Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has a dry cough. What are common cough medicine side effects?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 6 years and 4 months old | 54 lbs

Hi my dog Vega has a dry cough her vet put her on a antibiotics and a cough med for coughing. I tried looking up info on the coughing meds and not finding to much. I just want to know what it is and possible side affects. I get very worried giving meds with her

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 12th, 2017

Hi there! I hope Vega is doing well. I use these cough tabs in my practice as well. They are dextrometorphan and guafenison (similar to robitissin ). They can cause drowsiness or dizziness but I have never had an owner report this side effect. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know exactly what it is as the name of the medication cannot be seen in the picture. However, it could be something like hydrocodone (commonly prescribed coughing medication). It is hard to know based on the picture of the actual pill as there are different formulation of different drugs. Side effects of this medication include sedation and in rare cases constipation. If when you read the label or your discharge instructions, this is not the medication, then please send another question with the exact name of it or a picture of the name in the pill bottle so that we can help you further. Good luck and have a good evening!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My 8-pound dog is coughing. Should I give her dextromethorphan?

Unfortunately, it is illegal for anyone at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to provide dosing instructions for any medications since we have not examined Dyamond. If Dyamond is coughing, your safest plan is to take her to a vet for an exam. Dogs cough for a wide variety of reasons (heart disease, heartworm disease, kennel cough, viruses, pneumonia, etc.), and cough suppressants can make many conditions worse. I hope that she's feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I give my dog guaifenesin or cough medicine for a mild cough?

Dogs can cough for a number of reasons and in many cases, it is important that they are able to cough up any extra mucus in their lungs. Guaifenesin will suppress coughs, thus suppressing any mucus expulsion. For this reason, no, I do not recommend giving Sofie any guaifenesin unless it is prescribed for her by your vet for this situation. If her cough continues, she should be examined by her vet to get to the bottom of the problem so that she can be treated with the most appropriate medications. I hope that all goes well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a dry cough. Is human cough syrup safe for my dog?

We do not normally recommend a cough suppressant over the counter for coughing in dogs without first examining the pet as there are some cases where a cough suppressant would be contraindicated. If your dog is coughing, I would definitely recommend an examination by a veterinarian as there can be many different causes for the cough, including infectious disease, anatomical abnormalities like collapsing trachea, heart failure, heartworm infection, and more. We need to try to determine the underlying cause of the cough before we can properly treat the cough.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it safe to give my dog human Benadryl and Robitussin for cough?

Robitussin DM can be used in dogs however you should contact your veterinarian for a safe dose. This medication is not approved for use in dogs but has been used "off label" to treat mild, dry cough. Caution should be used if given with Benadryl as excessive sedation can result. Again, contact your veterinarian before treating. Your dog may need an exam to diagnose the underlying cause.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is coughing. Is Robitussin safe to give him for 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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is on prednisone. Could it be causing their coughing?

Prednisone is commonly given to dogs that coughing to help. It is generally not a side effect of it. Most common side effects are increased appetite, drinking alot, urinating alot, panting and a bloated, distended abdomen

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

How to comfort a dog with collapsing trachea and harsh cough?

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).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share