Dextromethorphan Dose For Dogs: What Is Correct?

Last Updated on January 6, 2022 by Griselda M.

What is the correct dextromethorphan dose for dogs? We take a look at this method of helping your dog’s cough.

Did you know that your dog can get colds and coughs, just like a human? There are also some remedies to suppress the painful symptoms of such sickness. In fact, some pet owners use an over-the-counter medicine to treat some of these debilitating symptoms in dogs, as advised by some veterinarians.

If you are curious about the recommended dextromethorphan dose for dogs and more information about the drug, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out more.

Table of Contents

Can Dogs Take Dextromethorphan?

Yes, your dog can take Dextromethorphan. This is provided you follow the recommended dosage by a professional pet doctor.

However, being able to administer this drug to your dogs doesn’t mean that you should make a habit of it. You should not give your dog OTC medicines unless formally advised by your veterinarian.

One problem that could arise with giving dogs Dextromethorphan is giving your pet the wrong dosage. Your pet’s body would not take well to a large dose, especially a small Chihuahua. It could lead to a toxic dosage if not careful.

The following are signs of intoxication in your pet, which typically manifest hours after dosage:

Tremors and convulsions
Agitation and unsteadiness
Seizures
Erratic heartbeat and heart problems
Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea
Bleeding
Kidney failure and urination problems

Before giving Dextromethorphan to your dog, make sure to check the other ingredients of the medicine and check contraindications.

For instance, Robitussin, which uses Dextromethorphan, has many variants. One such variant is Robitussin AC, which includes codeine in its formulation. Codeine is a narcotic analgesic typically used as a painkiller. It is derived from the opium poppy plant, and can sometimes be a cause of addiction.

While Codeine can treat animals, the use of the drug is in moderation and only under the supervision of the veterinarian due to possible adverse toxic effects.

Why Would You Give Your Dog Dextromethorphan?

Dextromethorphan, an ingredient in brands like Benylin, Robitussin, and Delsym, is a respiratory drug.

Here are some of the health reasons that you might administer some to your dog, with the advice of a pet doctor.

Kennel cough

Kennel Cough is also called canine infectious respiratory disease.

It is highly contagious, so your dog may have received it from another dog. If you have been to a crowded area or kept your dog in a shared space with other dogs that let them share food or water bowls and toys, your dog may have contracted it from these kinds of places.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough are notably a strong unproductive cough. It is louder than usual and you will notice that the coughing motion pains the dog. Your pet may also be sneezing or exhibiting discharge in the area of their eyes and nose.

General symptoms of malaise like low energy and decreased appetite also show up in the cases of Kennel Cough.

Treatment includes antibiotics and in some cases, cough medications like Dextromethorphan.

Chronic bronchitis

In Chronic Bronchitis, the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles of the dog are inflamed, resulting in a limited delivery of oxygen into all the other parts of the body.

Chronic Bronchitis means that this condition can carry on for a long time – typically beyond two months.

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis include coughing, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. The cough could be forceful enough to mistake for vomiting.

Treatment for the disease includes cleaning the dog’s living environment and taking medications for the bronchi and anti-inflammatories.

Leaving the symptom of cough alone and hoping it will go away with the sickness is a bad idea. It can disrupt your pet a lot and make them even sicker than they are in the first place.

The cough in particular can be really harmful to your dog’s throat. The symptom of cough should be treated seriously as your dog recovers from the rest of the illness and other symptoms.

What Is The Correct Dextromethorphan Dose For Dogs?

According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, the standard recommendation is 2 mg per kg or 0.9 mg per lb. Anything beyond that ratio is considered to be potentially toxic.

Taking the Chihuahua’s average weight range of 0.45 to 4.6 kg (1 to 10 lbs), the amount you should administer is in the range of 0.9 to 9 mg.

How To Avoid Respiratory Diseases In Dogs?

Respiratory diseases in dogs are difficult to deal with but easy to catch. If your dog experiences respiratory diseases frequently, they may also have permanent damage to their respiratory functions. Recurring episodes could become fatal.

Here are some measures that you can take to prevent respiratory problems from taking over your dog’s life.

Updated check-ups and vaccinations

Regular check-ups are important because your pet doctor may catch wind of symptoms you were not aware of.

Alongside constant check-ups, vaccinating your dog against respiratory diseases will help you avoid its adverse effects. Make sure to keep going as scheduled to keep your dog safe from outbreaks.

Clean lifestyle

Change and clean your dog’s food and water bowls, and toys regularly. This is especially important if they play and share with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Regularly clean the living space of your dogs to clear them of any airborne irritants. Use a vacuum and a frequent cleaning schedule if your dog is susceptible.

Avoid air pollutants

When going out with your dog, steer clear of places that are saturated with air pollution, such as smoke from cars and buildings or aerosols. However, be mindful of any allergens your dog may react negatively to, such as grass or plain dust.

Conclusion

Your trusted veterinarian would be able to prescribe the best dextromethorphan dosage for your dog. It is essential if your pet is a small dog like a Chihuahua, which needs special instructions due to its significantly small size and weight.

Have you ever given dextromethorphan to your pet dog? Have you taken other measures against your dog’s cough? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.