[pct-l] OTC meds for pets

[Kristin Hamann]

In response to some questions I have received, I would just like to share a
few comments on OTC medications in dogs.  DO NOT GIVE YOUR DOG
ADVIL/IBUPROFEN OR ALLEVE/NAPROXEN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!!  They can
cause fatal GI bleeding, kidney failure, and liver failure.  I do not
recommend giving Aspirin, Tylenol, or Pepto Bismol to your dog either
unless advised by your vet, as they are not very effective and have a lower
safety threshold in dogs.  DO NOT GIVE THESE MEDICATIONS TO CATS UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES!!!!  I would also avoid any doggie NSAIDs
(Rimadyl/carprofen/vetprofen, Deramax, or Previcox) you may have been
previously prescribed if your dog is dehydrated or not eating.  In
dehydrated dogs they can cause kidney failure.  NSAIDs have a much lower
safety threshold in dogs than in people.  If you have been previously
prescribed tramadol for pain it is pretty safe, just follow your vet's
dosing instructions.  I would also carry Benadryl (1 mg/lb not to exceed 50
mg total dose); so a 25lb dog would get 25 mg, a 50lb dog would get 50 mg,
and a 100lb dog would get 50 mg.  Round down if unsure.  Make sure there
are no other ingredients besides diphenhydramine, and if it is a liquid
check the label for artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which is toxic
to dogs.

Dr. k

On Thu, Mar 21, 2013 at 8:58 PM, Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <
diane at santabarbarahikes.com> wrote:

> I felt bad leaving my parrots with Trailhacker. Birds are a lot of
> work. One of them didn't really like him. I guess once I was gone she
> decided he wasn't so bad. On my 2nd hike, after the celebration
> dinner in the Lodge, Trailhacker informed me that one of my parrots
> had died. Very sad because I would talk to my birds while I hiked
> alone, especially that one. I basically left the house in May and
> never saw my little 22-year-old bird again. Poor little Squeaky. Take
> lots of pictures of them and say good-bye well just in case.
>
> On Mar 21, 2013, at 5:02 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> >  Leaving pets
>
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