Play it safe — only Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin are acceptable active ingredients. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by reducing mucus obstruction in the airways, loosening chest congestion [6], while dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by blocking cough signals from reaching the brain [5].. How much Robitussin DM to give a dog So, by giving the decongestant, sometimes, you may cover up much more serious symptoms. Your vet likely will place your dog on a healthy diet with little exercise, if congestive heart failure is the problem. Reading of labels is a must! It is available in 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, 120 mg (12-hour extended release) or 240 mg (24-hour extended release) via tablet. The “D” or decongestant in Claritin-D (pseudoephedrine) can be lethal to your dog … This can be repeated two to three times per day. I hope this helps. The point is this: For your dog’s safety, it is best to avoid combination forms of Mucinex. veterinarian whether you can safely use this drug for your dog. Medicated nasal sprays, decongestants, corticosteroids, and similar products should never be used on dogs unless they are prescribed by a veterinarian, Coates stresses. Realize, however, that doggy doses are different than human doses. Do not give a dog any over-the-counter cold medicines or decongestants unless instructed by a vet. It also comes in liquid in 3 or 6 mg/ml strengths. Latest Update: July 27, 2019. So, this health hazard is not unique to Sudafed. The pill that is available over the counter is typically 25 mg. Make sure that there are no other "cold-type" medications in it like decongestants. So, I always mention this concern when treating with over the counter medication and having not yet consulted a vet to evaluate the congestion. It's as unpleasant for them as it is for us, but you can administer a human decongestant to your pooch to relieve his symptoms and restore his clear breathing. It Is Not Only Sudafed. Many Prescription Medications Can I give my small dog over the counter decongestant? How does Robitussin DM work in dogs. The dose to give your dog depends on his weight, not on his age. The Quickest and Most Efficient Way to Treat Pet’s Allergy. In dogs it has been suggested for controlling urinary incontinence. Avoid a … Immediate treatment may be necessary to prevent potentially life-threatening signs. Again… Phenylephrine is the active ingredient in many decongestants. The dose is 1 mg per pound that your dog weighs so a 20 lb dog would get 20 mg. It can be very dangerous. What the dog really needs is a medication that doesn’t have any side effects, is easily available without a prescription, and is able to control the allergic reactions effectively. Dogs with cardiovascular problems as well as diabetes are at especially high risk. Phenylephrine, a decongestant, is questionable as well. photo 2004 Josh | more info (via: Wylio)I have a twelve year old pug and was told to give him … And play it safe by going to a vet whenever your dog may have been given a risky drug. Can Dogs Take Antihistamines and Decongestants? Sudafed Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant found in many cold remedies, but acts like a stimulant in dogs, who can experience elevated heart rates and seizures. Just like humans, dogs can get a stuffy nose. Additionally, Claritin-D specificially should never be given to dogs. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic used as an oral decongestant in humans. When accidentally ingested by dogs and cats, decongestants can be deadly as they can result in vomiting, dilated pupils, severe blood pressure changes (hypertension), abnormal heart rhythms and rates, tremors, and seizures. 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