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Sep 12, 2024 · Learn about safe over-the-counter medications for dogs to help alleviate common issues like allergies, pain, skin issues, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Overview
- Using Supportive Care
- Preventing Complications
The dog flu (medically termed canine influenza) is an infection that can be passed from dog to dog. If your dog has come down with this flu, it is best to see a veterinarian for a formal diagnosis and treatment. Treatment normally consists of a combination of rest, hydration, and sometimes medications (both for symptom management, as well as antibi...
Understand that there is no medical "cure" for canine influenza.
Rather, your dog's veterinarian will offer what is called "supportive care." Supportive care is a combination of symptom management and rest so that your dog's immune system is optimized and best able to fight off the virus. Your dog's immune system is the only thing that can fight off the bug itself.
Keep your dog's eyes and nose clean. Wipe these areas down with a cotton pad soaked in water that has been boiled, then cooled to room temperature.
Make sure your dog's bed has plenty of padding. If your dog isn't moving very much, they can develop bed sores. Provide additional padding with a few extra blankets.
Keep your dog indoors and make sure it is not too hot or too cold.
The vet may offer your dog extra fluids, sometimes via an IV, if your dog has become dehydrated as a result of fighting off canine influenza. If the dehydration is only mild, encouraging your dog to drink more water orally may be sufficient.
Opt for antibiotics for your dog.
Although canine influenza is a viral infection, many veterinarians will offer your dog antibiotics to prevent what is called a "secondary bacterial infection." What this means is that, while your dog's immune system is busy fighting off the virus, it can become weakened and susceptible to bacterial infections. The antibiotics help to prevent this and to ensure that your dog has the quickest recovery possible.
Prevent the spread of infection to other dogs.
While your dog is recovering from canine influenza, it is important to keep them at home and isolated from other dogs. The virus can be spread through droplets, so if your dog sneezes around other dogs, the infection can spread. Avoid public places with other dogs such as doggy daycare, doggy boarding places, and public dog parks. Although it can be a hassle to keep your dog at home, you would appreciate the same done by another dog owner if his or her pet was infected.
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Sep 29, 2023 · Discover the top 7 topical over-the-counter medications for dogs. From skin treatments to flea prevention, find out how to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
- Pain Relievers. Any over-the-counter pain medicine containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen is not safe for dogs. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can cause serious gastrointestinal problems in dogs, including abdominal pain and blood feces, along with other symptoms.
- Allergy Medications. Editor’s Pick. Claritin. Common antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) relieve allergy symptoms and allergic reactions.
- Gastrointestinal Medications. Pepto-Bismol. Editor’s Pick. A staple in many medicine cabinets, Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is safe for dogs (but not for cats).
- Dramamine. Editor’s Pick. An antihistamine that helps prevent motion sickness in dogs (and cats), Dramamine is safe for most dogs and works best if given at least ½ hour before travel.
Dec 7, 2023 · There is no cure for dog flu. Treatment is supportive, and your veterinarian can advise you on the best ways to keep your dog comfortable during his illness and recovery.
Apr 14, 2023 · 5 Over-the-Counter Medications You Can Give Your Dog To help you understand what OTC medications are safe for dogs, here is a list of options you might consider. As well as information on possible side effects for dogs that you should consider before giving to your pets. 1. Loperamide (Imodium) Loperamide is an over-the-counter drug used to ...
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You should not give any over-the-counter (OTC) medications without confirming they are safe to use in your dog, for several reasons. First, since human doses and dog doses are different, you need to know the correct dose to administer.