There is, in the pharmaceutical field, a great variety of molecules and combinations: some active principles used in human drugsthey also work well on our pets, dogs in particular, but it is still of fundamental importance know the correct dosage. Other medicines, however, commonly used by us, are extremely toxic for Fido and Micio, even at very low doses.
So they can be used human medicines for dogs? Let’s clarify this issue by discovering which human drugs are used in the veterinary field and when it is possible to administer them to animals.
Human medicines for dogs: but why?
The main reason why many owners tend to “insist” that the vet prescribe a medicine used by us humans to their dog is essentially the reduced cost where they can be found. In fact, veterinary drugs can reach cost 10 times more than an equivalent human drug that still uses the same active ingredients. Let’s find out the reasons.
Why do veterinary drugs cost so much?
I veterinary drugs they cost a lot as veterinary assistance, including the prescription of the medicine, it is not paid by the National Health System public, therefore everything that derives from it cannot pass “through the health insurance”, using the classic prescription from the general practitioner and any co-payment exemptions.
However, if we asked our veterinarian to prescribe an equivalent human drug to save us money, we would actually be committing an impropriety: in fact, the veterinarian will not be able to do so, except in certain specific cases.
Can the vet prescribe human medicines for dogs?
No, except exceptionally. In fact, the law requires the veterinarian to prescribe only medicines intended for animals: penalty an administrative fine ranging from 1,549 euros to 9,296 euros.
Il Legislative Decree 139/06 which regulates this matter, however, has the necessary exceptions: in the event that there is no specific suitable or available veterinary drug, the veterinary surgeon can take responsibility for to prescribe some medicines normally intended for human usein order to avoid obvious states of suffering for the animal.
Which human drugs can be used in veterinary medicine?
There are many categories of human drugs, which if accurately dosed can also be administered in the veterinary field:
• Antibiotics;
• cortisone;
• Antidiarrheal and antiperistaltic;
• Some psychiatric drugs and antiepileptics;
• Certain diuretics.
Attentionbecause not all the active ingredients of these types of drug are also good on animals, and furthermore it is not possible to obtain the precise dosage to give to our dog.
This is of paramount importance to avoid drug poisoning and poisoning, which could even be lethal.
A medicine for human use is calibrated on ideal individuals with a standard weight of about 60kg, it is no coincidence that in medicines for veterinary use the dose in mg per kg of body weight.
Active ingredients common to veterinary drugs and for human use
Below is a list of some active ingredients which are the basis of the most common veterinary and human drugs (trade name shown in brackets).
Antibiotics:
• Doxycycline (Bassado)
• Gentamicin,
• Amoxicillin and amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin)
• Cephalexin (Ceporex)
• Spiramycin and metrodinazolo
Gastroprotectors:
• Omeprazole (beware of possible side effects)
• Ranitidine
diuretics:
• Furosemide (Lasix)
Antidepressants and sedatives, antiepileptics:
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Gardenale
It is important to consider that every pet can have one specific answer to a particular drug, whether veterinary or human. Allergic reactions are not uncommon for us either side effects caused by drugs: this is why it is of paramount importance never take the initiative regarding the administration of the same, in any case by contacting your own veterinarian of trust, whatever the health problem affecting your pet.
What are the drugs used by humans but toxic to dogs?
Having mentioned the active ingredients used both in veterinary medicine and for humans, it is also necessary to mention those that may result toxic for our 4-legged friends.
Here are some:
• Most of painkillers (including a normal human anti-inflammatory), or in any case those based on Ibuprofen (such as Buscofen or Moment);
• Paracetamol, classified as antipyretic (Tachipirina, particularly toxic in cats);
• Certain anticoagulants;
• Acetylsalicylic acid (if not in very low doses).
What are the medical devices that find utility in the veterinary field?
Several products often present in the home medicine cabinet can also be useful for dogs and cats:
Hydrogen peroxide
Better known as hydrogen peroxide, is one of the most used medical devices as a disinfectant. In emergency situations your vet may advise you to use it to induce vomiting in your dog if he has ingested something potentially dangerous. But be careful to ask his opinion first: incorrect use could cause serious damage to the esophagus of our Trust.
Boric acid
From the properties antiseptics and disinfectants, it can be used in case of eye infections for the preliminary cleaning of the eyes, before applying any eye drops.
What about natural therapies? Can I safely give them to my dog?
Don’t be fooled by marketing strategies that make some therapies appear so-called “natural” better for our dog’s health. In fact, what is natural is not always and necessarily good for health (for example the cyanide it is a natural molecule, but extremely toxic!).
The vast majority of the molecules present in our medicines are copies of natural active ingredients. And we have also seen that some molecules are good for us, but not for animals: there may be intolerances specifications also for those products that are not chemically treated.
That’s why it’s important not to underestimate them!
Remember, this article has a purely informative purpose, and does not in any way want to replace the opinion of the veterinarian: only he will be able to advise you on the adequate therapy to the most diverse health problems of your 4-legged friend!