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Home Healthcare for Pets


Just like the rest of our family, keeping our pets healthy requires research, professional consultation, and a home health kit. Some over-the-counter (OTC) human medications as well as natural remedies can be used safely with our pets for minor conditions. The following articles discuss some of the common OTC/natural medications that can be used and some that should be avoided. Consult your veterinarian about using them with your pet.

The most commonly recommended human medications for use in pets include Pepcid, Tagamet, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Imodium, MiraLax, short-term aspirin (not cats), hydrocortisone, short-term neosporin, glucosamine, and Artificial Tears, among others. Natural remedies can include witch hazel, coconut oil, and calendula. In addition to the remedies discussed in each article, the following home recipes may be used:

Eye wash/compress for dry, irritated eyes and cleaning eye discharge: 1 cup distilled/filtered water mixed with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.

External ear cleaner: Equal parts vinegar and distilled water applied with cotton ball sparingly to avoid excess moisture. Do not instill in the inner ear canal.

Articles with Links:

Human Medicines that Work for Pets by beingstray.com

Is it Safe to Give Human Medicine to Pets? by L. Anderson, PharmD

9 Human Medications That Are Safe for Sick Pets by PetMD

Witch Hazel for Dogs, is it Safe? by PetMD

Coconut Oil for Dogs: Understanding the Risks and Benefits by PetMD

Calendula by Steve Marsden, DVM for VCA

Human Medicine for Dogs and Cats? Here's Why It's Potentially Deadly by Patty Khuly, VMD for Vetstreet

Reference books for more information with links at Amazon:

Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats


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