Illustrated Articles

Dogs + Medications & Supplements

  • 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.

  • Tafluprost ophthalmic is a topical medication used to reduce intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) in dogs with glaucoma. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine. Tafluprost ophthalmic comes in liquid drop suspension form.

  • Taurine is given by mouth in the form of a capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid and is used as an over the counter nutritional supplement to treat taurine deficiency, dilated cardiomyopathy, and prevent retinal degeneration. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are rare but may include vomiting. There are no known contraindications to using this supplement. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Terbinafine oral tablets or granules are commonly used off label to treat skin or systemic fungal infections in dogs and cats. Common side effects are primarily gastrointestinal, such as vomiting, inappetence, and diarrhea, and should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease. If treating with this medication long-term, your veterinarian will perform periodic blood tests to check liver function and monitor for any changes or elevations.

  • Terbinafine cream or spray is occasionally used off label to treat skin fungal infections in dogs, or in a veterinary combination product to treat ear infections. It is ineffective for treating fungal skin infections in cats. When given as directed, side effects are rarely noted, but could include skin irritation.

  • Terbutaline is a bronchodilator used to treat symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions in cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and other animals. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Terbutaline comes in tablet form that may be compounded into liquid.

  • Tetracycline is given by mouth and is used off label to treat bacterial infections and inflammatory skin conditions in many animal species. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tetracycline antibiotics, or in pregnant animals, especially in the first half of pregnancy. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Theophylline is used off label to treat cough caused by bronchoconstriction. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid, or in hospital as an injection. The most common side effects include stomach upset and excitement. It should be used with caution in pets with abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, stomach ulcers, hyperthyroidism, kidney, liver, or heart disease, severely high blood pressure, severely low blood oxygen levels, or in young, old, or pregnant or lactating pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.