How long can my dog safely take codeine for collapsed trachea?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is an anti-inflammatory drug and it is helpful in some cases though it is not to be used longterm as it can result in muscle wasting and even diabetes in rare cases. For this reason, I would suggest another medication to be used on an as needed basis such as butorphanol and most importantly modifications you can easily make such as avoiding excessive exercise and to make sure Paris is at a healthy weight which can help manage collapsing trachea. Have a good night!

15mg is a dosage for a 7.5kg dog (16.5lbs), so this is a relatively large dose your puppy ingested. It is likely that your puppy will just be very sedated and sleep it out, however if you notice any trouble breathing then you need to rush your puppy to a vet. You can also take Blossom to your veterinarian now to have him inject some Narcan to counteract the Codeine.

Some dogs with tracheal collapse need to stay on hydrocodone long term and also a bronchodilator. You should call your vet and give him/her an update and maybe your vet can just prescribe additional medications without having to take him back to the vet.

Tussigon (hydrocodone bitartrate) is good for collapsing trachea along with using a harness instead of a collar, as well as keeping Kasey as calm as possible. Daily VetriScience Composure chews (available on chewy.com and petco.com) are highly effective in many dogs to ‘take the edge off’ their excitability in a natural way. Tussigon contains a narcotic with potential sedative effects so not exceeding your veterinarian’s prescribed dose is important. In severe cases of tracheal collapse, surgical correction is an option. Good luck!

The codeine could definitely be the culprit. Sedation is one of the main side effects. I would recommend calling your vet to discuss a lower dose, especially if her pain is well controlled. There are also many other medications that could be used instead to see if she tolerates a different medication better. Or, if the rimadyl alone is keeping her comfortable, you can discuss stopping the codeine. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach@

You may be able to use dextromethorphan depending on what she is currently taking, but you will need to contact your veterinarian for a dose. Bronchodilators may also be of benefit in treatment. Legally, we are prohibited from providing such information or telling you to give it in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (Veterinarian-Patient-Client Relationship).

Poor dog. Benadryl can help with mild allergies but in some pets this isn't enough and other pet formulated antihistamines prescribed by your vet are needed. Unfortunately a collapsed trachea is a mechanical abnormality caused by lax tracheal muscles that fold inward causing a narrowed airway which then leads to reduced oxygen intake and coughing in pets. This condition is typically managed with prescription medication from your vet including anti-inflammatory steroid medication, pet prescribed medicine to help control cough and sometimes bronchodilators if the bronchi are also inflamed and affected. I would discuss these treatment options with your vet so that your pet can get started right away with managing this disease because the constant coughing can cause serious complications with tracheal collapse making things much worse to manage later.