What over the counter cough medicine can I give my dog?

Dextromethorphan (brand names: Delsym®, Robitussin®, Balminil®, Benylin ® and many others) is a medication used to treat compulsive behavior. It can also be used as a cough suppressant, although other cough suppressants are typically more effective in cats and dogs.

Its use in cats, dogs, and horses to treat compulsive behavior or cough is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.

How is dextromethorphan given?

Dextromethorphan is given by mouth in the form of a tablet, gelcap, or liquid. It is also available in other forms, but these are more difficult to administer to pets. It may be given with or without food; however, if your pet vomits when given this medication on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat. Measure liquid forms of this medication carefully. This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.

Are there any potential side effects?

Side effects are uncommon, but may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, sleepiness, drooling, or anxiousness. More serious side effects include rapid heartbeat, collapse, muscle tension, incoordination, muscle twitches, seizures, and abnormal eye movements.

This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

Dextromethorphan should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. It should be used cautiously in pets with liver disease, skin allergies (atopy), chronic cough, or wet coughs. Dextromethorphan should be used cautiously in pets that are taking MAOIs, or have recently used products such as amitraz containing collars or selegiline. While it is considered safe in pregnant humans, use cautiously in pregnant or lactating pets as the safety has not been established.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

The following medications should be used with caution when given with dextromethorphan: CYP2D6 inhibitors, metoclopramide, MAOIs, naloxone, opioids, quinidine, serotonergic agents, or tramadol.

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.

Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?

There is no specific monitoring that needs to be done while your pet is taking this medication. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working. Monitor your pet at home for serious side effects.

How do I store dextromethorphan?

Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) and protected from moisture.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.

This content was reviewed by veterinarian Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM.

To keep the lights on, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Our review process.

We consider our dogs family members, so it’s a natural instinct to turn to your medicine cabinet to relieve your dog’s mild ailments. Many human meds are safe for dogs — but not all. Before popping any pills into your pup, make sure you follow these tips on over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for dogs.

Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pup any medicine. Even OTC meds that are generally considered safe for dogs may be potentially dangerous for certain breeds or dogs with underlying conditions.

1. Pain Relievers

Any over-the-counter pain medicine containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen is not safe for dogs. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can cause serious gastrointestinal problems in dogs, including abdominal pain and blood feces, along with other symptoms. These medicines can even be fatal in dogs.

Buffered aspirin isn’t quite as risky, but most vets recommended avoiding most aspirins as unsafe over-the-counter pain medicine for dogs.

For more information on OTC pain meds for dogs, be sure to read our guidelines on the best pain meds for dogs.

2. Allergy Medications

Editor’s Pick

Claritin

Common antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) relieve allergy symptoms and allergic reactions. These medications are usually safe for dogs, but they can cause drowsiness or hyperactivity.

Tip: Make sure your OTC allergy medicine contains only antihistamine. Some may contain other ingredients, such as decongestants, which aren’t safe for dogs.

Dosage:

• Benadryl: 1 milligram/pound of body weight, given twice daily
• Claritin: approximately 0.1 to 0.5 milligram/pound of body weight, given once to twice daily
• Zyrtec: approximately 0.5 mg/pound of body weight given, once to twice daily

Read More About The Best Allergy Medicine For Dogs

3. Gastrointestinal Medications

Pepto-Bismol

Editor’s Pick

Pepto-Bismol

A staple in many medicine cabinets, Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is safe for dogs (but not for cats). It’s used to treat diarrhea, vomiting and an upset stomach. A word of caution, though: the salicylate in Pepto-Bismol can cause gastrointestinal upset and lead to gastric bleeding, so you should give your dog only a few doses. If your dog still isn’t better after those few doses, you should consult with your veterinarian. Learn more about Pepto Bismol for dogs.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of weight, every 6-8 hours for 24 hours

Imodium

Imodium (loperamide) is safe for most dogs and cats to relieve diarrhea. If the diarrhea doesn’t improve after 24 hours, contact your vet promptly because diarrhea can quickly lead to potentially dangerous levels of dehydration.

Dosage: 1 milligram per 20 pounds of weight, every 4-6 hours.

WARNING: Some breeds related to Collies may have adverse reactions to Imodium. Do not give this medicine to Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds and Long-haired Whippets.

Pepcid-AC, Tagamet and Zantac

Pepcid-AC (famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine) and Zantac (ranitidine) are common OTC medications to treat or prevent heartburn and stomach ulcer-related symptoms. They’re generally effective and safe for dogs (and cats). You can administer the correct dosage once or twice a day.

It’s okay to use them for periodic dietary indiscretions, such as if your dog gets into a bag of chips or slurps up the rest of your salsa. See your vet to rule out other problems if your dog’s stomach woes persist.

Dosage:

• Tablet dosages vary for each of these OTC meds, so consult with your vet to know how much to give your dog.

4. Dramamine

Editor’s Pick

Dramamine

An antihistamine that helps prevent motion sickness in dogs (and cats), Dramamine is safe for most dogs and works best if given at least ½ hour before travel.

Note: There are canine-specific medications that work faster and last longer than Dramamine.

Dosage: 

• 2 to 4 milligrams/pound of body weight, every 8 hours

5. Cold And Cough Medicine

Most OTC cold medications contain decongestants that are not safe for dogs, so steer clear. Many OTC cough meds, however, like Robitussin DM, contain ingredients that are relatively safe for dogs. Check with your vet before administering a cough medicine.

WARNING: If your dog is coughing, it could be a sign of a more severe problem like respiratory infection, heartworms or cardiac disease, so we advise that you have your pup examined by a vet before giving them human meds for coughing.

6. CBD Oil & Treats

Editor’s Pick

HolistaPet CBD Dog Products

CBD drops and CBD dog treats can ease several conditions your dog may suffer from occasionally or chronically, including:

Be sure to check with your vet before administering any product containing CBD.

Dosage: Varies depending on the product, dog’s size and dog’s symptoms.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide

You can use hydrogen peroxide topically to clean your dog’s superficial skin wounds, but it’s not as effective as soap and water. If your dog ingests something toxic, you may be able to give them a small oral dose of hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting.

WARNING:

Never induce vomiting unless your vet first approves it (and gives you a dosage). If you think your dog may have ingested a toxic substance, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. If you are unsure, consult these symptoms to identify poisoning in your pet. 

Editor’s Pick

Hydrocortisone Cream

Can you use over-the-counter antibiotics and other topical creams for dogs? You have a couple of options here. Antibiotic creams, such as Neosporin, are common topical antibiotic creams used to treat minor cuts and scrapes. They’re safe for dogs, as long as they don’t contain steroids.

Be sure to clean your dog’s wound before applying any antibiotic ointment. Also, cover the wound, so your dog doesn’t lick off the ointment.

Hydrocortisone, another popular OTC topical cream, is also safe for dogs to relieve itchy, raw or irritated skin. You can apply a small amount up to two times daily. Learn more about antibiotics for dogs.

9. Glucosamine (For Arthritis Relief)

A good choice for over-the-counter arthritis medicine for dogs is glucosamine (and glucosamine in combination with chondroitin sulfate). Glucosamine, which supports joint health and reduces inflammation, is a long-term treatment option for joint pain associated with arthritis. Read our article on glucosamine for dogs to learn more.

10. Eye Drops

Editor’s Pick

Systane Eye Drops

Is your dog blinking or squinting a lot? These symptoms could be caused by dry eyes, allergies or debris. You can apply a bit of OTC lubricating eye drops to ease their irritation. Just make sure the drops are lubricating only — no Visine or other medicated eye drops.

If these drops don’t do the trick, however, go to the vet right away (especially if your dog’s eyes are red, swollen or have a discharge). Serious eye problems like an eye infection, a foreign body that needs removal, or a scratch on the cornea all need immediate professional attention.  Not treating these problems promptly may lead to other more serious eye ailments.  

Lots of blinking and squinting may also be early signs of cataracts, which require medical treatment.

11. Nasal Sprays

If your dog is congested or has a dry nose from a cold, you can give them pediatric or saline nasal sprays. Don’t use any other type of OTC nasal medication unless prescribed by your veterinarian.

How Do OTC Pain Meds Affect Your Dog?

We’ve given you a long list of dog-friendly over-the-counter medications but want to make sure you know the detrimental effects that OTC pain relievers can have on dogs. Be sure to read our guidelines on pain meds for dogs to understand the dangers they can pose. Don’t forget to talk to your vet before treating your dog with any unprescribed medications to make sure they are safe for your pet, even these common OTC products.