As we know, sadly despite huge amounts of scientific research proving dogs systems are different than humans, even in the UK, medicines are still tested on dogs and other animals.
Certain medicines have never been given approval for safe usage in dogs, despite extensive testing in them. These include, but are not restricted to:
⚠️ Piriton
⚠️ Benadryl
⚠️ Aspirin
However, Vets have in the past been able to suggest their usage under the cascade system. However the regulations have now changed and state:
"Medicines commonly found around the home
In exceptional emergency circumstances, you may judge there is a need to alleviate a pet’s discomfort until a home visit can be made or the animal brought to the surgery.
You could recommend that an animal owner use a human medicine that they already have in their possession, such as antihistamine tablets. This does not mean a pet owner should be encouraged to go into a pharmacy and ask for a human medicine for their pet." - updated 17th May 2024
Always ensure that if you are advised to use human medications that it is noted on your dogs medical records as failure to do this can result in your insurance not paying for treatment should your dog have any form of reaction.
Given this, this should tell you that there are too many side effects in dogs for them to be able to be suggested by none medical professionals as a fix for your dogs issues. It is against Meta (Facebooks company) community guidelines to recommend ANY medicine for dogs. Doing so risks your place in any Facebook group, and can result in a full Facebook profile ban.
Benadryl and Piriton are widely used by humans for seasonal allergy relief. Aspirin for pain relief. For Dogs though, these medications can cause:
⚠️ Loss of appetite
⚠️ Vomiting or diarrhoea, with blood
⚠️ Dehydration, panting, weakness or collapse
⚠️ Bleeding
⚠️ Abdominal pain
⚠️ Pale gums
⚠️ Black tarry stools
⚠️ Blood in urine
⚠️ Heart Palpitations, low blood pressure
⚠️ Anxiety, depression, Trembling, Drowsiness, Nausea, Constipation
⚠️ Cognitive issues including confusion and dementia
⚠️ Chemical dependence
And so much more.
Due to the extensive risks involved, it is absolutely crucial that these medications are only given if a Vet advises you on what to use, how much to use, and when to use it - and that this information is added to your dogs clinical history notes. You will also need to know your dogs weight, and should have had a recent (usually within 6 - 12 months but may vary) vet check to ensure your dog is otherwise fit and healthy