Is It Safe To Give Your Dog Human Medicine? What To Know

From penicillin to insulin to ibuprofen, human medicine has revolutionized the response to illnesses, helping people recover faster and live longer. Dogs can experience many of the same conditions as humans, including influenza, epilepsy, and diabetes. This has led many owners to wonder if dogs could benefit from the same medication that we do. While some human medications can be safely given to dogs with a veterinarian's approval or a veterinary prescription, many cannot and will do more harm than good.

Phenobarbital and meloxicam are two examples of human prescription medications that have received FDA approval and are commonly prescribed for seizures in dogs (phenobarbital) and arthritis symptoms (meloxicam). Levetiracetam is another prescription medication that veterinarians legally prescribe for canine epilepsy, even though it's not FDA-approved as a pet medication. The same is true for gabapentin, which treats/manages seizures, anxiety, and nerve pain in dogs.

Does this mean you can give these drugs to your dog if they've been prescribed for you or a family member? Not really. The dosage and other factors must be considered, so consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any type of medication that hasn't been prescribed to prevent dangerous side effects. This includes over-the-counter medications. In many cases, a dog can become poisoned by a human medication and experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Over-the-counter, or OTC, medications are typically more common in households than prescription ones. This leads many pet parents to assume these drugs are somehow safer, but OTC medications often rank highest in the ASPCA's annual list of top toxins to pets. The good news is, some OTC meds can be safely given to your dog — after getting consent from your veterinarian. Oral medications, like antihistamines and antidiarrheals; and topical treatments, like antibiotic ointments, are a few examples.

Oral antihistamines (allergy meds) made for humans that contain no other ingredients are generally safe for most dogs. Always read the ingredient list first. When speaking with your veterinarian, tell them if your dog is pregnant or has glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, or low blood pressure, as antihistamines could be dangerous for pets with these conditions. With your vet's approval, antidiarrheals like Pepto-Bismol and Imodium may also be safely given to your dog for digestive issues.

While human antihistamines and antidiarrheal medications are typically administered orally, certain topical medications can be safe for dogs as well. Dogs can get scrapes, cuts, and other flesh wounds just like their owners can. When such an injury happens to you or a child, you might whip out the Neosporin. If it happens to your four-legged child, you can use the same treatment (in small amounts). Neosporin can be used to treat a dog rash, too. Just be sure to first clean any wounds with soap and water, and speak with your vet.

Many OTC medications pose a threat to dogs, but acetaminophen and NSAIDS are among the most commonly ingested ones. If your dog were to swallow an acetaminophen pill, it could end up in the ER. Whether it's Tylenol, Excedrin, or another acetaminophen brand, this drug poses a toxicity risk to dogs. Signs of poisoning include an accelerated heart rate, stomach pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, facial swelling, and liver damage, among others.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, etc.) is also a "no-no" for dogs in most cases. Low doses can cause gastrointestinal side effects, in addition to pale gums and abdominal cramping for dogs. Higher doses can lead to brain, liver, or kidney damage. Prolonged use can cause low blood pressure, seizures, stomach ulcers, heart problems, coma, and even death.

Remember, always consult with a veterinarian before deciding to give your dog a drug that wasn't prescribed for it. If you know or suspect that your dog accidentally ingested a human medication, seek veterinary help as soon as possible. The sooner your dog can receive treatment, the greater the chances are of a successful treatment and recovery.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.