As is the case with humans, coughs in dogs also need to be treated so that the dog can get relief and feel better. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at cough medicine for dogs – both over-the-counter and prescription varieties.
Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines for Dogs
There are a few cough medicines that are safe to use on dogs over the counter. These include:
- Honey: Honey is a natural cough suppressant and helps to soothe the throat. You can give your dog honey by mixing it with water or adding it to their food.
- Garlic: Garlic is also a natural cough suppressant and helps to fight infection. Just make sure your dog doesn’t ingest too much, as too much garlic can be toxic.
- Vitamins: Giving your dog cough medicine with cough suppressants can be beneficial, but there are certain coughs that require other solutions. Vitamins like vitamin C and E can help to boost the immune system to fight off infection. Make sure you consult a vet though before giving your dog any vitamins.
Prescription Cough Medicines for Dogs
There are also cough medicines that you should only get from the vet or on prescription. These include:
- Chlorpheniramine maleate: This is an antihistamine that requires prescriptions in most countries. It’s effective at stopping coughing fits, but it’s recommended not to give this medicine more than twice per day as it may become addictive if used continuously for longer periods of time.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate: This cough medicine is a narcotic and should only be given to dogs if other treatments haven’t worked. It’s effective at relieving severe coughs, but it can be addictive so it should only be used when necessary.
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccines: These are still in the experimental stages, but early results show promise for the treatment of chronic coughs caused by viral infections.
There are also a variety of cough medicines that you can make at home using natural ingredients like herbs and spices. If you’re interested in making your own cough medicine, there are plenty of recipes online that you can try out. Just make sure to do your research first to ensure that your cough medicine is safe for your dog.
Finally, there are also cough medicines that are only available with a prescription. These include:
- Rohypnol cough syrup: This cough syrup contains an ingredient similar to morphine and should only be used in extreme cases when other treatments have failed.
- Ketamine cough syrup: Similar to Rohypnol cough syrup, this medication is typically dispensed by vets when all other treatment options have failed. Common side effects include vomiting, stomach pain, and anxiety so it’s not recommended you use this without consulting a vet first.
- Buprenorphine cough suppressant: Like the other cough syrups listed above, buprenorphine is typically reserved for severe cases of coughs that haven’t responded to other treatments. It’s a narcotic and can be addictive, so it should only be used when necessary.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with a basic understanding of cough medicine for dogs – both over-the-counter and prescription varieties. Always consult a vet before giving your dog any cough medicine, as some cough medicines can be harmful or even deadly if not administered correctly. Thanks for reading!
