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Dogs + Medications & Supplements

  • Dinotefuran/pyriproxyfen (brand name Vectra) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to repel and kill fleas in dogs and puppies that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.14 kg (2.5 lbs) and in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lbs). Do not confuse this medication with Vectra 3D®, a similar product labeled for use in dogs only.

  • Diphenhydramine topical (brand name Benasoothe®) is an antihistamine with some local anesthetic properties. It is used to relieve itching and skin irritation in dogs, cats, and other animals. Diphenhydramine topical comes in a variety of forms, which may be specially compounded.

  • Diphenoxylate + atropine (brand name Lomotil) is an opioid combination medication used to treat diarrhea or coughing in dogs and diarrhea in cats. Its use in cats is not generally recommended. Diphenoxylate + atropine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid. This article discusses administration, potential side effects, risks, and monitoring.

  • Docusate (Docusate Sodium Bloat Preparation, DSS, Dioctynate®, Pet-Enema®, Enema SA®, Docu-Soft®, Anti Gaz, Bloat Eze, Bloat Go, Bloat Release, Bloat Treatment, Bloat-Lax) is a laxative medication used to soften dry or hard stools and assist with constipation and bloating in animals. It is prescribed for use in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and rabbits, but is not recommended for reptiles due to potential fatalities.

  • Ear cleansing/drying products are used over-the-counter to treat and prevent ear infections in many species of pets. They come as a liquid solution that is used topically within the ear canal and are typically used in the ears after debris and wax have been removed using a cerumenolytic cleanser.

  • Enzymatic toothpaste (brand name C.E.T., others) is a product used at home by pet owners to aid in tooth brushing that minimizes plaque and tartar formation on the exterior of the tooth (the crown), and also assists in the maintenance of good oral hygiene. It can be used on both dogs and cats.

  • Epineprhine is a drug used most often in emergency situations for animals (e.g., anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR). It may be added to local anesthesia drugs due to its ability to cause veins to constrict, thus delaying the body’s absorption of the drugs and prolonging the duration of the local anesthetic duration.

  • Epinephrine is a drug used most often in emergency situations for animals (e.g., anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR). Automatic injection devices for epinephrine (EpiPen®, EpiPen® Jr) are used off-label in pets to treat anaphylactic (allergic) reactions that occur away from the veterinary hospital.

  • Epsiprantel (Cestex®) is an oral deworming medication used to treat and kill tapeworms in dogs and cats. It comes as oral tablets that should be given with food. The medication typically takes effect within 1-2 days, but laboratory tests are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.

  • Erythromycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of eye infections. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other eye conditions. Erythromycin ophthalmic comes in ointment form. Caution when using this medication in pocket pets as fatal diarrhea may occur if ingested orally.