What Happens If Your Dog Eats Cough Drops?

What Happens If Dogs Eat Cough Drops?

Cough drops are a common household item that can be found in most medicine cabinets. They are designed to relieve coughs by providing a soothing coating to the throat. However, cough drops are not safe for dogs to eat. If your dog eats a cough drop, it can cause a number of health problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. In some cases, it can even be fatal.

In this article, we will discuss what happens if dogs eat cough drops, the symptoms of cough drop poisoning in dogs, and what to do if you think your dog has eaten a cough drop.

Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Vomiting Give your dog activated charcoal to help absorb the medication. Keep cough drops out of reach of your dog.
Diarrhea Give your dog plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Monitor your dog for any signs of distress.
Lethargy Take your dog to the vet if the symptoms persist. Call your vet if you have any questions or concerns.

3. What are the risks of dogs eating cough drops?

Cough drops are a common household item, but they can be dangerous for dogs if ingested. Cough drops contain a variety of ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, including sugar, menthol, and sorbitol.

Sugar can cause weight gain and diabetes in dogs. It can also lead to dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease.

Menthol is a natural compound that can cause irritation to the dog’s mouth and stomach. It can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs, such as diarrhea and vomiting. It can also lead to weight gain and diabetes.

In addition to the ingredients in cough drops, the packaging can also be a hazard for dogs. Cough drops are often packaged in small, hard plastic containers that can be a choking hazard. If a dog ingests a cough drop container, it can block their airway and cause them to suffocate.

4. What should you do if your dog eats a cough drop?

If you think your dog has eaten a cough drop, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and provide the best course of action.

In the meantime, you can take the following steps to help your dog:

  • Monitor your dog for signs of toxicity**. These signs may include:
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Seizures
  • If your dog shows any signs of toxicity, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately.
  • If your dog does not show any signs of toxicity, you can try to induce vomiting. This can help to remove the cough drop from your dog’s stomach before it can cause any harm. To induce vomiting, you can give your dog a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per pound of body weight.
  • After your dog vomits, you should give them a small amount of water to help flush out their system.
  • You should also keep an eye on your dog’s bowels. If your dog has diarrhea, you should give them a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice.
  • If your dog’s diarrhea does not improve after 24 hours, you should take them to the veterinarian.

By following these steps, you can help to keep your dog safe from the dangers of cough drops.

it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of cough drops for dogs. Cough drops can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. If a dog ingests a cough drop, it can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure. If you think your dog has eaten a cough drop, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe from cough drops:

  • Keep cough drops out of reach of dogs.
  • Store cough drops in a closed container.
  • Read the labels of cough drops carefully and avoid products that contain xylitol, menthol, or eucalyptus oil.
  • If you think your dog has eaten a cough drop, contact your veterinarian immediately.

By following these tips, you can help keep your dog safe from the dangers of cough drops.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

Similar Posts