Never Give Medication for Dog Cold! It Can Be Fatal!
Recently, there has been an increase in dogs catching colds and showing symptoms of the flu after getting wet in the rain. Many pet owners have asked me, "Can dogs take human cold medicine?" My straightforward answer is: absolutely not!
Firstly, it's important to understand that dogs and humans have different bodily structures and metabolic capabilities. Many of the cold medicines we use contain acetaminophen, which primarily targets symptoms like fever, headache, and joint pain, hence its nickname "paracetamol" or "acetaminophen." However, this compound is not metabolized by a dog's liver.
Even a small dose of 10mg/kg of acetaminophen can be toxic to cats, leading to hemolytic anemia, difficulty breathing, vomiting, listlessness, and loss of appetite. Dogs are even more susceptible to this component, making the potential consequences of accidental ingestion of human cold medicine extremely severe.
Furthermore, some cold medicines contain caffeine, which can also be quite sensitive to dogs. Even a small amount can stimulate the heart and central nervous system, causing symptoms like rapid breathing, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, dehydration, and muscle tremors. So, be cautious with any sweets or drinks containing caffeine around your furry friends.
While some traditional Chinese medicine cold remedies, such as Banlangen, Compound Liquorice Tablet, and Children's Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid, are relatively safe for dogs, pet owners should remember that these can be less effective when a dog is already showing severe symptoms. So, whether or not to use them may not make much of a difference.
Love your pet? Choose petspecific medication!
When your dog shows signs of a cold, it's best to opt for petspecific cold remedies.
● For runny noses and sneezing, Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium can be given. For symptoms like a fever and yellowish mucus, you can combine it with Qingwen Baidu Tablets.
● For more severe coughs, consider giving Doxycycline Hydrochloride Tablets (also known as Fornod), and adding Guorenzi can enhance the coughsuppressing effect.
If the medication doesn't improve your dog's condition, it's time to visit a vet. They can check for conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia and recommend nebulizer therapy.
Additionally, cold symptoms in dogs can be similar to those of canine distemper. If your dog hasn't been vaccinated and shows symptoms like fever, listlessness, and loss of appetite, it's crucial to get a viral screening done promptly.
Working in a veterinary hospital, we see several cases each year of pets that have been in danger due to accidental ingestion of human cold medicine. Some recover, but others suffer permanent liver and kidney damage or even die due to delayed treatment or excessive ingestion.
Therefore, when your pet is sick, don't hesitate to consult a veterinarian. It's your responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your beloved companion!
