Educational Articles

Dogs + Medications & Supplements

  • Stanozolol is given by mouth and is used off label to treat poor appetite, anemia, tracheal collapse, and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include behavior changes, limb swelling, or prevention of heat cycles. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are pregnant, breeding, or nursing. Pregnant women should NOT handle this medication. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Sucralfate is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat ulcers and erosions in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to this medication. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinarian.

  • Sulfadiazine/trimethoprim is given by mouth in the form of a liquid suspension or is given by injection in the hospital. It is commonly used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, sometimes off label, in dogs, cats, small mammals and other exotics. Common side effects include a decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, although more serious side effects are possible, such as dry eye, or liver, blood, or urinary problems. Do not use in pets that have severe liver damage, blood cell problems, dehydration, or sulfa allergies. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Sulfadimethoxine is an antimicrobial given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension, used primarily to treat coccidiosis. Its use for treating small mammals and reptiles is off label. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, pregnant, lactating, or have severe liver or kidney dysfunction. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is given by mouth in the form of a liquid suspension or is given by injection in the hospital, and it is commonly used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, sometimes off label, in dogs, cats, small mammals, and other exotics. Common side effects include a decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, although more serious side effects are possible such as dry eye, or liver, blood, or urinary problems. Do not use in pets that have severe liver damage, blood cell problems, dehydration, or sulfa allergies. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Sulfasalazine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat inflammatory large bowel disease and vasculitis. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects include dry eye, decreased appetite, vomiting, yellowing of the skin, eyes, or body fluids. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other sulfonamides or salicylates, or in Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Schnauzers, or Samoyeds, or in pets with dry eye/KCS, intestinal or urinary blockages, or severe dehydration. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Sulfur, precipitated, topical (brand name Sulfodene®, others), is a medication used in the treatment of seborrheic (dry or greasy dandruff) disorders in cats and dogs to dissolve skin flakes and scales. It can have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects. It may be specially compounded and/or combined into a formulation with other medications.

  • A supplement is a concentrated ingredient that is added to the diet for nutritional or therapeutic benefits. Your best source of professional nutritional advice is a licensed veterinarian who is knowledgeable about supplements.

  • Tacrolimus ophthalmic is applied to the eye and is used off label to treat KCS (dry eye) and other immune-mediated and inflammatory conditions of the eye. Give as directed. Side effects are not common but may include irritation, eyelid twitches, or hair loss around the eye. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Tadalafil is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat high blood pressure in the lungs. Give as directed. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or skin redness in the groin area. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or pets that take nitrate medications. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.