Is Robitussin safe for dogs? Yes, Robitussin is safe for dogs when used as directed. The recommended Robitussin for dogs dosage is 0.25 mg per pound of bodyweight, given every 12 hours. However, your veterinarian might recommend a different dosage of Robitussin for your dog depending on your dog’s individual situation. Robitussin can help to relieve your dog’s cough and other respiratory symptoms. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s directions when giving Robitussin to your dog.
What is Robitussin?
Robitussin is an over-the-counter medicine that is used to relieve coughing and other respiratory symptoms in humans. Robitussin contains the active ingredient dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant.
Robitussin also contains guaifenesin, which is an expectorant. Expectorants help to thin mucus so that it can be coughed up more easily. Robitussin comes in liquid, tablet, and capsule forms. It can be found at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
How does Robitussin work?
Robitussin works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. This helps to reduce coughing and other respiratory symptoms. Guaifenesin helps to thin mucus so that it can be coughed up more easily.
Is Robitussin safe for dogs?
Robitussin is generally safe for dogs when used as directed. The active ingredient in Robitussin, dextromethorphan, is safe for dogs when used at the recommended dose. Guaifenesin is also safe for dogs when used as directed.
However, you should always remember that giving Robitussin to your dog should only be done if your veterinarian has recommended it. Robitussin can interact with some medications, so it’s important to make sure that it is safe for your dog to take.
Giving your dog too much Robitussin can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, and seizures. If you think your dog has taken too much Robitussin, contact your veterinarian immediately.
When Should I Give Robitussin To My Dog?
Robitussin can be given to dogs as needed for coughs. The recommended dose is 0.25 mg/lb every 12 hours. If you have any questions about giving Robitussin to your dog, or if you think your dog may have ingested too much Robitussin, call your veterinarian immediately. Robitussin can be dangerous if not used as directed, so it’s important to talk to your vet before giving it to your dog.
Robitussin for Dogs Dosage Chart
Liquid Robitussin is available in various strengths. The following chart can help you determine the appropriate dosage of Robitussin for your dog.
| Weight (lbs) | Robitussin Dosage (every 12 hrs) |
| Up to 15 | 0.125 teaspoon (0.625 ml) |
| 16-30 | 0.25 teaspoon (1250 ml) |
| 31-45 | 0.375 teaspoon (1875 ml) |
| 46-60 | 0.50 teaspoon (2500 ml) |
| Over 60 | Consult your veterinarian |
Robitussin DM is available in tablet form, and the recommended dose is 0.05 mg/lb every 12 hours. Again, it’s important to talk to your vet before giving Robitussin DM to your dog since this is just a recommended dose. A veterinarian will make adjustments to the dose of Robitussin and Robitussin DM based on every dog’s individual needs.
Robitussin can be given to dogs suffering from various respiratory ailments including Kennel Cough, Bordetella, and Canine Parainfluenza. Robitussin is an effective mucolytic agent which means it helps to break down mucus in the respiratory tract. This makes it easier for your dog to cough up the mucus and helps to clear their airway. Robitussin can also help to reduce fever in dogs.
If you think Robitussin may help your dog, talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate dosage and formulation for your pet. Never give Robitussin (or any medication) to your dog without first speaking to your vet.
Cough in Dogs
Dogs, like humans, can cough for a variety of reasons. Coughing can be a symptom of Kennel Cough, which is a respiratory infection that is common in dogs. Other causes of coughing in dogs include allergies, heart disease, and cancer. If your dog is coughing, it’s important to have him checked out by a veterinarian to determine the cause.
Treating Coughs in Dogs
There are a variety of treatments for cough in dogs depending on the underlying cause. Treatments for Kennel Cough include antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. For allergies, your vet may recommend antihistamines or steroids. If your dog has heart disease, treatment will focus on managing the underlying condition. Cancer treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer present.
Risks of Giving Robitussin To Your Dog
Most medications will always have some risks associated with them and Robitussin is no different. The biggest concern with giving Robitussin to your dog is the potential for overdose. Robitussin contains acetaminophen which can be toxic to dogs in high doses. It’s important to only give your dog the recommended dosage and not more.
Another possible side effect of giving Robitussin to your dog is gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea and vomiting. If your dog experiences any of these side effects, it’s important to stop giving him the medication and contact your veterinarian right away.
As with any medication, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian before starting treatment with Robitussin or any other drug. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your dog and make sure that they don’t have any underlying health conditions that could be exacerbated by the medication.
When Should You Go To The Vet?
If your dog is having trouble breathing, is acting lethargic or unresponsive, or is vomiting blood, these are all signs that you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Robitussin can be a helpful medication for dogs, but it’s important to use it correctly and only under the guidance of a veterinarian. Never give your dog Robitussin without first talking to your vet.
Alternatives to Robitussin
There are a few other medications that can be used to help treat your dog’s cough, depending on the underlying cause. If your dog’s cough is due to kennel cough, your vet may prescribe an antibiotic. If your dog has a heart condition, your vet may prescribe a beta-blocker. And if allergies are the root of the problem, your vet may recommend antihistamines or steroids. Robitussin is just one of many options available to help treat your dog’s cough.
When Should You NOT Give Robitussin To Your Dog?
You should NOT give Robitussin to your dog if he is currently taking any of the following medications:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can interact with Robitussin and dry out your dog’s mucous membranes, making him more susceptible to infection.
Beta-blockers
It is not advisable to give Robitussin to your dog if your dog is taking beta-blockers as it can cause an increase in heart rate.
Steroids
Do not give Robitussin to your dog if he is taking steroids as it can interact with the medication and cause side effects like increased thirst and urination, panting, and restlessness.
You should also NOT give Robitussin to your dog if he has a history of liver or kidney disease. If you’re unsure whether Robitussin is right for your dog, always err on the side of caution and talk to your vet first. Robitussin is also NOT recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs as it can pass into the puppies and cause side effects.
FAQs About Robitussing For Dogs
How much Robitussin can I give my dog?
You should give your dog no more than 0.25mg per pound of body weight. For example, a 20-pound dog should only get five milliliters of Robitussin. However, your veterinarian will be able to give you the exact dosage for your dog’s individual case.
What cough medicine can I give my dog?
Cough medicine that you can give your dog depends on the severity of their cough. For mild cough, Robitussin may be all that is necessary. However, for more severe cases of cough, your veterinarian may prescribe something stronger such as hydrocodone.
Can my dog take Robitussin DM?
Yes, your dog can take Robitussin DM. However, you need to make sure that you will only give Robitussin DM to your dog if it has been prescribed by a veterinarian. Robitussin DM is for people and should never be given to dogs without prior consent from a vet.
Can my dog have Robitussin DM?
Yes, your dog can have Robitussin DM if it has been prescribed by a veterinarian. If not, then you should NOT give Robitussin DM to your dog.
Is there an over-the-counter cough medicine for dogs?
Yes, there is an over-the-counter cough medicine for dogs. However, you should only give this to your dog if it has been prescribed by a veterinarian. Examples of over-the-counter cough medicines for dogs include Robitussin and Mucinex.
Can we give human cough syrup to dogs?
Yes, you can give human cough syrup to dogs if it has been prescribed by a veterinarian. However, you should never give human cough syrup to dogs without prior consent from a vet.
Why does my dog keep coughing and gagging like he’s choking?
Your dog keeps coughing and gagging like he’s choking because he may have Kennel Cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that is caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. This bacteria infects the upper respiratory tract of dogs and can cause severe coughing and gagging. If your dog has kennel cough, you should take him to the vet immediately.
Final Thoughts
So, is Robitussin safe for dogs? The answer is yes, but only if your veterinarian has prescribed it. This is because Robitussin can have serious side effects if not used properly. If your dog is coughing and you’re not sure why always consult with your veterinarian first before giving him any medication.
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Author
Nicole Barnett
