Our pets are part of the family. They keep us company, play games with us, and provide emotional support. When our pets are sick, we want to do everything possible to make them feel better. Pets can be diagnosed with conditions that humans experience, too - like anxiety, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Just like humans, pets sometimes need prescription medications. While some of the pills and potions in our medicine cabinets are safe for pets, it is imperative to consult your veterinarian before administering any new medication. Why Is It Dangerous to Share A Prescription with My Pet? Dogs, cats, and other pets are not small humans, and accuracy in dosage can be lost if you share medications with your pets. Plus, while prescriptions for humans are not typically weight-dependent, that isn’t the case for pets. Another danger is the fact that some inactive ingredients used in medications, while completely innocuous to humans, are toxic to pets. Xylitol, for example, is an artificial sweetener that is sometimes used as an inactive ingredient in prescription medications. It is lethal to pets. Are OTC Medications Safe to Share with My Pet? What about over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and allergy medications? Just like prescription medications, certain OTC meds can harm animals. Some should never be given to a pet; others should only be given to a pet under the guidance of a veterinarian. For example, Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) are not safe for pets EVER! Buffered aspirin is a bit safer but even the coated tablets may upset your pet’s stomach. Aspirin has also been associated with increased bleeding risk. Helen Anne Travis recommended nine “human medications” on petmd.com. When dosed properly, these medications are vet-approved to help your pet feel better faster.

• MiraLAX

MiraLAX can be given to your pet in small doses to help alleviate the pain and discomfort of constipation. Too much can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.

• Pepcid

Pepcid can be used to treat or prevent ulcers and inflammation caused by stomach acid in pets and humans. While Pepcid is relatively safe for pets, in dogs it may cause side effects such as loss of appetite and drowsiness.

• Prilosec

Prilosec is another acid-reducing medication that’s generally safe for pets. But it’s not without its side effects, which may include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and changes in urination or behavior.

• Lomotil

While Lomotil can treat diarrhea, it’s most often used as a cough suppressant in dogs.

• Benadryl

Just like with humans, Benadryl can be used to help treat acute allergic reactions. It can also serve as a mild sedative for pets who are stressed out by road trips or fireworks and as a preventative for motion sickness. Side effects include dry mouth, decreased urination, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

• Saline Eye and Nose Drops

Saline eye drops can help relieve mild conjunctivitis and other eye irritations. You also can use children’s nose drops to help clear the upper airways of congested cats.

• Dramamine

Pets get dizzy too. Properly dosed Dramamine can help relieve the symptoms of carsickness and vertigo. The most common side effect is drowsiness.

• Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These supplements can be administered to older or injured animals to help alleviate the pain caused by arthritis and other joint problems.

• Hydrogen Peroxide

Everyone’s favorite stinging antiseptic can also help induce vomiting in pets who have swallowed something they are not supposed to. But call your vet first. What Pharmacies Carry Pet Meds? You can visit a pharmacy that specializes in pet prescriptions, or your local community pharmacy. However, pet medications are also available from Canadian mail order pharmacies. Can I Buy Pet Meds Online? Yes, some online Canadian pharmacies carry Pet medications as well. Before doing business with an online pharmacy, confirm it is licensed in its country of origin and that the country has strong pharmacy regulations. There is a website that helps you with this. The Canadian International Pharmacy Association runs a site (cipa.com) that allows you to compare medication prices among dozens of pharmacies whose legitimacy it has certified. For example, Cheapomeds.com is one pharmacy that CIPA certified and they have ability to fill pet prescriptions. How Can I Get Cheap Pet Meds? Cheapomeds.com is here to provide you safe and affordable pet medications. In addition to dogs and cats, the site also services owners of birds, reptiles, and even horses, and has a spectrum of medications treating everything from arthritis to allergies to thyroid conditions. What Are the Most Common Prescription Medications for Pets?

• Cosequin (Glucosamine, 0.225 % sodium chloride; Manganese)
• Aerochamber, Aerodawg, Aerocat (Facial mask, inhaler)
• Apoquel (Oclacitinib)
• Bravecto Blue (Fluralaner)
• Cerenia (Maropitant Citrate)
• Comfortis (Spinosad)
• Cosequin (Glucosamine;0.225 % sodium chloride; Manganese)
• Credelio (Lotilaner)
• Glucagon Injection (Glucagon Recombinant)
• Heartgard (Pyrantel Pamoate; Ivermectin)
• Neoral (Cyclosporine)
• NexGard (Afoxolaner)
• Percorten-V (Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate)
• Previcox (Firocoxib)
• Replacement Mask Kit Small (Facial mask)
• Revolution (Selamectin)
• Rimadyl Chewables (Carprofen)
• Vetmedin (Pimobendan)
• Vetoryl (Trilostane)
• Generic Capoten (Captopril)

References:

• petmd.com
• Singlecare.com
• Vcahospitals.com