Since you never know when an accident will happen, keeping a pet emergency kit at your home is a good idea. Asking your Vet what over-the-counter (OTC) medications and the dosages for your pets they recommend, for seasonal allergy symptoms, ear wash, simple scrapes, and the occasional upset stomach is also a good idea too.
We thought it might be useful if we presented some of the more common OTC medications we have used. We recommend that you discuss with your vet what would be safe for your pets, taking into consideration, your Boston's general health, medical condition, age, and weight.
When I first started working with the Bostons I was amazed how many human medications could be used and startled at how many could cause real harm. It is convenient to know some basic OTC medications that can be safely used. You never know when a bee or wasp sting will happen, or a toad or frog becomes just to tempting. Then there is the bump or scratch from "who knows where" suddenly occurs, and of course after the vets office hours. Or the red runny eyes and sneezing (just like humans) when the pollen is everywhere.
Just like our human kids there are somethings we can and should do, to protect from infection, or limit uncomfortable symptoms. If you talk to your vet ahead of time there is no reason not to be able to safely handle these symptoms yourself. The right dosage of the OIC would be the important bit of information to have written down where you can refer to.
Here are some common OTC meds used in Veterinary Care for Dogs: (do not use for cats without consulting a veterinarian! )
Benedryl = is an antihistamine that is commonly used in both people and pets. It is used in the treatment of many symptoms including allergies, loss of appetite, itching, as a sedative and increased serotonin production associated with Cushing’s disease. It does not treat the underlying problems causing these symptoms. Only give this drug under the recommendation of your veterinarian. Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. 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.
Hydrogen Peroxide to Induce Vomiting = This is probably the only substance you use at home that your own veterinarian will recommend. The three percent hydrogen peroxide, the kind you purchase at any pharmacy. Do not use the stronger, (concentrated peroxide found in hair color). The dose is one teaspoon (five milliliters, or cc's) for every 10 pounds of body weight. Try mixing it with a little vanilla ice cream to make it palatable.You can also try using a little bit of honey if there's no ice cream on hand. Sometimes, however, we just syringe the stuff down an animal's throat.
You should walk her around for a few minutes to get her moving, which will help the hydrogen peroxide do its work. Hydrogen peroxide typically induces vomiting of stomach contents within 15 minutes of use. If your pet doesn't vomit within 15 minutes, you can give her a second dose. However, if another 15 minutes pass and she still hasn't vomited, don't give him a third dose of the hydrogen peroxide. It's time to call your veterinarian.
Use of OTC may do more harm than good and there are several circumstances where they may even be harmful. For instance, dogs with kidney or liver disease must be dosed very carefully or even refrain from giving any OTC medications.
Buffered Aspirin (acetylsalicyc Acid) = 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
Metamucil = 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
Mineral Oil = 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 interferes with nutrient absorption.
Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) =For Diarrhea Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds every 6 hours Contains salicylates, use caution in pets sensitive to aspirin.
Pepcid AC = anti-acid, anti-ulcer Dosage:0.25-0.5 per pound every 12 to 24 hours May interact with digoxin and ketoconazole.
Robittussin DM = cough suppressant Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds Usually given every 6 hours.
I also keep 100% canned pumpkin (not the spiced for pies), rice and boiled frozen chicken for those times when the digestive track is upset.
What suggestions do you have of what you would add to this list?
Yes, that was going to be my next article, then I discovered these sites:
We bet you have been wondering what we have been up to.
