Top 7 Human Medications That Can Be Safe for Cats and Dogs (With Vet Guidance)

Many pet owners ask, “Can I give my dog or cat human medicine?” While certain over-the-counter medications can be used safely in pets, others can be harmful or even deadly.
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, IA, we want to ensure pet parents have the right information before reaching into the medicine cabinet. Always call your veterinarian first — dosages vary by species, breed, and weight, and some products contain other ingredients toxic to pets.

1. Benadryl for Dogs and Cats (Diphenhydramine)

Dose: 1 mg per pound of body weight, every 8 hours as needed
Uses: Helps with allergies, insect bites, itching, and mild allergic reactions; may cause mild sedation, which can help in stressful situations like car rides
Caution: Avoid without vet approval if your pet is on anti-seizure medications or has certain health conditions

2. Claritin for Dogs and Cats (Loratadine)

Dose: Cats: up to 2.5 mg/day | Dogs: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg daily
Uses: Allergy relief with less drowsiness than Benadryl
Caution: Only use plain Claritin — avoid “Claritin-D” or any product with pseudoephedrine, which is toxic to pets. Can cause medication interactions with seizure medications an others.

3. Pepcid for Dogs and Cats (Famotidine)

Dose: 0.5 mg/kg up to twice daily
Uses: Works as an antacid, helping with mild stomach upset, acid reflux, or nausea
Caution: Not all digestive issues should be treated at home — see your vet if vomiting or poor appetite continues

4. Zyrtec for Dogs and Cats (Cetirizine)

Dose: 1 mg/kg once daily; cats have a maximum of 5 mg per dose
Uses: Allergy relief with minimal sedation
Caution: Avoid combination products like Zyrtec-D. Can cause medication interactions with seizure medications an others.

5. Kaopectate for Dogs and Cats

Dose: 1 ml/kg per 24 hours, divided into 3–4 smaller doses
Uses: Helps control mild diarrhea and soothe an upset stomach
Caution: Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration — call your vet if symptoms don’t improve quickly. Avoid combination products containing aspirin.

6. Imodium for Dogs and Cats (Loperamide)

Dose: 0.1 mg/kg up to twice daily, for no more than 2 days
- Max per dose: Dogs 2 mg | Cats 1 mg
Uses: Slows bowel movements to control diarrhea
Caution: Not safe for certain dog breeds (especially Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds) due to genetic sensitivity. May cause constipation.

7. Neosporin for Dogs and Cats (Topical Ointment)

Uses: Can be applied to small cuts, scrapes, and abrasions to help prevent infection
Caution: Prevent licking; ingestion may cause diarrhea, and some formulas contain zinc, which is toxic if swallowed

Key Safety Tips Before Giving Human Medications to Pets

Always check with your veterinarian before giving any human medication
Use the exact product name — many brands have combination formulas with harmful ingredients
Never guess the dose — dosing mistakes can be life-threatening
If your pet shows any unusual symptoms after medication, contact your vet immediately

Keep Your Pet Safe — Ask Us First

At PetMed of Key West, we’re here to guide you on safe medication use for pets. If you’re unsure whether a medicine is safe, call us before giving it.

📍 PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic
2262 Flint Hill Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003
📞 563-583-8387
🌐 dbqpetmed.com