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Educational Articles

Dogs + Medications & Supplements

  • Dorzolamide is applied to the eye and is used off label to treat glaucoma (increased eye pressures). Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include stinging sensation, eye redness, watery eyes, and light sensitivity. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or sulfonamides. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Doxepin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat psychogenic dermatoses such as excessive grooming and psychogenic alopecia. Give as directed. The most common side effect is sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tricyclic antidepressants, in pets currently using an MAOI or flea/tick collar, or in pets undergoing skin allergy testing within two weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Doxycycline is an antibiotic given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid, used off label to treat certain infections. Common side effects include stomach upset, sun sensitivity, and increases in liver enzymes. Serious side effects include liver failure, seizures, and trouble swallowing. Do not use in pregnant pets and use cautiously in pets with liver disease or in young pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ear cleansing/drying products are used over-the-counter to treat and prevent ear infections in many species of pets. They come as a liquid solution that is used topically within the ear canal and are typically used in the ears after debris and wax have been removed using a cerumenolytic cleanser.

  • Echinacea is given by mouth and is used over the counter and off label to improve immune system function and reduce inflammation. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Enalapril is used on and off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or proteinuria. Common side effects include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have an acute kidney injury, or have certain heart conditions.

  • Enilconazole is a topical wash/dip used to treat dermatophytosis (ring worm) in dogs and sometimes in cats. Side effects are uncommon as it is relatively well-tolerated, but in cats may include drooling, vomiting, lack of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and elevated liver enzymes. Do not use in cats unless directed by your veterinarian. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic given by mouth or in the muscle commonly used to treat bacterial infections in cats, dogs, and off label in small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. It should not be used in growing or dehydrated pets, or in cats with kidney disease. Use cautiously in pets with seizures, liver, or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Enrofloxacin otic is applied topically and is labeled to treat ear infections in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat ear infections in cats. Give as directed. Side effects are rare but may include temporary hearing loss or skin reactions. Do not use with pets allergic to quinolones or sulfonamides, with young animals, or with those with central nervous system disorders. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.

  • Enzymes are given by mouth and are used over the counter or as a prescription to treat digestion problems, pain, or inflammation. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. Do not use in pets that are allergic to the enzyme or the source of the enzyme. Use cautiously in pets with liver or kidney disease, or in pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.