Every dog will be treated with drugs. From the homely aspirin to the most sophisticated prescription drug on the market, all drugs come with side effects. Let us focus initially on those indications and drugs to which we certainly need to give a close attention.

Allergy

Antibiotics

• Cephalexin
  Side effects of cephalexin: vomiting, diarrhea, and a compromised immune system.
• Griseofulvin
  Side effects of griseofulvin: upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools, thirst, fatigue, dizziness, thrush/yeast infection in the mouth, confusion, liver damage, and a compromised immune system.

NSAIDs

• Phenylbutazone
  Side effects of phenylbutazone: ulceration and bleeding of the stomach, liver damage, ulceration and bleeding of the intestines, life-threatening stomach punctures, kidney damage, and anemia.
• Diflusinal
  Side effects of diflusinal: ulcers, bleeding or holes in the stomach or intestine, drowsiness, vomiting, upset stomach and stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, decreased urination, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, confusion, and problems with vision, coma, flatulence, itching, rash, and blisters loss of appetite, lack of energy, a yellowing of the skin or eyes, dizziness, cloudy discolored or bloody urine, difficult or painful urination, and swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or eyes.

Steroids : prednisone (prednisolone generic) and dexamethasone

Prednisone side effects and dexamethasone side effects when used for a short period: renal (kidney) disorders, abnormal thirst and urination levels, excessive hunger, fluid and weight gain, insatiable diet, increased blood sugar, and a decreased resistance to infectious diseases (decreased immune system).

Dexamethasone and prednisolone side effects after a considerable period: ulcers in the digestive tract, pain and inflammation in pancreas, diabetes, degeneration of muscles, unpredictable change in behaviours and mood swings, thinning of the skin, and liver changes.

Predisone and dexamethasone can lead to conditions like Cushing's disease in dogs and Addison's disease.

Corticosteroid cream

• Hydrocortisone cream
  Side effects of hydrocortisone: stomach ulcers, muscle weakness, liver damage, behavioural changes, increased appetite, increased thirst, weight gain, and dull hair coat.
• Flunisolide cream
  Side effects of flunisolide: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infection, decreased appetite, edema, fever, Candida infection, dizziness, nervousness, shakiness, chest congestion, runny nose, sinus congestion, sinus drainage, sinus infection, sinusitis, sneezing, sputum, wheezing, eczema, itching, rash, ear infections, loss of smell or taste, malaise, hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, depression, faintness, fatigue, hyperactivity, hypo activity, vertigo, pneumonia, blurred vision, earache, eye discomfort, eye infection, and liver damage.
• Fluocinonide (lidex cream)
  Side effects of fluocinonide: skin thinning and discoloration, itching, burning, redness and swelling, and liver damage.

Antihistimines

• Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
  Side effects of hydroxyzine: sedation, excitement, fine tremors, whole body tremors, and seizures.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  Side effects of diphenhydramine: drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, extreme drowsiness, coma, respiratory depression, and death.
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  Side effects of chlorpheniramine: drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, dry mouth, and urinary retention, excitement or seizure, drowsiness, coma, respiratory depression, and death.
• Clemastine (Tavist)
  Side effects of clemastine: sedation, paradoxical hyperactivity, dry mouth, blurred vision, rapid heart rate, urinary retention, fever, and possibly hypotension.
• ImmunoRegulin
  Side effects of Immunoregulin include a minor rise in temperature, chills, temporary loss of appetite, or sluggishness a few hours after the injection.

Medicated shampoos and anti itch shampoos

• Hydrocortisone: see corticosteroid creams.
• Benzoyle Peroxide
  Side effects of benzoyle peroxide: dryness or peeling of skin, feeling of warmth, tingling, and a slight stinging, burning, blistering, itching, redness, rash, and swelling.
• Chlorhexidine
  Side effects of chlorhexidine include staggering, or sleepiness.
• Shampoo with oatmeal, omega 6 fatty acids, and the anesthetic pramoxine
  Side effects of pramoxine: redness, irritation, swelling, burning, stinging, or pain at affected area, dryness at affected area, bleeding at affected area, hives, skin rash, severe itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and swelling of the face, throat, tongue, eyes, lower legs, and feet.

Mange treatment

• Ivermectine overdose signs: stumbling, tremors, blindness, disorientation or weakness, and shock.

Ringworm

• Griseofulvin
  Side effects of griseofulvin : see allergy.
• Fluconazole
  Side effects of fluconazole: upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, and liver damage.
• Antifungal shampoo and topical antifungal drugs
  • Miconazole
    Side effects of miconazole: rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and swelling of the mouth, face, or tongue.
  • Clotrimazole
    Side effects of clotrimazole: blistering, burning, hives, irritated skin, itching, peeling, reddened skin, stinging, and swelling due to fluid retention.
  • Econazole
    Side effects of econazole: severe blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, swelling, or irritation of the skin.
  • Oxiconazole
    Side effects of oxiconazole: burning; itching, blistering, crusting, dryness, or flaking of skin, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of skin, burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, pus at root of hair, pain, skin rash, tingling, and stinging.
  • Ciclopirox
    Side effects of ciclopirox: burning, and itching, blistering, oozing, swelling, and severe allergic reactions.
  • Ketoconazole
    Side effects of ketoconazole: loss of appetite, a lightening or greying of the hair coat color, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, gastrointestinal difficulties, liver damage and toxicity, and a reduced fertility of males.
  • Terbinafine
    Side effects of Terbinafine: itching, rash, swelling, or redness, tinging, burning, or redness.

It is very important to know that some natural ingredients such as essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and prebiotics can help to support problems such as allergy and pain. The advantage with those natural ingredients is the avoidance of side effects. Viyo Elite contains all those natural ingredients in a liquid and high palatable formulation to increase absorption and acceptance of those active nutrients.

Dr Wim Van Kerkhoven,Viyo International nv