Things we've learned over the years that you might find helpful.

TREATING YOUR DOG WITH HUMAN MEDS
We often get questions asking whether "human meds" can be given to dogs. While we are NOT medical professionals, the Rogers' Rescues Meds Coordinator gathered information from various medical websites and other sources. In general, it's never a good idea to assume a human medication will be a safe and effective treatment for your pet. Contact your vet before starting any medical therapy. As with all illnesses, persistent symptoms warrant a trip to the vet.

POISONOUS Medications
ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol) and IBUPROFEN (Advil, Motrin IB): Toxic to both cats and dogs, even in small doses.
PEPTO-BISMOL: Highly toxic to cats.

POSSIBLY SAFE Medications
Contact your vet before starting any medical therapy. As with all illnesses, persistent symptoms warrant a trip to the vet.
KAOPECTATE: Can be given to dogs and cats (1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds) to help ease vomiting and diarrhea. This dosage can be repeated every four hours or until your pet is resting comfortably.
PEPTO-BISMOL: Can be administered to DOGS with stomach problems. Give one teaspoon per twenty pounds of weight every four to six hours. Should never be given to cats.
ASPIRIN: Can be given to dogs (never cats!) to help relieve inflammation, arthritis pains and general suffering. Buffered Aspirin is easier for your dog's system to tolerate, but if you must, regular (non-coated) aspirin can be used with a small amount of food. Give 1/4 of a 325-mg tablet for every ten pounds of dog, once or twice daily.
DRAMAMINE (or Dimenhydrinate): Works to prevent motion sickness in both cats and dogs. Medium to large dogs can take 25-50 mg safely, an hour before traveling. For cats and smaller dogs, give 12.5 mg.
ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENTS: Are helpful in the treatment of small wounds, bites or minor infections. Since animals instinctively lick their wounds in an attempt to heal themselves, it's important to bandage the injured area or use an e-collar.
BENADRYL (or Diphenhydramine): Helps to relieve allergy suffering. 1 to 3 mg for every pound is enough to relieve skin irritation and respiratory discomfort.
HYDROCORTISONE: Will help to relieve itchy, raw or irritated skin. It can be applied in light coat directly on your pet's skin, for treating hives, hot spots, and insect bites and stings. Apply a small amount up to 2x daily.
PEROXIDE: 1 - 2 capfuls will induce vomiting.
MELATONIN: Often used for noise phobias (thunderstorms, fireworks, etc.) When selecting Melatonin make sure it does NOT contain other herbs or nutrients. The usual dosage is 3 mg for a dog that weighs over 30 pounds. In a few cases, very large dogs weighing well over 100 pounds needed 6 mg, but that's unusual. For dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, give 1.5 mg. For a tiny dog, reduce the dosage even further.

Remember, you can help to ease your pet's symptoms with the use of over-the-counter medicines, but it's always a good idea to alert your family veterinarian to your plan of action.

Instead of a plastic e-collar, try the Comfy Cone!

Many of us in the rescue have turned to Comfy Cones over traditional plastic e-collars. The Comfy Cone lets dogs rest their heads comfortably and it doesn't chip paint when your dog bangs into the walls! You can order them directly from the company by visiting AllFourPaws.com.