Read This Before Giving Your Dog NyQuil!

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NyQuil has long been touted as “the nighttime, sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, fever, best-sleep-you-ever-got-with-a-cold medicine”.

Were you thinking of using this medication on your dog?

Straight to the point:

Don’t even consider it unless you’re being advised by a trusted vet. Otherwise, the risks are too great. Seriously!

The truth is that NyQuil is generally unsafe for animals. Pretty much all versions of this cold and flu formula are dangerous for dogs.

Can I Give My Dog NyQuil?The reason is simple. The active toxic ingredient, Acetaminophen, is easily poisonous.

NyQuil Could Harm Your Dog

And the same goes for DayQuil.

Going it alone, and giving your dog NyQuil Cold & Flu, could be something you seriously regret doing.

Naming NyQuil Versions

There are at least 10 different variations of NyQuil and, based on our research, 9 of them contain Acetaminophen.

For your dog’s sake, it is important that you know exactly which version you have on-hand. The following are the pharmaceuticals in question:

  • NyQuil SEVERE Cold & Flu LiquiCaps  
  • Cold & Flue Nighttime Relief LiquiCaps
  • Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid
  • HBP (high blood pressure) Cold & Flu Medicine
  • Alcohol-Free Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid
  • SEVERE VapoCOOL Nighttime Cold & Flu Relief (caplets or liquid form)

None of the above are recommended!

NyQuil Cough Suppressant
NyQuil’s Cough Suppressant (pictured above) is the only version without Acetaminophen. Nevertheless, it is still not recommend that you use this product on your dog without your vet’s approval.

According to NyQuil’s website, their cough suppressant is the only product without Acetaminophen. But even that one isn’t recommended because using it would be hit or miss and potentially detrimental to your dog.

Solution For Suspected Allergies

Have you considered that your pet’s problem could be allergy-related?

Sara Redding Ochoa (DVM) offered the following advice regarding allergies…

“You could try Benadryl when your dog has trouble sleeping. This often helps a little guy sleep a night sleep. Also, if there is something that is bothering the dog (such as a loud thunderstorm) playing calming music will help them drift off to sleep.”

Acetaminophen In Focus

Both dogs and cats (they are even more sensitive) often do not respond well to Acetaminophen. The drug is quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and the situation can become serious.

Acute toxicity can easily occur in doses exceeding 40mg per pound of the animal’s body weight.

The following are some signs that a pet has been poisoned by NyQuil (or any other medication that contains Acetaminophen):

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Blueish-colored gums
  • Labored breathing
  • Swelling
  • Dark urine

Reach out to your vet ASAP if your dog accidentally got into a bottle of NyQuil. Only they can advise you on what the next course of action should be.


Be sure to read more about Acetaminophen here!


Safe Treatment Technique

Instead of giving NyQuil, here’s another thing you can do for a stuffed-up pet dog:

Run a humidifier or place them in a steamy bathroom. Doing so could help clear out nasal passages or loosen any phlegm in the lungs.

The Bottom Line

Dogs should never be given any amount of NyQuil (for any reason)!

Acetaminophen, the primary active ingredient, can be very dangerous for your dog.

A veterinarian’s urgent expertise is necessary for unfortunate incidents involving NyQuil.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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One thought on “Read This Before Giving Your Dog NyQuil!”

  1. My roommate thought it was a good idea to give my dog Nyquil. She is only 40 pounds and she said she only had no more than 5ml. Do you think she will be okay? I’m trying to find answers.

    My boyfriend has our car and I am waiting for my sister to take us to the vet. I am, however, trying to acquire some answers before it’s too late. Should I make her throw it up by sticking my finger down her throat?

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