Cough Medication For Dogs

Cough medication for dogs can help treat uncomfortable respiratory irritation. Our collection of prescription and non-prescription treatments can help soothe and suppress coughing caused by a number of conditions, including allergies, infections, and kennel cough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I give my dog for a cough at home?

There are several types of dog cough treatments, but you should never treat your dog's cough at home without consulting a vet. Common treatments for dog coughing include doxycycline hyclate, an antibiotic prescribed to treat infections, and Cerenia. Meanwhile, if your dog's coughing is caused by allergies, they may benefit from allergy treatment. 

To find the best cough medications for dogs, you should speak to a Dutch vet as soon as you notice symptoms. Since there are many potential reasons why your dog is coughing, ranging from mild environmental allergies to more severe infections, they should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. 

Why is my dog coughing?

Unfortunately, there are many different causes of coughing in dogs, so it's essential to have them examined by a vet to treat the underlying condition. Coughing could be a symptom of:

  • Kennel cough: Kennel cough (also known as bordetella) is a contagious respiratory illness most commonly spread in kennels, vets' offices, and dog parks. You can have your dog vaccinated against kennel cough, which may be required if your dog spends any time in boarding facilities or at the groomer. 
  • Infection: Like humans, dogs are susceptible to upper respiratory infections that can cause coughing. Most dogs recover on their own from respiratory infections, but if your dog has a compromised immune system, you should take them to the vet for treatment. 
  • Foreign objects: Dogs can get foreign objects stuck in their airways, which can lead to coughing. Your dog may make a retching sound as they try to remove it from their throat. If your dog swallows a foreign object, you should take them to the nearest emergency vet immediately because it could obstruct their airways. 
  • Tracheal collapse or irritation: Tracheal collapse is a serious medical problem and occurs when the tracheal cartilage begins to collapse, obstructing the airway and leading to coughing and difficulty breathing. 
  • Bronchitis: Bronchitis can also cause coughing because it irritates the lower airways and causes inflammation, leading to persistent coughing worsened by environmental allergens. 
  • Allergies: Allergies are a common cause of coughing in dogs and are typically caused by environmental allergens like pollen, dust, mold, and smoke. Dogs may also have asthma, causing them to wheeze. 

What is the best cough medicine for dogs?

The best cough medicine for dogs depends on the underlying cause. For example, a common cause of coughing in dogs is allergies. Your vet will aim to treat the allergies to reduce the symptoms, which may include skin and ear infections, itchiness, digestive issues, and sneezing and coughing. In this case, allergy medication will help prevent different allergy symptoms, including coughing, in dogs. 

Can I give my dog Robitussin for coughing?

You should never give Robitussin to your dog without first consulting your vet. Some cough medicines for humans contain toxic ingredients for dogs, like xylitol. 

If you're worried about your dog's coughing, you should have them evaluated by a vet to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. Your vet will prescribe your dog coughing medication based on their underlying illness and any drug interactions. 

Robitussin can cause serious side effects, especially if you give your dog too much, so never give your dog any human medicine without talking to your vet first.

Can I buy cough medicine for my dog online?

Yes! You can buy cough medicine for dogs online after speaking to a Dutch veterinarian. Dutch telemedicine for pets offers remote pet care services in the comfort of your own home to diagnose and treat common causes of coughing in dogs. Once we've identified the cause, we can prescribe cough medicine and deliver it straight to your door. You can also shop for a range of other over-the-counter products handpicked by our vets by browsing our online pet pharmacy.