Human Over The Counter (OTC) Medications That May Be Used In Pets
Before you read the rest of this guide, please be sure to read over these important general safety rules related to using Human OTC medications in pets:
- Never guess a dose. Doses are based on the animal’s weight.
- Dogs and cats are different. Some medications safe for dogs are dangerous/deadly for cats.
- If unsure, do not give it. Contact a veterinary team.
- Always keep all medications out of reach of children and animals.
This guide is meant to support community members that have limited access to veterinary care. It lists common over‑the‑counter (OTC) human medications that may be used to treat common ailments in pets when used correctly.
These medications are listed because they are commonly available without a prescription. They should only be used when veterinary care is not immediately available and when the correct dose can be calculated.
It is important to note: This document is not a replacement for veterinary care. When possible, always consult a veterinarian, animal health worker, or trusted rescue/program team member before giving any medication.
If your pet was exposed to something harmful contact the ASPCA Poison Control hotline- a 24/7 animal poison control centre – at 1-888-426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
Pain, Fever, and Inflammation
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
- ✅ Dogs: Use with caution, at lowest possible dose (10 mg/kg every 12 hours) and shortest duration of therapy.
- ❌ Cats: NEVER (extremely toxic, often fatal)
- Notes: Incorrect dosing can cause liver damage in dogs.
- Example dose calculation: If your dog weighs 20 lbs, 20lbs divided by 2.2 = weight in kilograms (9 kg), 9kg x 10 mg/kg = 90 mg of acetaminophen, regular strength Tylenol is 325 mg so the pet can only have ¼ of a tablet twice a day **NOTE extra strength Tylenol has 500 mg of acetaminophen in it so the pet can only have 1/6 of a tablet. It may be easier, especially for small dogs, to get Infant’s Tylenol liquid which is 80 mg/mL. Therefore a 20 lb (9 kg) dog could have 1 mL every 12 hours.
Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin®)
- ✅ Dogs: May be used short‑term for pain or inflammation at 10mg/kg every 12 hours.
- ⚠️ Cats: Not ideal but can be used at 10mg/kg every 48 hours. An average 3 kg cat would get 1/3 of an 81 mg tablet. All other sizes are too big to split up safely.
- Notes: Can cause stomach ulcers or bleeding if overused. Aspirin can come in regular strength 325 mg and extra strength 500 mg, but you should choose the 81 mg strength if available. If your dog weighs 20 lbs, 20lbs divided by 2.2 = weight in kilograms (9 kg), 9kg x 10 mg/kg = 90 mg of aspirin. Therefore, you can give one 81 mg tablet or ¼ of a regular strength 325 mg tablet.
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
- ❌ Dogs: NEVER
- ❌ Cats: NEVER
Naproxen (Aleve®)
- ❌ Dogs: NEVER
- ❌ Cats: NEVER
Constipation
Polyethylene Glycol Powder 3350 (RestoraLAX®)
- ✅ Dogs: ¼ teaspoon mixed into food daily.
- ✅ Cats: ¼ teaspoon mixed into food daily.
Plain canned pumpkin
- ✅ Dogs: mixed into food daily.
- ✅ Cats: mixed into food daily.
Diarrhea
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®)
- ✅ Dogs: 4mg/kg every 8 hours. Pepto-Bismol extra strength is generally 35.2 mg/mL and regular strength is 17.6 mg/mL. If your dog weighs 20 lbs, 20lbs divided by 2.2 = weight in kilograms (9 kg), 9 kg x 4 mg/kg = 36 mg of Pepto, 36 mg divided by 17.6 mg/mL = 2 mL of regular strength Pepto, or 36 mg divided by 35.2 mg/mL = 1 mL of extra strength Pepto
- ❌ Cats: NEVER
Loperamide (Imodium®)
- ✅ Dogs: 2mg per dog once or twice a day.
- ✅ Cats: 1 mg per cat once a day for 3-5 days max.
- Comes in 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg tablets and a 2mg/15 mL oral liquid à the liquid is easiest for dosing pets. A dog would get 15 mL and a cat would get 7.5 mL. If liquid is not available, choose only the 10 mg tablet and give a dog ¼ of that tablet. Further break that ¼ tablet piece in half again for a cat.
Vomiting, Motion Sickness
Dimenhydrinate (Gravol®)
- ✅ Dogs: 4 – 8 mg/kg every 8 hours.
- ✅ Cats: 12.5 mg per cat every 8 hours. ¼ of a 50 mg tablet
- Comes in a 50 or 100 mg tablet. If your dog weighs 20 lbs, 20lbs divided by 2.2 = weight in kilograms (9 kg), 9 kg x 4 mg/kg = 36 mg, 9kg x 8 mg/kg = 72mg, therefore a safe dose for a 20 lb dog is 36 – 72 mg, so they could have a 50 mg tablet.
Digestive Support
Famotidine (Pepcid®)
- ✅ Dogs: May help with stomach upset or acid reflux. Small dogs – 10 mg tablet once a day. Medium to large dogs- 20 mg tablet once a day
- ✅ Cats: ½ of a 10 mg tablet once daily
Omeprazole (Prilosec®)
- ✅ Dogs: May help with stomach upset or acid reflux. 10-20 mg tablet once daily.
- ✅ Cats: ½ of a 10 mg tablet once daily.
Electrolyte solutions (Unflavoured Pedialyte® or Hydralyte preferred, Gatoraid or other electrolyte drink in a pinch)
- ✅ Dogs and cats: Can be used for mild dehydration. 1 teaspoon per pound of body weight every 2-3 hours until eating and drinking on own.
Eye Infection
Bacitracin zinc and Polymyxin B sulfate Ophthalmic drops or ointment (Polysporin® or Sterisporin)
- ✅ Dogs: 1 drop or ¼ inch strip of ointment in affected eye 2-3 times daily for 7 days.
- ✅ Cats: 1 drop or ¼ inch strip of ointment in affected eye 2-3 times daily for 7 days.
- If the eye does not get better after 1 week an exam with a veterinarian is needed
Eye Wash, Artificial Tears, Tear Gel
- ✅ Dogs and Cats: Can be used to flush an affected eye and provide a lubricating barrier until veterinary care is available.
Ear Infection
Ear Cleansers
- ✅ Dogs and cats: Clean/flush the ears once or twice a day until they look normal, are not bothering the pet, and no more discharge is seen. If appropriate pet ear cleaners are not available, any balanced, gentle solution that is suitable for human ears or eyes will be fine. Saline washes work great as well.
Bacitracin zinc and Polymyxin B sulfate Ophthalmic drops or ointment (Polysporin® or Sterisporin)
- ✅ Dogs and cats: eye drops or ointment can be used in the ear to treat susceptible bacterial ear infections. Always clean ears first. Treat twice a day for at least 7 days.
Clotrimazole cream (Canesten®) or Miconazole cream (Monistat®)
- ✅ Dogs and cats: Squirt into the ear canal after thoroughly cleaning the ears once daily to treat yeast ear infections. Treat for at least 7 days.
1% Hydrocortisone ointment
- ✅ Dogs and cats: A thin layer can be applied to red and inflamed ear flap skin once a day after cleaning the ear thoroughly to calm the skin and quiet the itch.
Skin Infection or Wounds
Triple Antibiotic Ointment- Polymyxin B Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc and Gramicidin (Polysporin®)
- ✅ Dogs and Cats: Apply a thin layer to wounds or infected/itchy skin a couple times a day until healed.
Chlorhexidine Shampoo
- ✅ Dogs and Cats: An excellent skin antiseptic that will kill yeast and bacteria. Rub all over affected skin and allow to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing completely. Repeat daily until skin is normal. Great for hot spots.
Aloe Vera Burn creams
- ✅ Dogs and Cats: Apply a thin layer as needed to burns or hot spots.
Allergy and Itching Support
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
- ✅ Dogs: Antihistamine commonly used for allergic reactions. Give 2mg/kg every 8-12 hours.
- ✅ Cats: 2 mg/kg every 8 hours
- ⚠️ Must be plain diphenhydramine only (no decongestants or xylitol flavoured liquids). Comes in a 25 mg tablet. An average sized cat can have ¼ tablet and the dog can be calculated by weight. Ex. If your dog weighs 20 lbs, 20lbs divided by 2.2 = weight in kilograms (9 kg), 9 kg x 2 mg/kg = 18 mg, this is close enough for a 20 lb dog to have a 25 mg tablet. Liquid children’s Benadryl may be easier to dose for small dogs and cats.
Loratadine (Claritin®)
- ✅ Dogs: ¼ of a 10 mg tablet once a day for small dogs (less than 10 kg), one10 mg tablet once a day for medium sized dogs, 1 to 1.5 10 mg tablet once a day for large dogs.
- ✅ Cats: ¼ of a 10 mg tablet per cat once a day.
Cetirizine hydrochloride (Reactine®)
- ✅ Dogs: 1 mg/kg once a day
- ✅ Cats: 5 mg per cat once a day
- Comes in 5 mg regular strength or 10 mg extra strength tablets.
1% Hydrocortisone cream for itchy rash on skin
- ✅ Dogs and Cats: Can apply a thin layer to affected skin once a day but make sure the pet does not lick and ingest the cream
Cough, Cold, Decongestant Products
- ❌ Dogs: NEVER
- ❌ Cats: NEVER
Signs of Medication Reaction or Poisoning in Pets
Seek help immediately if you see:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale gums
- Drooling excessively
- Sudden behaviour changes
What To Do If a Pet Is Exposed to Something Toxic
- Do not give another medication unless instructed.
- Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by a professional.
- Contact:
- Local veterinary clinic or outreach team
- Animal health worker
- Pet Poison Helpline
Community Reminder
Pets are family members and play an important role in community well‑being. When resources are limited, safe information can prevent harm, but professional veterinary care is always the best option when available.