DayQuil is a popular over-the-counter treatment option for cold and flu symptoms including congestion, fever, cough, runny nose.
But for a pet dog?
Here’s the deal:
Dayquil should be off limits to dogs because it contains a dangerous combination of active ingredients.
Providing this medicine could put your buddy’s internal organs at risk!
Do Not Give Your Dog DayQuil
Acetaminophen is present in whatever version you might have on-hand.
As a result, DayQuil has a potential to seriously harm your dog’s liver among other organs. It is particularity unsafe for smaller breeds and puppies.
Different Types of DayQuil
The truth is that every version of this product is dangerous for your dog. You’d be introducing drugs that have an unacceptable risk of toxicity.
This goes for Dayquil Cold & Flu, Mucus Control DM, Sinex and SEVERE (also known as Maximum Strength). Likewise with the liquid form, liquicap or caplets.
The entire product line shares a questionable concoction of active ingredients.
The decision regarding Dayquil is easy: Avoid it!
FYI: NyQuil is also not recommended.
Risky Combo Meds
Acetaminophen, which is basically Tylenol, is not the only concern.
You have to understand that DayQuil is a fixed dose combination pharmaceutical — it also contains Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine and sometimes Guaifenesin.
A lot can go wrong. Do not risk it!
Serious Side Effects
Adverse effects will vary based, in large part, on the amount taken and the dog’s size.
Pets given DayQuil may show signs of poisoning in the following ways:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- General weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of paws and face
- Dark colored urine
- Dry eyes
Warning: A serious DayQuil overdose could damage your dog’s liver as well as their red blood cells.
Steam For a K9 Cough
Steam is known to be an effective treatment for a cough. If possible, place your dog in a vaporized room.
Running hot water in a small bathroom will also work. Leave them in there for about 20 minutes.
Repeating the process several times a day may ease your dog’s symptoms.
Steam is much preferred to Dayquil!
Several Other Options
There are other ways to help your canine overcome cold or flu-like symptoms.
For example:
Instead of DayQuil, give a teaspoon of honey. This can ease throat irritation for an adult dog, but it is not recommended for puppies.
Also look into Plantago lanceolata, a herbal remedy that reduces bronchial tube inflammation.
Echinacea purpurea could boost your dog’s immune system. Finally, Bryonia C6 moisturizes mucous membranes which may clear mucus build-up.
Consider that your dog’s problems may stem from allergies. And, if so, DayQuil makes even less sense!
Head to your vet if you have the money. A trained professional really should diagnosis a stubborn cough.
The Bottom Line
Dayquil’s active ingredients are unsafe for dogs.
Look into alternatives for alleviating cough or flu symptoms. Better yet, address the root cause(s) by getting your pet checked out by a trusted vet.
OTC DayQuil is an unpredictable cough medicine that could jeopardize your dog’s well being.