My dog is struggling to breathe, can I give him human albuterol?

Flixotide (fluticasone) and Ventolin (albuterol) are different drugs with different doses in dogs. It is not recommended to switch or medicate your dog with a different drug without first contacting your veterinarian. Ideally, if you can refill the original prescription, that should be the first option. If your veterinarian is unavailable or if there are no more refills on the prescription, then you'll likely need to have Maisy rechecked before a new prescription or different medication is dispensed. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending doses or different medication in the absence of a physical exam and a patient-veterinarian-client relationship.

I would not recommend using an inhaler for kennel cough. An inhaler treats inflammation in the lungs and kennel cough causes inflammation in the upper airway. If the coughing has been going on for more than a couple days or if there are additional symptoms (lethargy, not eating, etc) I would recommend that DandyLion see a vet for further diagnosis. Additionally, albuterol can have effects that may be harmful in dogs.

Albuterol toxicity in dogs can be a life threatening problem as it can cause abnormal heart rhythm and rate, elevated blood pressure, electrolyte disturbances, high body temperature, excitement/agitation, and vomiting. It is a good sign that she made it through the night but she should be seen by a vet to check her heart and electrolytes. Unfortunately, there really isn't much you can do at home to diagnose and treat her problem.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Abby. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. There are prescription medications to help her breathe easier. Steroids and bronchodilators are options. There are inhalers available, but I have only prescribed them for cats. Her veterinarian will examine her and ensure that her symptoms are related to allergies and not a respiratory tract infection or heart disease. I hope this information helps!

It depends on specifically how much was ingested, but these sorts of exposures are concerning and have caused major problems in dogs before. This drug can cause heart problems and lead to life-threatening complications, so my best recommendation is to take Rosco in to a vet for an evaluation. He may need treatment or monitoring tonight. Hopefully, all will be OK and he'll be fine, but it's best to check.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm so sorry to hear Axel has pneumonia. Albuterol is not typically used to treat pneumonia, as albuterol treats spastic bronchoconstriction, which isn't comming with pneumonia. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for pneumonia, as well as nebulization (steam therapy) and gentle coupage (tapping on the chest during steam therapy to help break up congestion). If he is on antibiotics, then making sure he is taking them appropriately and eating well will be the most important things. If he starts having difficulty breathing, I would have him re-evaluated right away, as pneumonia can lead to respiratory distress. Good luck!

Oh dear, poor Pearl! Albuterol can cause signs of toxicity at certain doses, which can cause high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, tremors and seizures. Some dogs also become a bit depressed or vomit as well. At this point, I recommend calling the ASPCA animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435 to discuss the volume of albuterol ingested (how many mg?) for Pearl's 20 pound body weight. From there, they will be able to advise you as to whether toxicity is expected and will need veterinary attention or if Pearl can be monitored at home. I hope that all goes well!