Chronic Diseases & Special Conditions
Dog Medication & Diet: Essential Tips for Treated Dogs
NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and dewormers each require specific dietary considerations for your dog. Learn how to support your dog's health during treatment.
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Medication and Diet
1. NSAIDs
Examples: Carprofen (Rimadyl), Meloxicam (Metacam), Firocoxib, Robenacoxib.
- ALWAYS with food
- With plenty of water
- Avoid concurrent use with corticosteroids (risk of stomach ulcers!)
- Warning signs: vomiting, loss of appetite, black stool (digested blood), jaundice
2. Corticosteroids
Examples: Prednisolone, Prednisone, Dexamethasone.
- With food
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite — monitor dosage
- Avoid salty foods
- Calcium supplementation may be needed for long-term use
3. Antibiotics
Examples: Synulox, Doxycycline, Metronidazole, Enrofloxacin.
- With food
- EXCEPTION: Doxycycline should NOT be given with calcium
- Probiotic supplementation is essential
4. Dewormers
With or after food. If vomited: repeat within 2 hours.
5. Thyroid Hormone
- On an empty stomach
- Separate from calcium-containing products by 4 hours
- Soy can reduce absorption
Special Interactions
| Medication | To Avoid |
|---|---|
| Doxycycline | Milk, cheese, calcium |
| Tetracycline | Iron, calcium |
| Thyroid | Soy, calcium |
| Warfarin | High Vitamin K (green leafy vegetables) |
| Cyclosporine | High fat |
General Rules
- Read the package insert
- Consult your veterinarian
- AVOID NSAID + Steroid combination
- Keep a log
- NEVER give human medication (ibuprofen, acetaminophen are FATAL!)
Emergency Vet
🚨 Allergic reaction, severe vomiting/diarrhea, black stool, jaundice, loss of consciousness/seizures, accidental human medication ingestion.
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References
- 1.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.American Veterinary Medical Association — Household hazards: foods and substances that are toxic to pets. AVMA, 2024. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
