My dog has CHF and a cough. Is Robitussin okay for his cough?

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that Fluffy is having coughing issues. I think you are asking about Robitussin DM? This is a human product that is designed for cough related to colds. Unfortunately it will have no effectiveness against fluid build up in the lungs, and it is also not tested and deemed safe for dogs. As a result I cannot recommend it. If Fluffy's cough is worsening even on the fluid pill (diuretic), I would recommend taking her back to your vet who can adjust the dose of the pill, and/or provide another medication that can help provide some relief. If the cough has suddenly worsened, it would also be worth having your vet investigate for any new causes for the cough, such as infection, masses, or chronic inflammation, or worsening heart disease. I hope this helps, and that Fluffy is feeling better soon.

Unfortunately, it is illegal for use to recommend using any OTC drugs on Owen because we can't see him in person. We can't say it's safe. In addition, we can't know if it's the right drug. This horrible cough could be due to a respiratory infection, but it could also be due to a collapsing trachea or heart disease, neither of which robitussin can treat. Keep him as calm as possible, rest him, offer him smaller amounts of water at a time, and have him seen by a vet as soon as possible.

Poor Teddy! The most common cause of a chronic cough in a papillion is due to a collapsing trachea. Sometimes products like Robitussin can help, but there are other causes of coughing - specifically heart disease or bronchitis that should be ruled out by having a chest xray performed. Legally I cannot give dosing information for Robitussin to you unless I have performed a physical exam on Teddy. There are better medication options if his vet does confirm a collapsing trachea is the cause of his cough.

I would not recommend giving Mocha Robitussin total cough, cold and flu extra strength. It contains pseudoephedrine and acetominophen which can both be toxic in dogs if not used very carefully (and Mocha is a small guy). I wish I could give you a good recommendation for an over the counter medication, but the safest cough medications for dogs are only available by prescription. I would recommend contacting your vet about Mocha's cough and see what they would recommend for him. Coughing can be caused by anything from irritation to a virus to something much more severe, so I would make sure to keep your vet in the loop and have Mocha evaluated right away if he seems to get worse or not feel well. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would check in with your veterinarian at this time as coughing and wheezing are not expected to be due to the weather and there are certainly other diuretics and medications that can be added for heart disease which may help. I am concerned that her heart failure has worsened and should be evaluated by a veterinarian soon. Also, check in with your veterinarian about the use of prednisone as that can make heart failure worse. Mucinex would not help as that is used for a different purpose such as releasing mucus which is not what is causing the cough in a heart failure patient. Good luck and have a great day!

If his respiratory rate is normal, he's eating and drinking, seems to be feeling good (not acting lethargic), and recovers quickly from these coughing fits (within 2ish minutes), I don't think you need to take him to emergency. A mild degree of coughing is to be expected in these guys. Try to get a video if you can, that way when you do take him in, the vet can see the severity of what you are seeing at home. I would recommend you call your vet and see if you can increase the dose of Tussigon. Use the following guidelines for when to take him to ER: *respiratory rate at rest persistently above 40 breaths per minute *unrelenting cough or any coughing fit that causes his tongue to turn a blue or purple color *not eating, or acting increasingly tired and lethargic *any new symptoms arise (vomiting/diarrhea, change in the appearance of his belly such as appearing bloated, etc) I hope that's helpful for you! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Daisy Mae is taking a generally effective combination of medications to manage congestive heart failure. In cases of CHF, a change in coughing is generally indicative of changes in the heart size or fluid accumulation in and around the lungs. In these cases, cough suppressants are not likely to be effective. Do not give her any over the counter cough suppressants without speaking with your vet. If you cannot take her to an ER tonight, closely monitor her breathing for signs of distress and take her to your vet in the morning.