Pet Medication Side Effects & Drug Detox

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Unknown Medication
Posted by Abby (Houston, Texas) on 10/11/2009

I took my dog Blanca (Maltese) on a Monday 2 years ago to the vet because she was coughing. The vet gave me some medication and told me that she thought it has something to do with sinus. Blanca died the following Wednesday. I was and I am still devastated.

I got myself a JRT and now she developed a bladder infection and I can't trust the vet. I am giving her ACV and hope that this will go away.

Unknown Medication
Posted by Myrna (Ione, Wa) on 01/18/2015

You can also give her cranberry pill for bladder infection. I use a splash of vinegar in my dogs water because it will help them not get bladder or kidney stones.


Unknown Medication
Posted by Barbara (New Jersey) on 09/22/2015

I have 4 dogs, 3 Dachshunds and 1 Chihuahua, I cook their food and mix my own flea and tick spray, the coughing is a scary thing and should be checked for heart problem if it ever happens again.

I do not trust the dog food companies and would never again use flea and tick drops, they poison our animals. I have had no problem with using my spray made from essential oils, dogs smell good too.


Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medications
Posted by rocketmann80 (Blytheville, Arkansas USA) on 06/23/2009

my coment is about the Vet's advice, and how bad my cat was harmed by ME, taking my cat to the vet., and how frontline failed. It can cause some serious side effects, if used all the time. Also never let your cat get dipped, I have photos of the torture my best friend went through, I will blame myself forever, for not asking,WHAT IS A FLEA DIP, AND WHAT DO YOU DO TO MY CAT DURING A FLEA DIP! Thank you, Janet


Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medications
Posted by Terry (West Palm Beach, FL) on 06/09/2009

Dog medications for fleas/ticks/heartworm: My daughter has a 15 month old, 88 pound Golden Retriever. Her vet recommended a monthly flea/tick medicine. "Riley" is not the same puppy after this treatment. He is lethargic and sad. I recommended garlic in his food. The vet said absolutely NOT! I've read articles all over the internet, and garlic is given. There are small ticks on him when we walk him. Fortunately they come right off. What can we use to keep fleas/ticks off him that is safe? Why don't vets want garlic used? I cry seeing him after these treatments. So many pets get cancer, and I think it must be related to their food and these toxic medications.

Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medications
Posted by Gayle (Birnamwood, Wi) on 07/13/2010

I use and have been very happy with a horse fly repellent that I get at a farm store. It is organic and safe to use on cats and dogs over 12 weeks of age. I just spray it on when I notice any bugs starting to bother my pets. Works great for mosquitoes flies, ticks, fleas, gnats and lice.


Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medications
Posted by Natalie (Greenbelt, Maryland) on 09/04/2010

Gayle, could you please give us the name of this repellent? Thank you!


Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medications
Posted by Julie (Coventry, England) on 09/14/2010

Hi, I would recommend sprinkling turmeric and cayenne onto your dog's food. It appears the ticks and fleas don't like the smell. My dog spends alot of time in The New Forest and the area is rife with ticks. He has not had one. Forget what the vet says, these toxic chemicals he is selling you can cause brain problems as well as affecting the nervous system. GO NATURAL.


Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medications
Posted by Sp (Lavergne, Tn) on 11/03/2010

Hi, In regard to the garlic. How much garlic can I give my dogs? Thank you.


Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medications
Posted by Mary (Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 07/07/2013

An idea for mosquitoes that dogs can safely be given black walnut hull (powdered), I use it myself. It stops them from biting among its other positive qualities.


Metacam
Posted by Norma (North Vancouver, BC) on 06/07/2009

I had a 11 year old Rough collie with very bad arthritis. I had had him on Recovery for a year and a half but he was getting worse with age. I decided to try Metacam even though I had been very nervous about it. Within 10 days he became very ill - and I rushed him to the Vet. His heart rate was a way up and his gums were very pale. He ended up in the Critical Care unit and was diagnosed with ulcers and he had vomited and ingested and had pneumonia and partial bloat which they had to wait out because of his condition.

My Collie came home with many meds and he did recover. I had him on something to coat his stomach but within 2 months he had bloat again and had to be put down. I will never again put a dog on Metacam. I do not recall the measurement for Metacam but it was whatever was recommended for his weight.


Metronidazole
Posted by Ingrid (Geneva, Ohio) on 06/06/2009

My dog was on metronidazole last year for colitis. The vet put her on two meds. I don't remember the other off hand but another vet was surprised she was put on both at the same time. She also was given a higher dose than my other dog who is a bit bigger than her. She became incontinent. After searching the internet I found this was a side effect. It took a while but it finally passed. I believe it was the medicine and it had to completely leave her system for her to get back to normal.

Metronidazole
Posted by Casperc (Casper, Wy) on 03/01/2011
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

My 5 yr. Old OES dog was prescribed 1500mg of metronidazole 2 times a day for 10 days initially because of vomiting and diarrhea. With the first vet visit a blood workup was done with good results, just a little dehydration. The second vet visit was 7 days later because the vomiting was still happening (stools were a bit better). They did x-rays on the second vet visit that revealed thickened intestines (maybe a foreign body present also???) and he was prescribed an additional 10 days of 1500 mg 2 times a day of metronidazole.

I came home last night (17 days into taking meds) to a dog having a seisure and not being able to get up afterwards. When I tried to move him he had another seisure and again was unable to stand afterwards. The vet came to the house and as they tried to move him he had another seisure. They administered valium to calm him. After some time he was able to get up and was wobbly. They kept him overnight and apparently he had more seisures this morning. They are trying to keep him sedated and hydrate him and will keep him for another day at least. We're suspecting the Metronidazole.


Metronidazole
Posted by Gyna (Arizona) on 03/23/2016

My Vet put my 19 lb dog on 250mgs of Metronidazole And 250mgs of Amoxicillin both 2x a day for diarrhea, after fecal exam said my little guy has Giardia and has now added Panacur(Fenbendazole) 4ml 1x a day. After Metro..dog became lethargic and dehydrated. I began subq 125ml of Lactate Ringer fluids and stopped the drugs. What can I give my dog to get rid of these worm parasites(giardia)?? Have inherited some 20-25lb beautiful westie-jack russel mixes that vet said all should be treated but x 10 I cant afford, uncle had heart of gold for these rescues but no insurance. Does anyone know if I can give liquid fenbenzole to all even if sold at feed store it says its for goats. Only ml listed no strength. I would need approx 5ml ea for 5 days along with Metronidazole and this scares me because of my dogs reaction. Better with fluids but need to treat giardia. Anyone have any ideas?

If so u can email me. Or post here. Again, thank you.


Metronidazole
Posted by lori (mexico) on 06/20/2023

Cina is a homeopathic remedy for parasites I believe that the one for giardia is called giardia I can't find it here but you may be able to where you are


Metronidazole
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 03/23/2016

Hey Gyna,

We prefer replying in the forum vs private e-mail so everyone can benefit from this exchange :-)

I had a dog experience the same symptoms on metronidazole also; with a heavy parasite load symptoms can get worse before they get better.

As to your question, yes you can give liquid fenbendazole for goats to dogs - it is the same product that dogs get, but you would use a different dose. Use an oral medication syringe and give 1 mL (equal to 1 cc or ¼ teaspoon) per each 5 lbs. of your dog's weight. Source: http://www.dreamydoodles.com/fenbendazole/

You can also try a nutritional remedy. Choose the remedy that you are most drawn to from this list. I have had good success with carrots, sunflower seeds and brown sugar all used together; echinacea and vitamin C combined, and used separately or combined kelp, oregano oil and olive leaf extract.

  • Astragulus - 1 twice daily for 5 days
  • Bilberry -1 capsule twice daily for 5 days
  • Blueberries-1 tablespoon twice daily for 5 days
  • Broccoli - 4 flowerets twice daily for 5 days - raw or slightly steamed
  • Carrots - 2 baby raw organic carrots (or the equivalent in size) twice daily for 8 days
  • Cat's Claw - 1 capsule twice daily for 2 days
  • C&H brown sugar -1teaspoon twice daily for 8 days
  • Celery - 1 raw stick of celery twice daily for 7days
  • Dandelion Root - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days
  • Garlic - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days
  • Green Pepper half - dollar size piece twice daily for 2 days
  • Kelp -1 capsule twice daily for 5 days.
  • Lemon juice – ½ teaspoon twice daily for 5 days
  • Licorice - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days
  • Milk Thistle - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days
  • Olive Leaf extract - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days.
  • Oregano oil -1 pill or ¼ tsp twice daily for 5 days·
  • Oregon Grape root - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days
  • Pau D'Arco- 1 capsule twice daily for 3 days
  • Pumpkin seeds-1 tablespoon twice daily for 8 days
  • Schizandra - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days
  • Spinach-1 tablespoon twice daily for 5 days
  • Sunflower seeds-1 tablespoon twice daily for 8 days
  • Turmeric - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days
  • Tuna fish - 1 can daily for 2days
  • Yellow Dock - 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days


Allergy Shots
Posted by Wendy (Vancouver, Washington) on 09/16/2010

Many thanks to all of you warning about the allergy shots. I have a 20 lb, 2 yr old Jack Russell terrier who has bad allergies (very loud snoring, and probable sleep apnea). He has also had three seizures since I rescued him last Feb. He was severely physically abused and neglected, but otherwise I have no medical history on him. I have had no past experience with terriers, or any other small/med sized breeds, nor these two medical conditions. But I will definitely avoid any shots. Any further posts to help me help my dog is greatly appreciated!


Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medications
Posted by Sheri (Wylie, Tx) on 05/16/2009

I just want to warn those of you that still use the veterinary obtained or medicinal (internal, spray, or spot drop) flea / tick repellents: I recently read about someone, that really touched my heart with his story of killing his dog by using such items on it. These products can cause cancer to your pet. It is a chemical, it is toxic to the fleas and you are putting it on your beloved pet and using your pet like a flea magnet so when the they get bit the flea dies, think about what is running through your pet's body, veins, bloodstream and organs that is so potent to kill fleas and the eggs. I used them for years and never had any animal die with cancer but I will tell you what he said makes sense; animals are a magnet for fleas, so by pumping their bodies full of toxins / chemicals that kill fleas if they bite them, what are we doing to our pets, and what does this say about us as a human race. I am in no way judging anyone...just wanted to share!


Rimadyl
Posted by Joanne (Skowhegan, ME/USA) on 04/21/2009

My Pit-Plothound is now 10.5 yrs old. He has arthritis in his neck and front leg. He hollers sometimes when just standing still. I have been giving him 1 Rimadyl (weight 55-100 lbs) for the past 3 yrs only when he is limping or he hollers. He has had no adverse reactions. Because it works for him, he takes it without coercing. Ya! He lets me know (believe it or not). His energy level is good because he reminds me when it is time for our walk. It could be others have issues because of the food they feed their babies. I make mine home-made turkey stew with vegies. I read the labels on the bags and cans and don't purchase dyes, by-products, etc. You can blame a lot of things on the easiest you can get away with, but if you do not care enough to read labels, like you are particular about your own food, their will be consequences that are not good.

Cortisone
Posted by Nancy (Sioux Citiy, Iowa) on 04/09/2009

My young cat Daphne about 1 yr old in 8/08 injured her paw. The veterinarian gave her two cortisone injections a week or two apart. Her injured paw is fine but she now has some sort of skin infection that moves around her jaw, chin, neck, shoulder area that presents itself in thickened skin and scabbiness. It seems to be in one area, then moves from one area to another. The skin where the infection once was will seem perfectly normal for awhile, then this thickening comes back again. She appears healthy otherwise, but she has had this skin problem for well over half a year now. Also she wore a plastic Elizabethan collar for 1 1/2 weeks while her paw healed, due to her excessive licking of her paw. I'm not sure which contributed more to her skin problem, the cortisone or the Elizabethan collar. Before she hurt her paw she was perfect in every way.

Cortisone
Posted by Brenda (San Antonio, Texas) on 05/31/2011

I have found that for a small dog 1 teaspoon of whole organic aloe vera daily works wonders for dogs or cats with allergys of any kind. Please check the animals food for chemicals. What is in the treets you give them. Brenda


Rimadyl
Posted by Niena (Traverse City, Michigan) on 02/10/2009

My dog got injured and Rimadyl was prescribed. But by day three of Rimadyl, I was mortified and stopped giving it to him. By day two he had the worst case of the runs so malodorous, so black & sickly smelling - unlike anything I've smelled as a parent, as a hospice worker and after 5 years working in waste treatment plants. He was weak, despondent, confused, constantly thirsty and unwilling to eat anything. By day three I was convinced.

Two days of no Rimadyl and his stool is firming up a bit. He's still thirsty but alert and hobbling around, shaking his tail - and happily eating again.

For inflammation he's munching on fish oil capsules and loving yogurt w/spirulina & ACV. We're recovering. No pet-loving Vet should prescribe Rimadyl - not Ever!

Rimadyl
Posted by K (Pa) on 06/23/2015

Our dog also was having problems when walking. Vet prescribed rimadyl...worst thing ever! He had diarrhea for the next few days. It was uncontrollable. Felt so bad for the dog. We stopped it because he was suffering too much. He was back to normal after stopping it.


Ivermectin
Posted by Lisa (Lilburn, GA) on 01/21/2009

Side Effects to Pet's Medication: The day after giving my 43 lb Shepherd mix her Heartguard heartworm medication containing ivermectin, her face and upper lip swelled up. She looked as if she had been stung by a bee, but it's Winter here and she had no sign of insect bites. There are no other possible explanations. The vet thoroughly checked her out and couldn't find the source of the problem. He did not suggest an allergic reaction to Ivermectin. However, after researching the drug I found out that facial swelling can be a side effect. Benadryl has helped a little, and we placed her on antibiotics just in case there is a local infection.

Ivermectin
Posted by Karen (Idaho Falls, Id) on 10/25/2010
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

My sister-in-law raises show shelties and has done so for at least 20 years. She informed me that it is a known fact that shepherd breed dogs are highly allergic to ivermectin- it should NEVER be prescribed for herding dogs as it is known to be fatal to them. That vet should never have given it to a shepherd mix.


Ivermectin
Posted by kristina poole (bourbonnais) on 07/24/2021

My dog got very sick, diarrhea, staring /spacing out, lethargic, and quit walking after a 12-month heart guard shot. She is a shitzu mix. Is she going to get better or worse? She received the shot 3.5 weeks ago.


Ivermectin
Posted by Cheryl (Fort Worth, Texas) on 08/28/2011
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I have used Iverectin for over 20 years from Mastiffs to Mini Schnauzers, Am Staffs, Jack Russels.. One of my Am Staffs is solid white and she has done great on it, I have never had a problem with it at all, but I was warned years ago, NEVER give to them while they are hot.. So I dose mine early morning.. That may be part of the problem with some of the effects some have seen using it.


Ivermectin
Posted by Cinmorin (Edmundston, Nb, Canada) on 02/12/2012

We gave my Aussie 105mg of pyrantel (which seems to contains Ivermectin) two weeks ago and she had two seizures in the next 8 days. We were devasted and didn't know what to think. I asked 3 vets about it and only one seemed to believe it may not necessarily be epilepsy... She has been seizure free for 4 days now, but I'm still anxious about it... Is there something we can do or a mediation that could help her recover? I'm scared it could worsen...


Ivermectin
Posted by Jilbert57 (Brinnon, Wa, Usa) on 03/03/2012
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I have a 5 year old aussie/heeler who I give Interceptor to monthly for heartworm prevention. I was told by two different vets not to use a medicine with Ivermectin in it as the herding breeds are subject to seizures from it.


Rimadyl
Posted by Joe (Mentor, Ohio) on 12/30/2008

I strongly suggest to anyone with a senior pooch to refrain from the use of this drug in any dose, for any arthritis. I gave it to a senior female cocker spaniel and she developed severe heart trouble which led to her demise.

Also, I agree on the rabies yearly vaccinations being unneccessary. I have never had a problem knock on wood, however, I am in doubt as to the need yearly.

Rimadyl
Posted by Rebecca (Jacksonville Beack, Fl) on 10/07/2011

I am so against all these poisons for our animals. My Golden/Shepherd mix is almost 12 years... And took her off Demerax (?) and Rimadyl, ... And just give her plain aspirin. She has had only two Rabies shots in her lifetime... I refuse to keep going back.

We had an American PitBull... Beautiful healthy dog until a friend of ours who worked at a Vet's office administered "Advantage Multi" on his back for flea, tick, and worms?? Multi POISONS at one time!! I was against it.... Three hours later he had four grand mall seizures for the first time in his five years... He went right down after that for the next six months, one seizure after another.... This POISON had compromised his nervous system AND his respiratory system!! He got so bad my son had to put him down.... His quality of life was horrible! Well, I wrote the Advantage company and highly complained and accused them of killing our dog and I told everyone I saw, all the Vets around here... And it wasn't long after that.... It was in the news that cats and dogs were dying from this product, and it was taken off the market! I can't find it anywhere. Too many poisons to our children and animals are being given to US... And all at once! I gave some flea medicine back to a Vet when it caused my dog to throw up his entire dinner an hour later. The Vet got perturbed with me because I would not give it to my dog.... I told him IT is POISON to my DOG.... You are killing my dog trying to kill the fleas!! It wasn't Heartguard.... It was a new poison that has to be given with food. So I have had enough... And only give Aspirin, and spray them with alcohol.... They don't have fleas anyway!


Metronidazole
Posted by Christina (Ashburn, Va) on 11/29/2008

our dog was was put on a long term dose of metronidazole for irritable bowel syndrome a few months ago. unfortunately the medicine caused severe neurological issues in our 12 year old lab/husky. shortly after taking his morning dose one day, he wasn't able to walk straight and lost all control of his limbs. he's mostly recovered, but i think he has had some side effects from this medicine. he was experiencing some arthritis issues prior to this but it's gone down hill rapidly since (the neurological episode occurred this past june, and now our pup can't nearly walk as far as before, despite herbal treatments and acupuncture). i think the use of a long term dose of metronidazole should really be studied further.

Metronidazole
Posted by Crysgrits (Charlotte, Nc) on 07/28/2010

I had an incredibly similar experience with the metronidazole, although our dosage was not long-term, it was a typical 10 day dosage. My 7 year old terrier mix was put on metronidazole as a precaution because she was sick and they were using it as an antibiotic. After about 2 days of being on the drug, she was unable to walk straight, a few hours later, she was unable to operate her hind legs. The vet we were using kept her for the day, flushed her system, put her on iv's, etc. However, I would not let them keep her overnight, as they did not have anybody there overnight. I picked her up and intended on keeping her for the evening. A few hours later, I couldn't take it. It was clear that she was completely unaware that I was sitting right beside her, and her eyes began shaking (shifting right to left) uncontrollably. I had to take her to an emergency vet (different vet), and he warned me that this is a rare side effect, but known, and can even happen in humans as well as dogs. He told me it essentially attacked her brain. Luckily she turned out to be OK, after 2 days in the hospital hooked up to fluids to flush her system of the drug, but apparently most dogs with the reaction are not as lucky. None of my dogs will ever be given this drug again.


Metronidazole
Posted by Lblibris (Slc, Utah) on 03/05/2011
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

My 15 year old cocker developed nuerotoxicity to this drug and unfornately passed away within one of week of taking it. Please view this website that tells about our experience and more information, including where to report adverse reactions to medications. sites.google.com/site/bewareofmetronidazole


Cortisone
Posted by OTH (Atlanta, GA) on 11/20/2008

My dog was scratching a lot (been a life long scratcher) but otherwise perfectly healthy so I bought him in to the vet one day when I had to bring in my other dog. The vet gave him a cortisone shot and said he may eat, drink and pee a lot. He was fine for the first 24 hours but then had a night of severe vomitting (9 plus times including blood) and was left lying and shaking in pain. He has now been at the vet for 24 hours on an IV and is in the same condition and still won't eat. No one at the vet warned me about these kinds of side effects and we don't know yet what will happen. Wish us luck.


Rimadyl
Posted by Jean (Johns Island, SC) on 11/16/2008

My chocolate lab, George - a rescue - was prescribed Rimadyl for early signs of arthritis. No information was given me about adverse side effects, and this was in 1997, several years before the "Client Information Sheet" became available by Pfizer, was given to the vets, who in turn are supposed to give the CIS to their clients. Since this is not mandatory, most vets don't take the time to distribute the CIS.

My George's story may be seen at:

http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/nsaid/memorials.html#george

To read about the Class Action Lawsuit against Pfizer - see:

http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/nsaid/lawsuitsettled.html

Rimadyl
Posted by Kristine (Bayville, Nj) on 10/16/2010

Hello. I do not want to sway anyone, but I wanted to share my experience. I have 2 long haired Chihuahua's who are going to be 17 next month. The one had arthritis so bad at age 8, I thought he was dying. He could barely get up without help. He has been on rimadyl for 9 years now. He takes a 1/4 of a 25 mg tablet per day. He now runs around like a puppy! He is in better shape at almost 17 then at 8. My other chihuahua has been taking it for the past few years, the same dosage. I don't know if it is because my dosage is low (5 pound dogs) but I think the medicine has given my dog a great quality of life. I think you have to research & do what you think is best, but some of the comments like reputable vets would never prescribe are uncalled for. For me, it saved my dogs quality of life & I don't think he would still be alive without it. Like I said, I don't want to sway anyone, but I think you need to research & make your own decisions. Good Luck to you all.


Rimadyl
Posted by Susan (Brockway, Pa Usa) on 04/26/2011

I am very cautious to what I give my 13 year old terrier mix. He was in such bad shape, as a 8 month old orphan when he showed up on our doorstep. He needed surgery on his leg and I thought I one point we were going to have to put him down. The vet started him out on 75 mg of rimadyl. I read how it can cause liver damage, so I cut him down to 1/2 tablet and observed him over a period of time. He did fine. So I cut him down to 1/4 tablet with 1/2 tablet Glucosamine Chondroitin. He has flourished and has done really well. I don't understand why vets don't start out an animal on the lowest dose, and move up to higher doses as needed. Especially when it can cause liver or renal damage.


Cortisone
Posted by Amy (Glendale, Arizona) on 09/29/2008

I took my 14 year old cat to the vet because she was limping. The Dr. determined it was her elbow, and gave her a shot of cortisone. My cat stopped eating, and 48 hours later I had to put her down. The cortisone may have brought to light an underlying problem, renal failure. I know she would have shown symptoms eventually, it all just happened so fast.



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