Cough Medicine for Dogs: Top Picks

Coughing is one of the most common health issues in all species of animals, including dogs. Coughs can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, respiratory infections, and kennel cough, but it is important to know that regardless of the cause, all coughs should be taken seriously and treated appropriately. Fortunately, there are many cough medicines available for dogs to help manage and control symptoms. These medications can vary greatly in the active ingredients, dosage forms, and the way they are used, so it is always best to consult with a veterinarian when considering a treatment plan for a coughing dog.

Cough Medicine for Dogs: Top Picks

Simparica: This is a chewable tablet that helps to treat and prevent flea infestations in dogs. It is also effective for treating coughing as well as other respiratory problems. It helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways.

Mometamax: This is an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic combination used to treat most bacterial and fungal skin infections, as well as ear infections. It also helps reduce inflammation associated with upper respiratory infections.

Sofosbuvir: This is an antiviral medication used to treat viruses that cause coughs in dogs. It may be prescribed for persistent coughing in animals who cannot receive other cough medications.

Robur+: This cough medicine helps to reduce inflammation associated with coughing. It helps to reduce irritation in the airways, allowing for easier breathing and reduced coughing.

Vetalog Injection: This is an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever combination. It helps reduce coughing as well as other signs of upper respiratory discomfort.

Tramisol: This is an antibiotic that helps to treat respiratory infections in dogs. It helps to reduce coughing and other respiratory symptoms associated with those infections.

Oral Glucose: This is a sugar-based sweetened solution used to reduce the irritation caused by coughing. It helps to soothe the respiratory system and reduce coughing.

Intravenous Penicillin: This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that helps to reduce infection caused by bacteria in the airway. It is often used to treat respiratory infections and can help reduce severe coughing.

Zinc Sulfate Solution: This is a mineral supplement used to reduce the inflammation caused by coughing. It helps to calm the airways and reduce irritation.

Guaifenesin: This is a drug commonly found in over-the-counter cough medications. It helps to loosen mucus and reduce inflammation, making it easier to expel.

Butamirate: This is an anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce irritation in the bronchial tubes. It helps to reduce coughing and other respiratory symptoms.

Nebulizer Therapy: This is a type of treatment used to deliver medication directly to the lungs. It helps to reduce coughing and other symptoms of respiratory problems.

Gradual Increase in Feeding: This is a type of therapy that involves gradually increasing the amount of food given to an animal. This helps to reduce coughing associated with swallowing food.

Chest Physiotherapy: This is a type of physical therapy used to reduce coughing and loosen mucus. It helps to loosen secretions and clear the airways.

Probiotic Supplements: This is a type of supplement given to improve the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This helps to reduce coughing as well as other symptoms of respiratory infections.

Why Do Dogs Cough?

Dogs cough for a variety of reasons, some of which may require medical care. Coughing is the body’s natural reflex to clear airways and lungs of foreign objects or irritants. The most common causes of a dog’s cough can include:

Kennel Cough: Kennel cough is an infectious disease caused by a number of bacteria or viruses including Bordetella Bronchiseptica, adenovirus, or influenza. It is highly contagious, usually affecting unvaccinated dogs, and can spread quickly in social situations, such as boarding, doggy daycare, grooming, and dog parks. Clinical signs such as a harsh dry cough can last from 10-20 days.
Tracheal Collapse: Tracheal collapse is most common in small breed dogs and is caused by the weakening of the cartilage that makes up the trachea. This leads to a narrowing of the airway which causes difficulty breathing and coughing.
Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation of the airways leading to coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.
Heart Disease: Dogs with heart disease can have coughing or gagging due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
Lung Disease: Diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, and chronic bronchitis can cause a dog to struggle to get enough oxygen and result in coughing.
Upper Airway Obstructions: Any foreign object stuck in the throat or airways, such as a toy, stick, or bone, can cause a dog to cough.
Worms: Parasites, such as roundworms or lungworms, can cause coughing.
Upper Respiratory Infections: These can be caused by bacteria and viruses that attack the dog’s airways and lungs. In some cases, coughing is the only clinical sign of an infection.

It is important to note that if your dog is coughing persistently, has trouble breathing, or is showing signs of distress, it is best to have it evaluated by a veterinarian.

Best Cough Medicine for Dogs

The best cough medicine for dogs depends on a variety of factors, such as the cause of the cough and the dog’s age and size. A veterinarian can provide guidance and can recommend specific products such as benzonatate, butorphanol tartrate, hydroxyzine, and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Some other possible treatments for a dog’s cough include cough suppressants, decongestants, and natural remedies such as honey and herbs.

Dextromethorphan for Dogs

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant commonly used in humans but is also safe for use in dogs. The active ingredient in Dextromethorphan works by reducing the sensation of coughing and in some cases, suppressing the act of coughing altogether. This active ingredient does not typically have any serious side effects and is generally considered safe for all breeds and sizes of dogs. It is considered safe to give to puppies over the age of 8 weeks.

Dextromethorphan for Dogs Dosage

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a medication commonly used in humans to treat coughing. It is sometimes used in dogs as well but is generally not recommended by veterinarians. The recommended dosage for dogs would vary based on the individual animal and can range anywhere from 2-5 mg/kg (1-2 mg/lb). For larger dogs, the lower end of the range may be appropriate, while for smaller dogs the higher end may be more suitable. Your veterinarian should always be consulted prior to administering DXM to your pet. It is important to strictly follow the instructions provided by your vet and to not give any more or less than the prescribed dosage.

Cough Medicine for Dogs Pets at Home

Pet-At-Home offers a variety of cough medicines for dogs. These include Bronchimune Chewable Tablets, which help keep your pet’s respiratory system healthy, as well as Bronchosec Cough Syrup, which helps to treat a variety of coughs and infections. Additionally, Club-Mate Cough Liquid is a syrup suitable for both cats and dogs that helps maintain healthy respiratory systems and ease coughing.

Human Cough Medicine for Dogs

Human Cough Medicine for dogs is a medication prescribed for the treatment of various types of respiratory conditions in canine companions. These medications typically feature a combination of ingredients, such as dextromethorphan (DM) or guaifenesin that can be used to alleviate coughing and suppressive nasal discharge. In some cases, the medications also contain an expectorant, which can help remove mucus from the lungs, and an antihistamine that can be used to relieve allergy-related symptoms. It is important to note, however, that these medications are not always safe for dogs and should be given under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure the correct dosage and to avoid potential side effects.

Cough Syrup for Dogs Homemade

Ingredients:

¼ cup of honey
½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of ground ginger
½ teaspoon of black pepper
1 cup of water

Instructions:

Heat the water in a pan over medium heat and add in the honey and powdered ingredients.
Stir the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed.
Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Give your dog one teaspoon of the syrup every 8-12 hours, as needed.
The syrup will last for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Remember, if your dog’s coughing persists then it’s important to take him to the vet for further examination.

How To Safely Give Dogs Cough Medicine

Giving dogs cough medicine should be done with caution. It is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving any over-the-counter medications. Here are some general safety tips and advice:

Make sure the cough medicine is specifically made for dogs. Some human medications or natural supplements can do more harm than good to Fido.
Follow the dosing instructions carefully. Even if your dog has taken the same medicine before, always make sure you’re using the right dose.
Give the medicine with food. This increases the absorption rate in the gut and decreases any potential side effects.
Monitor your dog’s reaction. If your dog experiences any adverse side effects, stop administering the medicine and call the vet for further instructions.
Never double or triple dose. Even if your dog isn’t showing signs of improvement after a few doses, speak with the vet. Don’t try to increase the dose yourself.

FAQs

Q. Can I Give My Dog Human Cough Medicine?

A. No, you should not give your dog human cough medicine without the approval of a veterinarian.

Q. Is There Cough Medicine for Dogs?

A. Yes, there are cough medicines specifically formulated for dogs.

Q. How do you stop a persistent cough in a dog?

A. The best way to stop a persistent cough in a dog is to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet can determine the underlying cause of the coughing and provide a treatment plan, which may or may not include medications, lifestyle changes, or even surgery.

Conclusion

Cough medicine for dogs can be a great way to help treat your pet’s cough. Ultimately, the best cough medicine for your pet will depend on their individual needs and symptoms. Overall, above are some of the top picks for cough medicine for dogs, each of these products is equally effective and reliable when it comes to treating a dog’s cough. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which one will best suit your pet. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian before administering any medication.

Cough Medicine for Dogs: Top Picks