Well-meaning pet owners often give their pets human cold medicine to treat congestion. However, many human medications, including decongestants and fever reducers, can cause fatal reactions in dogs.
Safety Considerations
Although some medications are safe for humans and pets, many human drugs are toxic to dogs. Some veterinarians will recommend specific human medications for dogs, but they should only be administered with professional guidance.
Dangerous Ingredients
Many human cold medicines contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as pseudoephedrine (a stimulant decongestant) and acetaminophen (an anti-inflammatory and fever reducer).
A Safe Option
Dextromethorphan (trade name Robitussin-DM) is considered to be one of the few human medications that is safe for dogs. Most veterinarians recommend administering between 0.5 and 1 mg of Robitussin per pound of body weight.
Signs of Toxicity
A dog who is given too much cough medicine (or the wrong kind) may show symptoms of poisoning. These include vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, confusion, staggering and diarrhea.
What to Do
Consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any kind of human medication. If you know or suspect that your dog has ingested a dangerous drug, contact the ASPCA's poison-control hotline at (888) 426-4435 immediately, or take your pet directly to an animal hospital.
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