Some veterinarians, including the doctors at Walker Valley Veterinary Hospital in Walker Valley, New York, say that certain human medications are safe for dogs. These include aspirin for pain relief, diphenhydramine for allergies, and hydrocortisone for irritated skin. Because these medications are over-the-counter, they are quick and easy to obtain for the worried pet owner who cannot get in to see the veterinarian, but they should generally not be given for long-term use.

On the Other: Human Medication Is Not Made for Dogs

The veterinarians at Vet Pets Animal Hospital and Pet Store in Cordova, Tennessee, counter that dogs are not built like humans, and human medication is not made to suit their size and metabolism. The wrong dosage of a human medication can be harmful or even fatal for your dog. For instance, ketoprofen, an anti-inflammatory, can be given to dogs, but the dosage safe for a dog is only 1/50 the human dosage--and it is likely impossible to split a small tablet into 50 pieces with any degree of accuracy. In addition, many pet owners give their pets deadly medication, such as acetaminophen, mistakenly assuming it is safe.

Bottom Line

Call your veterinarian before administering any human medication to your dog. Even if you are unable to make an immediate appointment, talk to your veterinarian over the phone to ask what dosage of over-the-counter medicine to give your suffering puppy.

Source:

Walker Valley Vet: Over-the-Counter Medications

Arthritis Foundation: Arthritis in Dogs

Vet Pets: Human Drugs are for Humans