2 teaspoons for large dogs
* Always add to some moist food as it may difficult to swallow
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-Mineral Oil
Function: Laxative
Dosage: 5 ml per 20 pounds
* Mix with food, never give without food as this may cause aspiration pneumonia. Do not give more than twice daily for 2-3 days as it interefers with nutrient absorption.
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-Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)
Function: For Diarrhea
Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds every 6 hours
* Contains salicylates, use caution in pets sensitive to aspirin.
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-Pepcid AC
Function: anti-acid, anti-ulcer
Dosage:0.25-0.5 per pound every 12 to 24 hours
*May interact with digoxin and ketoconazole.
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-Robittussin DM
Function: cough suppressant
Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds
*Usually given every 6 hours