Cough Medicine For Dogs
A simple cough in your dog can send you reaching for something to stop the cough. But many cough medicines are risky ā¦ even the ones your vet might suggest.
Can Dogs Take Human Cough Medicine?
Cough medicine made for people can contain toxic ingredients that could make your dog even sicker. Hereās what you might find in cough medicine:
- Acetaminophen. Itās found in Tylenol. Its use is questionable and can cause poisoning. Some brands contain 325 to 500 mg per Tbsp which can poison puppies or toy breeds.
- Ibuprofen. Itās highly toxic to dogs. Doses as low as 25 mg/kg can be toxic.
- Pseudoephedrine. A dose of 30 mg can cause toxicity.
- Xylitol. This is used as a sweetener, and can be life-threatening.
- Caffeine. Dogs are super sensitive to it.Ā
- Antihistamines. They can suppress your dogās natural healing process.
- Menthol. It can irritate the lungs or cause digestive issues.
- Alcohol. Most contain small amounts but some contain as much as 10% or more.Ā
- Artificial color. This is linked to hyperactivity, allergies and cancer.Ā
Is There A Dog-Friendly Cough Medicine For Dogs?
Not really. Your vet might prescribe cough medicine for dogs with the ingredients dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. Even though theyāre made for dogs, hereās what you should know.Ā
Dextromethorphan
It suppresses the cough center of your dogās brain to help stop dry hacking coughs. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea ā¦ even twitching and seizures. Itās not recommended for dogs with liver disease, skin allergies or ā¦ chronic coughs! And it can interfere with medications taken for cognitive issues. Cough medicines with dextromethorphan have serotonin. If too much accumulates, it can result in serotonin syndrome. This causes confusion and vomiting and can lead to seizures and even coma. Without treatment, it can lead to death.Ā
Guaifenesin
This is used to loosen mucus in the throat and chest. But itās easy to give too much and cause vomiting, abnormal breathing, hypothermia and tremors. You might notice increased heart rate, panting and staggering.
Safe Alternatives for Cough Medicine For Dogs
Prevention is always the best medicine. Hereās how to support the immune system so your dog can fight coughs and other illnesses that come his way.
1. Feed Probiotics And Prebiotics
Nearly 90% of your dogās immune system is in his gut. When you give your dog probiotics they help diversify the beneficial bacteria and support a healthy gut flora and lining. . Prebiotics, including fermented food, garlic, honey and mushrooms, make probiotics more effective.
2. Manuka Honey
Honey is an effective immune system enhancer because it contains hydrogen peroxide (a strong antiseptic). But Manuka honey is even more potent because it has powerful chemical components that promote the bodyās innate resistance to pathogens.
Manuka honey also contains antioxidants and is a natural prebiotic to help support the immune system.
How To Feed Manuka Honey
Look for Manuka honey with a high UMF (unique Manuka factor) of at least UMF10+. Start with a half dose and gradually increase to the full amount.
- Dogs under 20 lbs: Ā½ tsp 2x per day
- Dogs 20-60 lbs: 1 tsp 2x per day
- Dogs 60 lbs or more: 2 tsp 2x per day
Cautions: If your dog has a viral infection, look for honey with at least UMF20+. Donāt give honey to dogs with diabetes. Avoid honey for dogs under a year of age as honey contains Clostridium botulinum spores that can make them sick.Ā
3. Medicinal Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain antioxidants that can support your dogās immune system. Mushrooms have beta-glucan, which is a prebiotic polysaccharide that feeds the healthy bacteria in your dogās gut. Shiitake, reishi and maitake are especially supportive.
You want to use a mushroom supplement made from the full mushroom body, that isnāt only from mycelium. Mycelium is only part of the mushroom and isnāt as rich in beta-glucans. Follow dosing instructions on the label.
4. Garlic
Studies show garlic supports your dogās health. When chopped, alliin in garlic combines with enzymes and converts to allicin. This converts to compounds that contain sulfur to support white blood cells. Garlic is also a prebiotic that nourishes probiotics.
How To Feed Garlic
To feed garlic you need to chop it and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then add it to your dog's meal. Give ā tsp of garlic for every 10 lbs of body weight.Ā
Some dogs shouldnāt have garlic including:
- Pregnant dogs
- Puppies
- Akitas, Shiba Inus
- Dogs on certain medications, like blood thinners
RELATED: Benefits of garlic for dogs ā¦Ā
5. Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies can work fast on coughs. Choose the remedy that best fits your dogās symptoms.Ā
- Aconite - seems like thereās something in your dogās throat
- Drosera - dry cough, violent coughing spells, ticklish throat. Cough can be worse when lying down.
- Rumex crispus - cough is dry and persistent
- Spongia tosta - barking cough, improves when eating or drinking warm things; cold food and drink makes it worse; may waken your dog while sleeping.
Use a remedy with a 30C potency. Itās easiest to wet dose your dog. Add 2 or 3 pellets or a few granules to a small amount of spring or filtered water. Stir it 10-20 times. Use a dropper or spoon to drip the remedy on your dogās gums. Give 3-4 doses in the first 2 hours.Ā If your dog improves, you can stop dosing, but redose if the symptoms start to return. If you donāt see any change, try a different remedy.Ā
Try these safe, natural alternatives to help avoid or get rid of your dogās cough.