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Dogs + Medications & Supplements

  • Imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen (brand names K9 Advantix®II, Provecta® Advanced, Activate®II) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used in the prevention and treatment of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, and chewing lice in dogs and puppies that are at least 7 weeks of age that weigh at least 1.82 kg (4 lb). NEVER use in cats as permethrin is highly toxic to cats. Do not confuse this medication with similar products that do not contain permethrin.

  • Immunotherapy (oral and injectable) is a treatment that involves using a pet’s own immune system to fight health conditions, such as certain allergies or certain types of cancer. Immunotherapy is specially formulated for each individual. It comes in injectable and oral forms.

  • Insulin is used on and off label and injected under the skin to treat diabetes, ketoacidosis, and high potassium levels. Side effects may include low or high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and skin allergic reactions to the injections. Do not use in pets who are having an episode of low blood sugar levels and do not use pork insulins in pets with a pork allergy. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Insulin glargine is an injectable medication used in cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, and horses with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels and for long-term maintenance therapy of diabetes mellitus. Monitor closely for signs of low blood sugar (weakness, lack of energy, lethargy, stumbling or difficulty walking, behavior changes, muscle twitching, seizures, and/or unresponsive).

  • Lente (porcine zinc) insulin (brand names Vetsulin®, Vetpen®) is an injectable medication approved for use in cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels and for long-term maintenance therapy of diabetes mellitus. This medication may be used "off label" or "extra label" in ferrets. Monitor closely for signs of low blood sugar (weakness, lack of energy, lethargy, stumbling or difficulty walking, behavior changes, muscle twitching, seizures, and/or unresponsiveness).

  • NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedron) insulin is an injectable medication used in cats, dogs, birds, ferrets, and horses with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels and for long-term maintenance therapy of diabetes mellitus. Monitor closely for signs of low blood sugar (weakness, lack of energy, lethargy, stumbling or difficulty walking, behavior changes, muscle twitching, seizures, and/or unresponsiveness).

  • Protamine zinc (PZI) insulin (brand name Prozinc®) is an injectable medication approved for use in cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels and for long-term maintenance therapy of diabetes mellitus. This medication may be used “off label” or “extra label” in other species. Monitor closely for signs of low blood sugar (weakness, lack of energy, lethargy, stumbling or difficulty walking, behavior changes, muscle twitching, seizures, and/or unresponsiveness).

  • Interferon alfa is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat certain viral diseases in dogs and cats. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting or decreased appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are receiving immediate vaccination. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Isoxsuprine is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessel walls outside of major organs. It has been used to help treat frostbite in birds and in certain conditions in dogs. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in animals. Isoxsuprine comes in tablet and powder forms. Avoid use in animals who have recently given birth or have bleeding.

  • Itraconazole is given by mouth in the form of a capsule, tablet, or liquid to treat fungal infections in cats and for off-label treatment in dogs and small mammals. The most common side effects are anorexia, vomiting, liver toxicity, skin lesions, or limb and vessel swelling. It should not be used in pets with liver disease or low stomach acid production, and used with caution in pregnant, lactating, or pets with heart disease.