Educational Articles
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Dextromethorphan + Guaifenesin is given by mouth as a tablet and is used off label to reduce cough in dogs and cats or to treat compulsive behavior. Side effects are uncommon, but serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
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Diazepam is given by mouth, injection, or into the rectum and is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects include sleepiness, increased appetite, incoordination, weakness, agitation, drooling, and aggression. Do not give to cats by mouth, and do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines, or in pets with severe liver disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Diazoxide is given by mouth and is used off label to treat low blood sugar associated with insulin-producing tumors of the pancreas. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or thiazide diuretics, or in pets with low blood sugar due to anything other than a tumor. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Diclofenac ophthalmic is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to treat inflammatory eye conditions in cats, dogs, rabbits, avian species, and other animals. Diclofenac ophthalmic comes in liquid drop form.
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Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen agent. It has been used in estrogen responsive urinary incontinence and in the prevention of pregnancy after mismating in female dogs and cats. Your veterinarian may prescribe diethylstilbestrol for other conditions.
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Digoxin is used off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms and certain types of congestive heart failure. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or behavior changes.
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Diltiazem is given by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or compounded liquid, and is used off label to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and other heart conditions. Common side effects include a slow heart rate in dogs and vomiting in cats. This medication should not be used in pets with hypersensitivity, severely low blood pressure, lung congestion, or certain abnormal heart rhythms.
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Dimenhydrinate is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat nausea and motion sickness, and occasionally itchiness. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or similar antihistamines, that are very young, or that are undergoing antigen skin testing within the next two weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Dinotefuran/pyriproxyfen (brand name Vectra) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to repel and kill fleas in dogs and puppies that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.14 kg (2.5 lbs) and in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lbs). Do not confuse this medication with Vectra 3D®, a similar product labeled for use in dogs only.
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Diphenhydramine is given by mouth or as an injection and is used on and off label to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and to induce sedation. Side effects include sleepiness, and less commonly dry mouth and gastrointestinal upset.
