

Yes, there are some OTC human medications that veterinarians recommend for certain conditions, but it’s never a good idea to assume it’s okay to use any medication in your dog without a vet’s advice. Are There Any Safe Over-the-Counter Human Medications for Dogs? Your dog may also have a specific condition or reason that means it’s not okay to give them a medication that might be okay for another dog.

This might seem inconvenient, but giving your dog an over-the-counter (OTC) medication can cause more harm than good or even make your dog’s existing health condition worse. For example, veterinary medicines are dosed based on your dog’s weight, while human medications are often dosed based on age.Įven if you think it’s safe to give your dog a human medication, you should always ask your vet first. While it’s true that vets may prescribe human medications for dogs, there are important differences in drug tolerances, side effects, dose ranges, and applications. The same medications that safely work in children or adults are not necessarily safe in dogs. If you have any concerns about dosing and ingestion of human medications in pets, or if your pet is having adverse side effects (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, behavioral changes), please contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian, or call Pet Poison Hotline at (855) 764-7661.Īlthough we treat and love our dogs like children, dogs are not small people.
