Dog Medications

As pet parents, we want to do everything right for our dogs—especially when it comes to their medications. But with so many prescriptions available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which medications are safe long-term? What side effects should you watch for? Could certain drugs interact poorly?

At Heartland Veterinary Hospital, we believe informed pet owners make the best advocates for their furry family members. That’s why we’ve created this straightforward guide to:

• The most common dog medications & their uses
• Potential side effects & drug interactions
• Safety tips for long-term use
• Why always consulting your vet matters
• Convenient prescription refills

Because at Heartland Veterinary Hospital, your dog’s health isn’t just our job—it’s our passion. Let’s keep your pup safe, together. 

What Are Commonly Used Dog Medications?

There are several categories of medications commonly used to treat dogs. These include antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), opioid pain relievers, steroids, antiparasitics, behavior-modifying drugs and sedatives, and special condition medications.

Antibiotics are used to kill microbes causing infections, such as bacteria and yeast. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfa, cephalexin, and enrofloxacin. NSAIDs reduce swelling, inflammation, pain, and lameness. Examples include carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, and meloxicam. Opioid pain relievers are derived from morphine, and examples include oxycodone, hydromorphone, butorphanol, meperidine, and fentanyl. Steroids reduce allergic and anaphylactic reactions as well as suppress the immune system. Examples include prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone. Antiparasitics are used to prevent or repel internal or external parasites like intestinal worms, heartworms, fleas, or ticks. Behavior-modifying drugs and sedatives are used for managing anxiety or preparing pets for anesthesia, such as diazepam, xylazine, acepromazine, or midazolam. Special condition medications might include insulin for diabetes or methimazole/levothyroxine for abnormal thyroid hormone levels in addition to heart medications like atenolol. The AVMA details the most common types of dog medications and their specific uses.

What Are the Side Effects and Potential Adverse Reactions to Dog Medications?

Just like human medications, pet medications can also have unwanted side effects and adverse reactions. They can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of medication, the health of the pet, its age, the administration method, and how well your particular dog tolerates the medication.

The most common side effect that pets experience from medicine is gastrointestinal upset. This is because most medications are taken orally and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Some pets may have a more serious reaction, including vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease or lack of appetite. These symptoms often resolve as the pet’s body adjusts to the medication, but sometimes the symptoms can become severe, and the use of the medication needs to be stopped. Other common side effects include excessive salivation due to medications with a bitter or unpleasant taste. Common signs of a medication reaction include redness, swelling, itching, hair loss, ear or skin infections, hives, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, seizures, difficulty breathing, and collapse.

What Do I Need to Know About Possible Drug Interactions?

It’s important that pet owners are aware of drug interactions if their dog takes multiple medications, as they can significantly influence the efficacy and safety of each medication being administered. Interactions may occur when two or more drugs are given together and result in reduced effectiveness or increased toxicity. Pet owners should always let their veterinarians know what their pet is taking, including any over-the-counter medications and supplements. This is especially important when adding a new medication to an existing regimen, as it can prevent dangerous drug interactions that could lead to an entirely new medical issue with your dog.

For instance, a specific antacid (Cimetidine) can decrease the clearance of many drugs, increasing their concentration and potentially leading to side effects. An antifungal drug (Ketoconazole) is best absorbed at acidic pH and should not be combined with drugs that can alter the stomach’s pH. Additionally, NSAIDs and corticosteroids should not be given together as they can cause gastrointestinal problems. If a pet is taking one of these types of medications and needs to start taking the other, veterinarians generally recommend a “wash-out” period of five days to prevent interactions between the drugs.

What Are Potential Consequences of Long-Term Medication Use?

Long-term medication use can have both beneficial and potentially harmful effects on a pet’s health and quality of life. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, steroids, antiparasitics, and hormones are commonly used for the long-term treatment of chronic conditions in pets. Conversely, long-term use of certain medications like NSAIDs can lead to organ damage, especially to the liver and kidneys. Pet owners must understand the risks associated with long-term medication use before starting any regimen and discuss the pros and cons with their veterinarian.

Why is it Important Not to Give My Dog Medications Without Speaking to a Veterinarian First?

It’s important to always speak to a veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. Your veterinarian is trained and educated to determine the best course of action in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and medications for your pet. Additionally, regular veterinary visits are essential for the early detection and intervention of health issues, thereby extending your dog’s life. Early intervention is also attributed to avoiding diseases that may require medication.

Where Should I Get My Dog’s Medications Refilled?

When it comes to refilling your dog’s medications, veterinarians must follow certain regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of pets. For instance, regulations exist concerning the refilling of prescriptions for medications such as opioids when it has been longer than a year since the veterinarian examined the pet. Frequent lab work is required for lifelong health issues such as diabetes, heart issues, seizures, and endocrine-related diseases to ensure medications can continue being refilled. Furthermore, an exam is often required within six months of refilling a medication.

At Heartland, we provide written prescriptions upon request so owners can price shop recommended medications. However, we do not work directly with online pharmacies that are not affiliated with our distributor. 

Conclusion

The right medication can make a world of difference in your pet’s health. However, proper management of medications requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits associated with them. Pet owners should always speak to their veterinarian before giving their dog any medication and closely adhere to instructions for the administration of those medications. If you live in or near Edwardsville, IL, contact us today at (618) 655-5313 to set an appointment or if you have any questions about dog medications.