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Illustrated Articles

Dogs + Medications & Supplements

  • Dextromethorphan is given by mouth and is used off label to treat compulsive behaviors and occasionally used to treat cough. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, sleepiness, drooling or anxiousness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it.

  • Dextromethorphan + Guaifenesin is given by mouth as a tablet and is used off label to reduce cough in dogs and cats or to treat compulsive behavior. Side effects are uncommon, but serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

  • Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety, as a muscle relaxant, as a hypnotic agent, as an appetite stimulant and to control seizures. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. This class of medicines is used to slow down the nervous system.

  • Diazoxide is given by mouth and is used off label to treat low blood sugar associated with insulin-producing tumors of the pancreas. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or thiazide diuretics, or in pets with low blood sugar due to anything other than a tumor. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Diclofenac ophthalmic is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to treat inflammatory eye conditions in cats, dogs, rabbits, avian species, and other animals. Diclofenac ophthalmic comes in liquid drop form.

  • Diethylstilbestrol is given by mouth and is used off label to treat urinary incontinence. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon when using a low dose, but may include mild vaginal spotting. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, in females with estrogen-sensitive tumors, in pets with anemia or low white blood cell counts, or in food production animals. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Digoxin is used off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms and certain types of congestive heart failure. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or behavior changes.

  • Diltiazem is given by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or compounded liquid, and is used off label to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and other heart conditions. Common side effects include a slow heart rate in dogs and vomiting in cats. This medication should not be used in pets with hypersensitivity, severely low blood pressure, lung congestion, or certain abnormal heart rhythms.

  • Dimenhydrinate is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat nausea and motion sickness, and occasionally itchiness. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or similar antihistamines, that are very young, or that are undergoing antigen skin testing within the next two weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Dimethylglycine is given by mouth and is used off label and over the counter to enhance racing performance, as well as supplement the treatment for some cancers, diabetes, immune diseases, or cardiovascular diseases. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and unreported. DMG should be used cautiously in pets that are pregnant, nursing, or debilitated. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.