Patti, one of our Poodle owners, is having to give Boo (Merlot and Tori son) some antibiotics. Boo’s getting a bit sick to his stomach and she posted on facebook about the situation. This reminded me I was wanting to do a post about over the counter medications that every Standard Poodle owner should have on hand and why. So, without further ado…
1. Pepcid AC – is a useful drug for vomiting or sick stomach in the dog. Designed as an antacid, Pepcid AC decreases the acid secretion in the stomach, thereby alleviating associated discomfort and nausea. Excellent for a car sick dog or one who just seems a bit off. Dose: One pill
2. Buffered Asprin– this is the best over the counter pain reliever you can use with a dog. I only use the buffered version because Standard Poodles are such wimps about their stomach (see Pepcid AC above!). I keep the low dose version on hand at all times and give 1 mg/lb body weight. So a mid size female would get around half of an 80mg pill, a large male might get 3/4- 1 pill. If they are in pretty bad pain, I will double their dose until I can get to a vet. DO NOT give TYLENOL! Dogs can have Tylenol in very low doses, but I would rather not risk destroying my dogs liver. It is extremely hard for a dog to metabolize. Unless a vet suggest it and tells you exactly how much and how often, stick to Buffered Asprin!
3. Gas X – If you think your dog is acting a little funny or even mildly uncomfortable, I would dose them with Gas X. It can’t hurt and can prevent “Bloat”!! This is my go to medication for any dog who is not acting perfect. I’ve never had a dog bloat here in my house and Gas X is likely why.
4. Imodium AD – I’ll give a dog two rounds of loose stool. After that with each bowel movement they get some Imodium. Usually an adult full grown Standard Poodle will get a half a pill.
5. Benadryl – Great for allergies or itching. The dose suggested by an old friend who was a vet is: 1-2 mg/lb. That means that a 50-pound dog can take 50-100 mg!! This might sound like a LOT but for some reason it doesn’t knock a dog on it’s butt like it does humans. I usually start at 1 mg / lb.
This is not a medication but useful none the less. Canned pumpkin. This is GREAT for both constipation OR diarrhea. Yes, that is right, both issues can be solved with a little pumpkin. Usually pumpkin and Imodium solve most all the diarrhea issues around here, when they crop up, which thankfully isn’t often.
Ok, that’s my main list of ‘go to’ medications. I keep a small container of these medications in my car glove box at all times, just in case. We all know how when you travel someone always gets sick. Dogs are no exception. Merlot lived on Pepcid when we traveled!! He never got car sick, but he didn’t like to eat in the car and his stomach acid would build up after a really long car ride and he wouldn’t feel very good once we arrived at our destination. Once i started dosing him with Pepcid, he became a much happier traveler!