MYTH: When I told my Vet I was going to start just treating my dogs myself with human medicine I can buy over the counter at the local drugstore, he seemed upset with my decision. I think he just wants to keep getting all my money. After all if these medicines are safe for me, they will be safe for my dog.

FACT: Your vet has probably had to do emergency treatments on some other dogs because their masters gave them human medicine that was harmful to them or over dosed them on something else. Thus, his concern!!!
Many of the over the counter medicines we take ourselves can be used to treat our ailing dog. But, before giving any of them to your dog, it's best to discuss it with your Vet first. Just to be certain your dog doesn't suffer from undiagnosed kidney disease, diabetes or liver failure, which could make consuming these medications dangerous.
Some human medicines are very dangerous to a dog. ACETAMINOPHEN ( Tylenol) and IBUPROFEN (Advil, Motrum IB, etc.) are toxic to both cats and dogs, even in small doses.
Pets can only tolerate a certain amount of medication. Pet sized doses are much smaller than you might think. First you must know what your pet WEIGHS and figure out the correct dosage according to his weight. Also, never give your pet a double dose of anything to try and make up for a dose you may have missed.
Some Herbal products are safe for pets, while others are highly toxic. Before using your dog
as a medical testing experiment, be sure to ask your Vet's opinion on that particular herb.
Only after discussing the following medications with your pets Vet should you use them.

KAOPECTATE: It can be given to cats and dogs at a ratio of 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight, to help ease vomiting and diarrhea. It can be repeated every 4 hours until you pet is showing signs of improvement. FOR 3 DAYS MAX.
PEPTO-BISMOL: Can be given to dogs with stomach problems at a ratio of 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of weight every 4 to 6 hours. NEVER GIVE PEPTO-BISMOL TO YOUR CAT.
ASPIRIN: Can be given to dogs (BUT NEVER CATS) to help relieve inflammation, arthritis pains and general suffering. Buffered Aspirin is much easier on your dogs stomach, but if necessary, Non -coated Aspirin can be used if given with a small amount of food. Give 1/4 of a 325 milligram tablet for every 10 pounds of body weight, once or twice daily.
DRAMAMINE or DIMENHYDRINATE: Used to help prevent motion sickness in people, it can also be used on cats and dogs. Give one hour before travelling. Medium to large dogs can safely take 25 to 50 milligrams, while cats and small dogs should only receive 12.5 milligrams.
TAGAMET (or Cimetidine): It can be used for dogs suffering from ulcer pains or to help reduce the amount of acid irritation in the stomach. It is recommended to discuss the dose rate with a Vet first.
BENADRYL (or Diphenhydramine): Helps to relieve allergy suffering which has already been properly diagnosed by a Vet. 1 to 3 milligrams for every pound of body weight is enough to relieve allergic skin irritation and respiratory discomfort.
HYDROCORTISONE: Will relieve itchy, raw or irritated skin conditions. Apply directly to the affected area twice daily. Very effective for treating hives, hot spots, insect bites and stings.
Antibiotic Ointments are helpful in the treatment of small wounds, bites or minor infections. Since animals will lick the ointment off, apply, and bandage with gauze and tape. Antibacterial Soap will aid in the treatment of ringworm and acne. Wash the area twice daily. Moisturizer will help ease your pets discomfort from skin irritations like dandruff. Vaporizers (placed in a safe place where the pet cannot get at it), helps suffering animals with cold or flu type symptoms and to relieve congestion and discomfort from Kennel Cough and Asthma.
Remember, it is best to never treat your pet before discussing the medication and correct dosage with your Vet first.

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