Guaifenesin is a common medication, which many of us may have in our medicine cabinets. It’s great for colds and other illnesses and safe for humans.
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But what happens if your dog eats guaifenesin? Is guaifenesin toxic for dogs?
What is Guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin is a medication that’s called an expectorant. This type of medication is used to clear mucus from the airways, including the lungs. It works to thin the mucus, so it can be easier to breathe and coughs will become more productive.
Guaifenesin comes in tablet, capsule, or extended-release tablets. They are also available as dissolving granules and in syrup that’s taken by mouth. The extended-release tabs are usually taken about every 12 hours and can be given with or without food.
This medication may be the only ingredient (besides fillers) or include other medications. These can include antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants.
This is a medication you can buy without a prescription. It’s to find in most pharmacies, even in some grocery store medication aisles.
But can guaifenesin harm your dog?
Guaifenesin & Dogs
This medication is used to treat dogs and has been deemed safe for canines. The dose is usually smaller than the dose for humans.
So, if your dog has swallowed guaifenesin meant for use in humans, then there’s a possibility he could become sick. And if the guaifenesin includes other drugs, these could also be harmful to your dog. This is just like any other medications—if your dog has too much, it can make him sick.
What if My Dog Eats Guaifenesin?
It can be scary when your dog has eaten your medication. However, don’t panic. Be sure to read the bottle and check the dose of the drug and check for other ingredients. Make a note of these.
Next, it’s a good idea to call the vet and let them know what has happened. They will let you know whether or not your dog needs to be seen.
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If you do have to visit the vet, then they’ll perform a physical exam of your dog. And they’ll want the details of the medication you recorded. Treatment will depend on your dog’s size and how much medication he’s ingested.
The vet may induce vomiting or give your dog activated charcoal, which binds to the medicine in your dog’s digestive tract.
Other symptoms will also be treated, which could be possible if the guaifenesin contained other ingredients.
In most cases, as long as the dose wasn’t huge, then your dog should be OK. The vet may even say you can monitor at home for anything symptoms that may come up.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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