Can a dog take human medication for a cold?

Dogs cannot take human medication for a cold. Canine colds are caused by upper respiratory infections, and some of the ingredients in human cold medicines are harmful to dogs. If your dog has a cold, it is recommended to use pet-specific cold medicines, which are safer and more reliable. Moreover, the active ingredient concentrations in human cold medicines and pet cold medicines are different, so pets should not take human cold medicines.

Hazards of giving human cold medicine to dogs

Some ingredients in human cold medicines can cause poisoning in dogs. For example, acetaminophen can have severe toxic side effects on cats and dogs, potentially causing liver damage in dogs. Once this occurs, the chances of recovery are relatively low. Even using small doses of human cold medicines can cause irreversible damage to a dog's kidneys.

What to do for a feverish cold

First, use physical methods to reduce your dog's fever. You can apply cold towels to your dog's belly or use alcohol to wipe its belly. If the fever doesn't subside, take your dog to an animal hospital for a fever-reducing injection. Buy dog cold medicines from the animal hospital, use them under a doctor's guidance, and ensure your dog's warmth to prevent its condition from worsening.

How to prevent colds

To prevent dog colds, pay attention to warmth, thicken the padding in your dog's kennel, and keep it warm and insulated. Avoid letting your dog sleep outdoors. Provide a balanced diet for your dog, ensuring adequate nutrition, increase outdoor exercise to enhance its resistance, and get vaccinated in autumn and winter. Be cautious about the water temperature when bathing your dog.