Can I give my dog nyquil?

For a long time, NyQuil was touted as “the nighttime, sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, fever, best-sleep-you-ever-got-with-a-cold medicine” but giving it to a dog when they’ve got these symptoms is controversial to say the least.

People typically take NyQuil if they have a big day the following morning. Surely Fido does not! But more seriously, this product generally isn’t a med that should be given to pets. There are solutions for when your dog is keeping you awake at night, but this cold and flu formula isn’t one of them.

Lots of popular over-the-counter drugs, including Vicks NyQuil, should not be given to dogs for safety’s sake. The main reason why this product in particular can be very toxic to canines is due to the active ingredient acetaminophen. It’s really akin to a poison!

Can I Give My Dog NyQuil? Answer: No

Doing so is negligent because the risks are too great.

Video: Nyquil Man Dog Sleeping Commercial

A dog is not a testing facility where you just give them things to see how they respond. They are fellow life forms that deserve the same respect as people, and they have earned that right by cohabitating with us. That doesn’t mean they get the same meds as us, it means they should get their own specially formulated drugs to help with any problems they might experience.

Not Life Threatening

If your dog has the symptoms that NyQuil treats, it’s likely not the end of the world for them and by morning they’ll probably be fine. If they have a legitimate cold then you should take them to the vet and get some canine medication that will help them far more than anything made for humans will.

Video: Popular Videos - NyQuil

It might be better for you to take the NyQuil so that you can sleep through the night and not be bothered by your dog’s symptoms. Or perhaps try ZzzQuil which is supposed to be just for sleep if you’re not experiencing the other symptoms.

The Acetaminophen Factor

NyQuil contains acetaminophen and this is something that both cats and dogs alike don’t respond well to. This means that if your dog accidentally got into a bottle of NyQuil you need to call your vet immediately and find out what your course of action should be.

This is one ingredient that you just won’t find in canine medication, and is one fitting example of why you should only give your dog drugs that you get from the vet.

Treating Your Dog Naturally

Although the natural thing to do is just let your dog be, you can assist them in getting better. Running a humidifier might help clear out nasal passages or loosen phlegm they have in their lungs. Giving them a massage or a warm bath can help with any aches they’re experiencing.

And creating a nice place for them to sleep can help them get to sleep and sleep for longer periods of time. In the majority of cases they really will heal on their own, but it’s always nice to do nice things for them if you see that they’re suffering.

In many cases pet owners want to medicate their pets because they are annoyed by the symptoms that are present. A dog isn’t going to lament if they’ve got the sniffles or a few aches and pains or even a full on cold. It’s just a part of life for them, and it’s us that will grow tired of their constant coughing, sneezing, or nocturnal tendencies.

Conclusion on NyQuil

We don’t recommend giving your dog any amount of NyQuil for any reason. The acetaminophen found in this common cold consumer product can be very dangerous for pets.

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