Can you use Robitussin for dogs who are suffering from a cough, sinus issues, or flu-like symptoms? It is always better to research a lot of information about medications and foods before offering these items to a pet.
The bodies of animals are quite different from humans, and the huge difference in size can make it very difficult to determine an appropriate dosage so you don’t overdose your beloved pet.
Some people might recommend you give Robitussin to dogs with allergy or flu-like symptoms. In this guide, we are going to find out if this is a safe option or if there are better alternatives.
What Is Robitussin?
Robitussin is a brand name used for medication with the active ingredient Dextromethorphan. This over-the-counter medication is mostly used as a cough suppressant for humans. In pure form, Robitussin appears as a white powder, but it is distributed in syrup, tablet, spray, and lozenge form.
There are also different versions of this cough suppressant like Robitussin DM and Robitussin AC.
This drug was patented in 1945 and approved in 1953 and can be purchased without a prescription online and in various pharmacies or even certain grocery stores.
Is Robitussin for Dogs?
Robitussin isn’t manufactured for dogs, but it can be safely offered to dogs and many veterinarians prescribe it. The active ingredient -Dextromethorphan in Robitussin is designed to suppress the cough reflex. This ingredient is safe for dogs.
With that said, not all forms of Robitussin are good for your pet. There are two main forms of this medication:
Robitussin AC
Robitussin AC contains the narcotic opiate codeine. This natural morphine can have a very bad impact on your pet’s health.
Robitussin DM
Robitussin DM is the correct form of this medication to use for dogs because it doesn’t contain codeine and is a much healthier alternative.
It is always best to check with your vet before offering this medication. Offering Robitussin DM to a pet that has additional health concerns or is taking additional medications can have a negative effect.
It is also important to know that Robitussin is not a permanent solution. This medication can only be offered on a short-term basis. It is also very important to be mindful of your dosage. When dosage levels are exceeded, it may cause negative side effects.
If your pet shows lingering symptoms of coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or sinus issues, then it is best to book an appointment with a veterinarian and find a healthier permanent treatment.
Benefits of Offering Robitussin to Dogs
Robitussin isn’t something you should offer to a healthy pet. But this drug can help sick dogs feel much better and breathe at ease, especially if they are prone to allergies from sniffing everything. The medication can be offered to a dog to treat the following:
- Coughing like kennel cough or mild cough
- Excess mucus
- Sinus problems
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sneezing
Side Effects of Robitussin in Dogs
As with all medications, Robitussin can have a negative impact or may cause side effects. Here is a quick look at the most common side effects you should look out for when offering this drug to your pet.
- Hallucinogenic effects if high dosages are offered
- Shallow breathing
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Sleepiness
- Drooling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle tension
- Muscle twitches
- Seizures
- Allergic reaction
Since this medication is a short-acting drug, the symptoms should start clearing up within 24 hours. Pets with other serious conditions like heart disease, liver disease, or lung disease can experience long-term effects after consuming this medication.
Pets can also experience withdrawal symptoms from this drug, especially if they take it for too long. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, pets shouldn’t be kept on this medication for too many days consecutively.
Robitussin Dosage
Overdosing on Robitussin can cause severe side effects. The best way to determine a healthy dosage for your dog is by consulting your vet.
If you want to give Robitussin to your dog, you should keep your dog’s weight, size, age, breed, and other health conditions in mind.
As a rule of thumb, adult dogs can receive 0.5mg of Robitussin per pound of weight every 10 hours. For example, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, you can administer 10 mg of Robitussin once every 10 hours. It is very important not to exceed this daily limit or dosage.
The Best Form of Robitussin for Dogs
Robitussin DM is the only type of Robitussin you should offer your pet, and it is available in tablet form and liquid form. Both of these forms can be suitable for your pet as long as you can safely measure out the needed dosage.
Most people do however find the liquid form easier to administer. It is much easier to measure out the proper dosage and liquids are easier to administer or mix in with food in adog bowlcompared to medications in pill form.
Alternatives to Robitussin
If you are worried about negative drug interactions then you can also try an alternative. Here is a quick look at the best alternatives to help treat coughing in dogs.
Mucinex
Mucinexhas a similar pharmaceutical design and also contains the expectorant Guaifenesin. This expectorant is ideal for clearing mucus out of the lungs.
Honey
Dogs that have chronic conditions like chronic cough or chronic bronchitis shouldn’t be offered Robitussin or Mucinex because these medications can be addictive and are only temporary solutions. Honey for coughingis a much better alternative for pets with chronic issues, other health issues, or for pet owners who prefer natural ingredients.
This natural product is a great remedy for treating a sore throat and can also repress an annoying dry cough.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to keep a pet safe is by asking the right questions before introducing them to a new food or offering them some medication. Here is a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions others had whentaking good care of their dogs.
Is Robitussin the Same as Dextromethorphan?
Robitussin contains the active ingredient Dextromethorphan as well as another active ingredient called Guaifenesin.
While Robitussin contains Dextromethorphan, they aren’t the same thing.
What Is Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphanis one of the active ingredients in Robitussin. This antitussive drug is designed to relieve constant coughing by suppressing the coughing reflex. It achieves this by decreasing activity in the brain that triggers your coughing impulses. While your pet will stop coughing and may find relief for a while, it won’t treat the underlying issue as to what might be causing the cough.
What Is Guaifenesin?
Guaifenesinbelongs to the expectorant drug class. This ingredient is designed to loosen up mucus in the throat or lungs so that it can be cleared from your lungs when you cough.
Guaifenesin can assist in clearing your pet’s airway, and it can treat chest congestion. This ingredient will improve your pet’s condition but won’t eliminate the infection or threat that is causing the congestion and triggering the coughing.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose of Robitussin?
Robitussin is effective for suppressing the cough reflex and for loosening phlegm for about 10 hours. After this amount of time, it will no longer have these effects. If you missed a follow-up dose, it is usually better to skip the dose entirely and administer the next dose on the regular dosing schedule. It is very important not to offer two doses or to give a follow-up dose before the 10-hour period is over for the sake of correcting your schedule. This may result in overdosing and can have many negative side effects.
Should the Patient Be Monitored?
In most cases, there is no need to monitor your pet because the chances of experiencing negative side effects are slim as long as you offer the correct dosage. Your veterinarian will keep an eye on your pet during a follow-up appointment to ensure that the medication is working. The only thing you should do is stick to your schedule and keep an eye out for allergy symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Robitussin for dogs can be effective for treating flu-like symptoms or coughing. However, you should be careful to offer Robitussin DM and not Robitussin AC. While this medicine can be a good option for treating a temporary illness, it shouldn’t be used as a permanent solution. The long-term effects of Robitussin can be damaging and unhealthy. If your dog’s symptoms aren’t clearing up after a couple of hours or days, then your pet is likely suffering from some other health issue and needs to be examined by a veteran.
We hope that this guide has given you useful information about this popular cough medicine and whether or not you should give it to your pet. If you need more pet health advice, then you should have a look at some of the other guides we have on Can My Dog. With our guides, you can keep your pets healthy and happy.
