Last Updated on January 6, 2022 by Griselda M.
What is the best Robitussin DM dosage by weight for dogs? Did you know that your dogs can get coughs and colds like a regular person does? That’s why you must also be aware of what your options are when you are taking care of a sick dog.
Coughs are especially surprising to small toy dogs like Chihuahuas. Despite being one of the most long-lived breeds, you still need to take a lot of consideration when caring for a sick Chihuahua! A Kennel Cough is one of the affiliations you might experience in your life as a pet owner. You should be vigilant and understand how you can help your dog.
Maybe you have asked yourself – is Robitussin safe for dogs? If you are concerned about alleviating the sickness symptoms of your pet, please read on to find out!
What Is Kennel Cough and How Do Dogs Contract It?
Kennel Cough is short for “canine infectious respiratory disease”, and it affects the respiratory system of dogs.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough include:
- A forceful, hacking cough. You will recognize it from its unusual sound that seems to hurt your dog.
- Sneezing.
- Discharge from the nose and eyes.
- Decrease in energy.
- Bad temperament.
- Loss of appetite.
Kennel Cough is caused by exposure to a certain bacteria: Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common causative agent. However, there are other bacteria that can result in the same affliction, including parainfluenza virus and canine coronavirus.
Dogs can catch this bacteria due to exposure, which can be facilitated in a number of ways. There are many factors that contribute to the spread of the bacteria. This includes:
- Keeping your dog in poorly-ventilated spaces. It is very easy to transfer airborne diseases in enclosed spaces without the proper circulation of air.
- Putting your dog in crowded areas. Your dog may inhale the bacteria from other affected dogs, and even become a carrier for the sickness.
- Traveling with your dog in polluted areas or places with very low temperatures. These are good conditions for harmful bacteria to grow.
What Are Some Of The Measures Used Against Kennel Cough?
Vaccinations in dogs can prevent susceptibility to the bacteria and viruses that cause Kennel Cough. You should schedule these important vaccinations with your veterinarian’s approved schedule in order to secure your dog’s immune system.
Often, dogs run into mild cases of Kennel Cough. Using antibiotics, cough-suppressants and anti-inflammatory medicine or food is a typical to-go solution to heal and comfort your pets. One typical medicine used is Robitussin for dogs’ Kennel Cough, which is detailed in-depth in this article. Keeping your dog hydrated is also of utmost importance, so clean water must be provided to the sick dog at all times. To aid in hydration, a humidifier is also a great addition to your dog’s resting spot.
If your dog has contracted a serious case of Kennel Cough, then it’s definitely time to consult with your veterinarian on the next steps.
Is Robitussin Safe For Dogs?
As a rule of thumb, you should never give your pet human over-the-counter medications unless indicated and instructed by a professional veterinarian. There are some who advise giving pets a dosage of Robitussin DM as a cough suppressant, so that your pets may be relieved of the negative effects of their hacking cough.
Another reason that you should hold off treating your pets at home without consultation is that you might give them medicine that is fatal for them – for example, another variant of Robitussin, Robitussin AC, which includes codeine.
Codeine is a potentially addictive painkiller that can be used to treat animals, but it is used in moderation and under the supervision of a professional. It can potentially create more problems rather than help your dog, so under no circumstances should you treat your dog with variants that include codeine and acetaminophen.
Is Robitussin DM Safe For Chihuahuas?
Now that we know that there exist some special cases of dogs taking Robitussin, does the same hold true for Chihuahuas? The breed’s teeny tiny body should be considered when prescribing medication, of course.
According to the American Kennel Club, Chihuahuas are classified in the Toy Dog group. Males and females of the breed can grow up to 5 to 8 inches in height and can grow up to 6 lbs in weight. They have a very long life expectancy compared to many larger dogs, with a lifespan of about 14 to 16 years.
At a maximum weight of 6 lbs, Chihuahua owners should be wary of administering over-the-counter cough suppressants at home. You should consult with a professional before adding any kind of human medicine to your dog’s routine and diet.
Read more about Dextromethorphan Dose For Dogs: What Is Correct?
What Is The Best Robitussin DM Dosage By Weight For Your Dog?
The potential dangers of Robitussin aside, there are some benefits that it could deliver to your dog suffering from Kennel Cough, provided the right conditions for their health.
There is a certain rule of thumb to follow when administering Robitussin DM for your pet dog. The Robitussin DM dosage by weight is a major consideration. Some veterinarians have determined a 5 mL (roughly 1 teaspoon-full) dosage for every 20 lbs of weight that your dog has. This 1:20 ratio makes sure that your dog benefits from the medicine while making sure that their body and bloodstream can handle it.
This ratio would mean that if you have a dog of around 20 lbs, you should administer 1 teaspoon of Robitussin MD to aid their Kennel Cough. If they are 40 lbs, you should double this dose and administer 2 teaspoons. It is not advised to give very small dogs – such as Chihuahuas – Robitussin if they weigh under 5 lbs.
What Is The Safe Dosage Of Robitussin DM For My Chihuahua?
The safest dosage of Robitussin DM for your Chihuahua is what your doctor prescribes for your pet. It is not good to assume a healthy dose for your pet. This is because Chihuahuas are very small animals. They have more conditions and factors to keep in mind when medicating your pet.
Have you experienced giving your Chihuahua or pet Robitussin MD? What was the experience like for you and your pet? Let us know in the comments below!
Read more about: How To Give Medicine To A Dog That Won’t Eat; Sick Canine 101
