Common dog and cat medications, explained
Plain-English guides to 118 medicines vets often prescribe for dogs and cats: what each one is for, how it works, side effects to watch for, and whether it needs a prescription. Every page lists its sources.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Allergy & itch
Apoquel
Controls itching from allergic skin disease, including atopic dermatitis, in dogs at least 12 months old.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreAllergy & itchZenrelia
Controls itching from allergic and atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months old.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreAllergy & itchCytopoint
Treats itching and skin inflammation in dogs, usually from skin allergies.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreAllergy & itchCyclosporine (Atopica)
Treats atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) in dogs and cats, plus other immune-related conditions.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAllergy & itchCetirizine (Zyrtec)
Vets use it for itching from skin allergies, hives and insect bite reactions, and sometimes for respiratory allergy signs.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreAllergy & itchBenadryl
Used for allergic reactions, motion sickness and vomiting, and as a mild sedative.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreAllergy & itchChlorpheniramine
An antihistamine for allergic conditions, sometimes used as a mild sedative.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreAllergy & itchHydroxyzine
An antihistamine for allergic and itchy skin, and sometimes as a sedative.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAllergy & itchCyproheptadine
An antihistamine for itchy and allergic skin.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritis
Carprofen (Rimadyl)
Treats pain and inflammation in dogs, such as arthritis pain and pain after surgery.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisMeloxicam (Metacam)
Relieves pain, inflammation and fever.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisGalliprant
Treats osteoarthritis pain and inflammation in dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisDeracoxib (Deramaxx)
Controls pain after surgery, such as orthopedic and dental surgery, and treats arthritis pain in dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisFirocoxib (Previcox)
Treats pain and inflammation from arthritis, surgery or injury in dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisRobenacoxib (Onsior)
Controls pain and inflammation after surgery in dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisGabapentin
Treats chronic pain, especially nerve pain, and seizures, usually with other medicines.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisAmantadine
Used mainly as an add-on for long-term pain, often with an NSAID, opioid or gabapentin.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisTramadol
A synthetic opioid sometimes used for pain in dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisBuprenorphine
An opioid pain reliever used in the clinic and sometimes at home, especially in cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisLibrela
Relieves osteoarthritis pain in dogs with a monthly injection.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisSolensia
Controls osteoarthritis pain in cats with a monthly injection.
Cats · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisAdequan
Treats non-infectious and injury-related arthritis in dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead morePain & arthritisMethocarbamol
A muscle relaxant for muscle spasms from injury, inflammation, disc disease and some poisonings.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibiotics
Clavamox
Treats skin and soft tissue infections, gum disease in dogs and urinary infections in cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsAmoxicillin
Treats certain bacterial infections, most often skin, respiratory and urinary infections.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsCephalexin
Treats skin infections (pyoderma) in dogs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsCefpodoxime (Simplicef)
Treats skin infections in dogs, and is sometimes used for urinary and respiratory infections.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsConvenia
A long-acting antibiotic shot for skin infections, dental disease and urinary infections.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsDoxycycline
Treats tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis and Lyme, respiratory infections and dental disease, and is part of heartworm treatment.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsEnrofloxacin (Baytril)
A fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for a wide range of bacterial infections.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsMarbofloxacin (Zeniquin)
Treats bladder, kidney, prostate and skin infections.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsVeraflox
Treats skin infections in cats in the US.
Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsClindamycin
Treats wounds, abscesses, skin, bone and dental infections, and toxoplasmosis.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsAzithromycin
Used for respiratory infections in cats, some tick-borne infections, and with atovaquone for babesiosis in dogs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntibioticsTrimethoprim-sulfa
Treats bladder and prostate infections and some parasitic infections.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntifungals
Fluconazole
Treats fungal infections, especially those that reach the brain or spinal cord.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntifungalsItraconazole
Treats ringworm and deeper fungal infections such as blastomycosis.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntifungalsTerbinafine
Treats skin fungal infections such as ringworm, and sometimes deeper fungal infections.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAntifungalsKetoconazole
Treats fungal infections.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartworm
Bravecto
Kills fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks in dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormNexGard
A monthly chew that kills fleas and ticks in dogs and helps prevent Lyme disease.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormSimparica
Kills fleas and ticks in dogs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormCredelio
Kills fleas and treats and controls several kinds of ticks in dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormRevolution
A monthly topical that prevents heartworm and treats fleas, ear mites and some other parasites in dogs and cats (and worms in cats).
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormAdvantage
Kills fleas.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormFrontline
A topical that kills fleas, ticks and chewing lice in dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormCapstar
A pill that kills adult fleas fast.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormComfortis
A monthly chewable that kills fleas in dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormIvermectin (Heartgard)
Mainly a monthly heartworm preventive.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormInterceptor
Prevents heartworm and treats hookworms and roundworms.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreFlea, tick & heartwormProHeart
An injection that prevents heartworm for 6 or 12 months and treats hookworms.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreDewormers
Panacur (Fenbendazole)
Treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, lungworms, some tapeworms and Giardia.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreDewormersPyrantel
Treats roundworms and hookworms.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreDewormersPraziquantel (Droncit)
Treats tapeworms, often in combination dewormers.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreDewormersPonazuril
Treats coccidia and some other single-celled parasites in dogs and cats (off label; it is labeled for horses).
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreThyroid & hormones
Levothyroxine
Replaces thyroid hormone in dogs with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreThyroid & hormonesMethimazole
Treats hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) in cats.
Cats · PrescriptionRead moreThyroid & hormonesVetoryl
Treats Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreThyroid & hormonesMitotane
An older treatment for Cushing's disease and adrenal tumors in dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreThyroid & hormonesZycortal / Percorten-V (DOCP)
An injection for Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) in dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreThyroid & hormonesFludrocortisone
A daily pill for Addison's disease.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreDiabetes
ProZinc (PZI insulin)
An injectable insulin approved for diabetic cats and dogs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreDiabetesInsulin glargine (Lantus)
A long-acting human insulin used mostly in diabetic cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreDiabetesInsulin detemir (Levemir)
A long-acting human insulin that vets sometimes use for diabetic cats and dogs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreDiabetesNPH insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N)
An intermediate-acting human insulin used mostly in diabetic dogs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreDiabetesBexacat
A daily pill for newly diagnosed diabetic cats that have never had insulin and are otherwise healthy.
Cats · PrescriptionRead moreDiabetesSenvelgo
A daily liquid for newly diagnosed diabetic cats that have not been treated with insulin.
Cats · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressure
Vetmedin (Pimobendan)
Treats congestive heart failure in dogs, usually from mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureEnalapril
Treats heart failure, high blood pressure and protein loss in the urine; also used in kidney disease.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureBenazepril
Treats heart failure, high blood pressure and kidney disease (including protein in the urine).
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureFurosemide (Lasix)
A diuretic for fluid buildup from heart failure and some kidney conditions.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureSpironolactone
An add-on diuretic for heart failure and fluid buildup.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureAmlodipine
Treats high blood pressure, especially in cats, to protect the kidneys, eyes and brain.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureDiltiazem
Treats some fast heart rhythms (like atrial fibrillation), high blood pressure and heart muscle disease in cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureAtenolol
Treats certain heart diseases, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureSotalol
Treats abnormal fast heart rhythms, often in Boxers with heart disease.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreHeart & blood pressureClopidogrel (Plavix)
Helps prevent blood clots, especially in cats with heart disease.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behavior
Trazodone
Eases anxiety and fear in dogs (separation anxiety, fireworks, vet visits, travel, crate rest) and is used before vet visits in cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behaviorFluoxetine (Prozac, Reconcile)
Treats behavior problems; the FDA-approved dog form is labeled for separation anxiety.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behaviorClomipramine (Clomicalm)
Treats separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors in dogs, and urine spraying and compulsive behavior in cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behaviorSertraline (Zoloft)
Treats anxiety, compulsive behavior and aggression.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behaviorBuspirone
Treats fears, phobias and social anxiety, and urine spraying in cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behaviorAlprazolam (Xanax)
Used before triggers like storms or fireworks to reduce panic.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behaviorSileo (Dexmedetomidine)
Sileo, a gel rubbed on the gums, eases noise aversion in dogs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behaviorAnipryl (Selegiline)
Treats signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (dog 'dementia').
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreAnxiety & behaviorAcepromazine
A sedative used before anesthesia and for restraint.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestion
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Treats certain bacterial and protozoal infections, such as Giardia, and is often used for diarrhea.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionTylosin
An antibiotic used mainly for diarrhea and gut inflammation.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionCerenia
Treats and prevents vomiting and motion sickness in dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionOndansetron (Zofran)
Treats severe nausea and vomiting.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionFamotidine (Pepcid)
Lowers stomach acid for ulcers, stomach inflammation and acid reflux.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreStomach & digestionOmeprazole (Prilosec)
Treats stomach and upper gut ulcers and helps prevent ulcers from drugs like NSAIDs.
Dogs & Cats · Over the counterRead moreStomach & digestionSucralfate (Carafate)
Treats ulcers in the mouth, esophagus, stomach and small intestine.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionMetoclopramide (Reglan)
Helps move food through the stomach and upper gut, and treats reflux and vomiting.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionCisapride
Treats slow gut movement, reflux and constipation/megacolon in cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionLactulose
Softens stool for constipation and lowers blood ammonia in liver disease.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionMirtazapine (Mirataz)
Stimulates appetite and manages weight loss, mainly in cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionEntyce / Elura (Capromorelin)
Stimulates appetite in dogs (Entyce) and manages weight loss in cats with kidney disease (Elura).
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionUrsodiol
Treats gallbladder and bile-related liver disease such as gallbladder sludge and chronic liver inflammation.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreStomach & digestionSulfasalazine
Treats inflammation of the large bowel (colitis) and vasculitis.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreSteroids & immune
Budesonide
A steroid mainly for inflammatory bowel disease when other steroids don't work or aren't tolerated.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreSteroids & immunePrednisone & Prednisolone
Used for inflammation, allergies, immune diseases, Addison's disease and some cancers.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreSteroids & immuneDexamethasone
A strong steroid for inflammation, immune diseases and adrenal problems.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreSteroids & immuneChlorambucil (Leukeran)
Treats some cancers, such as lymphoma, and immune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreSteroids & immunePentoxifylline
Treats certain immune skin diseases and blood vessel inflammation such as ear-tip vasculitis.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreSeizures
Phenobarbital
A long-used first-choice drug for epilepsy in dogs and cats.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreSeizuresLevetiracetam (Keppra)
Treats seizures, often added to other seizure drugs in dogs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreSeizuresPotassium bromide
Treats seizures in dogs, alone or with phenobarbital.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreSeizuresZonisamide
Treats epilepsy, on its own or added to other drugs.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreEye & skin
Optimmune (Cyclosporine eye ointment)
Treats dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and other immune-related eye inflammation.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreEye & skinTacrolimus
An ointment that controls inflammation and itch from allergies or immune disease.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreEye & skinDorzolamide
Lowers pressure inside the eye in glaucoma.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreEye & skinPrednisolone eye drops
Treats inflammation in the eye.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreUrinary & kidney
Incurin
Treats urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreUrinary & kidneySemintra
Treats high blood pressure in cats and protein loss in the urine with kidney disease.
Dogs & Cats · PrescriptionRead moreUrinary & kidneyProin
Treats urinary incontinence from a weak urethral sphincter, most often in spayed female dogs.
Dogs · PrescriptionRead moreOther
Questions about pet medicines
Can I give my dog or cat human medicine?
Only if your vet tells you to. Some common human medicines, like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen, can seriously harm pets, and acetaminophen is deadly to cats (FDA).
Why don't you list doses?
Doses depend on your pet's weight, age, health and other medicines. A wrong dose can be dangerous, so dosing should always come from your veterinarian.
Why are some prices missing?
We only show a price when a public source lists it. For most drugs, no reliable national price exists, so ask your vet or pharmacy for a quote.
What does 'off label' mean?
It means a vet is using a drug in a way the FDA label doesn't cover, such as a human drug in a dog. This is common and legal in veterinary medicine; follow your vet's directions closely.
Related guides
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Pet medication handouts
- FDA – Frequently asked questions about animal drugs
- FDA – Get the facts about pain relievers for pets
- FDA – Fact sheet about isoxazoline flea and tick products
- FDA – Keep worms out of your pet's heart
- Merck Veterinary Manual – NSAIDs in animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Corticosteroids in animals