It’s easy to reach for NyQuil when your pooch is sneezing, coughing, or has a runny nose because this medication is used to treat these symptoms.
However, you have never been sure if this medicine will have the same effects on your pup as it’s made for human use only.
So, can dogs drink NyQuil?
No.
NyQuil contains substances like acetaminophen, doxylamine succinate, and dextromethorphan.
While acetaminophen could cause your furry friend to suffer liver damage, dextromethorphan triggers seizures and tremors in dogs.
As such, you may want to opt for safe, natural remedies like raw honey if your four-legged friend is showcasing flu-like symptoms.
This article includes an in-depth look at the toxic ingredients in NyQuil and their effects on these canines.
In addition is a list of safe, natural alternatives to treat colds in dogs.
What makes NyQuil toxic for my dog?
Below are some of the most hazardous ingredients in the different NyQuil medicines.
Acetaminophen
Although Acetaminophen treats many human ailments, it’s harmful to these canines.
This pain reliever causes liver disease and red blood cell damage in dogs when consumed in large amounts.
Therefore, contact the vet immediately if you notice the following Acetaminophen poisoning symptoms.
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rapid breathing
- Blue gums
Doxylamine Succinate
This ingredient is commonly used in treating colds and is not harmful to dogs when ingested in small amounts.
However, it could affect these canines when consumed in excess.
Some side effects of Doxylamine Succinate overdose include seizures, loss of coordination, nausea, and overexcitement.
Dextromethorphan
A bottle of NyQuil contains about 15mg of Dextromethorphan.
Although this ingredient is safe for dogs and is administered to them occasionally, excess ingestion could cause your pooch to suffer from some health complications.
These may include over-excitement, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, and troubled breathing.
What should I do if my dog takes NyQuil?
If your four-legged friend has consumed a tiny amount of NyQuil, then you shouldn’t worry.
However, keep a close eye on them to ensure they are not affected.
On the other hand, you must contact the vet if your dog has drunk close to a whole bottle of NyQuil.
The vet might recommend inducing vomiting, which helps expel your pup’s stomach contents, including the medicine.
This will reduce the amount of NyQuil that gets into their systems.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the ingredients used to induce vomiting.
However, give it to your dog according to the vet’s instructions.
Treatment for NyQuil poisoning
If your furry best friend doesn’t show any improvement after vomiting, the vet might recommend taking them to the clinic.
The treatment for NyQuil poisoning may include:
- Sterilizing the body
- Blood testing
- Liver function testing
- Liver protection
- IV fluids
Additionally, liver protectants like milk thistle and Vitamin C may be administered to reduce the risk of your pooch suffering liver or red blood cell damage.
The vet may also use a medication known as N-acetylcysteine to curb the generation of harmful substances that damage the liver.
Moreover, your four-legged friend may undergo blood transfusion and oxygen therapy to stabilize them if they are in a risky or severe condition.
How do I prevent my dog from taking NyQuil?
NyQuil poisoning in dogs is risky and thus should be avoided at all costs.
Below are some tips on preventing your pooch from taking NyQuil.
- Confine your four-legged friend in a safe place if you lose your NyQuil bottle. This will reduce the chances of them accidentally finding and drinking it.
- Store all your medications in closed cabinets or high shelves where your pup can’t reach them.
- Never leave any medication unattended on the countertop or bedside table. Always return the bottle to its rightful place your four-legged friend can’t reach.
- Keep your pup entertained with mind-stimulating activities like free shaping games. These will make them forget about the medicine.
- Throw away any residue into a closed bin and wipe any spilled medicines. Dogs are famous for eating almost anything; hence best believe that they will lick spilled NyQuil.
What should I do if my dog has a cough?
Dogs heal naturally from mild cold coughs.
However, if your pup has been suffering for a while, you can use home remedies like a steam bath to decongest their nasal cavity.
That said, The following natural ingredients are safe to soothe respiratory irritations in dogs.
They include:
- Raw honey – Add a spoonful of raw honey to a cup of warm water and give it to your furry friend. This will help them feel better by soothing their throat. Consider using a medicine dropper to administer the solution directly into their mouth if they refuse to drink from the cup.
- Vitamin C – Giving your dog a dose of vitamin C daily will promote their immune system, reducing the intensity of cold flu. The proper dosage of this supplement for small dogs is 250mg daily, while that of their bigger counterparts is 500mg.
- Echinacea tincture – This herbal treatment will reduce the severity of your pooch’s cold and make them heal faster.
Frequently asked questions(FAQs)
Is Nyquil beneficial to dogs?
Although Nyquil contains some substances like dextromethorphan which can be beneficial to dogs in small amounts, it’s not safe for them to ingest this medicine.
This is because these ingredients have been combined with other harmful additives to these canines.
What happens if my dog takes opiate?
Opiates are poisonous for dogs.
They lead to decreased respiratory rate, sedation, walking drunk and respiratory repression, which could result in death if not treated in time.
Treatment for opiate poisoning may include decontamination or heart and blood pressure monitoring.
Is Dexedrine safe for dogs?
These antidepressants are not safe for your pooch.
They could lead them to suffer from seizures, tremors, hyperactivity, and high heart rate.
Therefore, if prescribed for you, keep these drugs away from your furry friend.
What should I do if my dog eats wart remover?
It’s advisable to contact the vet immediately if your pup ingests wart remover.
This is because it contains chloroacetic acid that might affect their breathing which is fatal for these canines.
Conclusion
NyQuil is not safe for dogs.
Therefore, if your pup is sneezing or showing other flu-like symptoms, opt for healthy and natural remedies like raw honey and echinacea tincture to soothe their throats.
Additionally, prevent your pooch from reaching this medicine by storing it on high cupboards and cleaning after yourself if you spill any.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
- What Dog Breeds Have Pink Skin? - March 24, 2023
- What Are the Most Inspiring Dog Breeding Quotes? - March 20, 2023
- Can Pheromone Spray Help Improve Dog Breeding Results? - March 19, 2023
Related Posts:
