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Educational Articles

Dogs + Medications & Supplements

  • Imidacloprid is given by mouth to treat flea infestations in dogs only. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, soft stools, decreased appetite, or difficulty walking. Do not use this medication cats, in puppies less than 10 weeks old or weighing less than 4 pounds, or in pregnant or lactating dogs. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Imidacloprid is used on and off label and is applied topically to the skin to treat flea infestations. It is frequently used in combination with other medications to treat a variety of parasites. Side effects are uncommon but may include irritation at the application site, or, if the medication is accidentally ingested, drooling, shaking, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Do not use combination products in young pets. Certain combination products should be used in cats. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Imidocarb dipropionate is an injectable medication that is administered by a veterinarian to treat babesiosis in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat other protozoal infections in dogs, cats, and horses. Most common side effects include mild drooling, tearing, vomiting, or nasal drip. Do not use in pets with exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs, pesticides, or chemicals. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Imipramine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat behavior disorders, sudden loss of muscle tone, urinary incontinence, cancer pain, and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tricyclic antidepressants, pets currently using MAOIs, or pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • 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.