Cough drops come in handy for humans, but what about lozenges for a pet dog?
Here’s the deal:
Cough drops, especially if they’re mentholated, should not be given to your dog. Sharing is a bad idea.
The ingredients are questionable at best!
Besides, cough drops aren’t a solution for a canine’s sore throat, bad cough or any other purpose.
Do Not Give Your Dog Cough Drops
They are inappropriate and possibly harmful.
Most cough drops contain the following:
- Menthol
- Sugar
- Various oils
- Artificial sweeteners
These ingredients, especially in combination, can easily upset your dog’s stomach.
So there you have it — cough drops are not a good remedy and they certainly aren’t a treat!
For Accidental Cases
Are you concerned because your dog has already consumed a bunch of cough drops?
It may or may not be a problem. Effects will vary depending on the ingredients in the cough drops as well as the size of your animal.
Do this:
Document any symptoms while you closely monitor your dog for signs of poisoning.
Get a vet’s help if you notice a bad reaction because, if that’s the case, they need to assess the situation.
Potentially Toxic For Dogs
There is a particularly dangerous aspect for pets when it comes to some of these products.
Sometimes cough drops contain Xylitol which is a chemical that is toxic for dogs.
The thing is sugar-free could actually be worse.
Play it safe and avoid lozenges altogether!
The Numerous Unknowns
Most cough drops have artificial flavors, sugar, Benzocaine and menthol.
Your dog could get an upset stomach, but other gastrointestinal issues are also possible.
The whole concept is wrong even if they’re ultimately harmless.
Hall’s cough drops may be worse than giving candy.
Not Practical For Pets
Besides all these issues, there’s another problem with human cough drops: They are meant to be sucked on until they dissolve.
Dogs simply cannot do that. Instead, they’ll crunch them up and swallow them.
The soothing benefit of continually swallowing the juices won’t take place.
So What Works Instead?
Does your dog have a bad cough?
It could be the sign of a medical problem.
What’s certain is Hall’s can’t fix it! Address the condition in a safe and effective way while also addressing its root cause.
Some vets utilize Mucinex or Pepcid as a short term solution, but a chronic condition usually requires a prescription.
Whatever the case, get your dog checked out!
Perhaps it’s Kennel Cough. If so, cough drops would be a terrible choice.
A Few Quick Cough Tips
There are a few things to consider when helping your dog recover from coughing without using cough drops.
Make sure that you aren’t making it any harder for them to breath by putting them in smoke-filled places.
You can also run a humidifier to help loosen up their airways if they’ve got congestion.
The Bottom Line
Do not give your dog any cough drops. They won’t help.
Contact a vet if a bunch were accidentally eaten.
If a dog is having trouble with their throat have it assessed by a professional.
Forget about using Hall’s lozenges.