Will NyQuil Kill My Dog? [Safe for Dogs?]

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The dreaded late-night sniffles, the incessant coughing, and the relentless battle for a good night’s sleep. 

It’s the kind of misery that sends us, pajama-clad and bleary-eyed, fumbling through the medicine cabinet in search of that trusty, little bottle of NyQuil. 

Ah, sweet relief! But hold on a minute… what about Fido?

Will Nyquil kill my dog?

Before you even think about reaching for that bottle, let’s talk about what it could do to your four-legged friend.

What is NyQuil?

If you’ve ever had the flu or a common cold, you’ve probably heard of NyQuil. It’s that over-the-counter medicine most keep in their medicine cabinets for cold, flu, allergies, and such. 

There are different types, but they all tackle the same things: sneezing, sore throat, headaches, fever, runny nose, and cough. 

You might wonder if you can give NyQuil to your furry friend when they’re not feeling well. 

After all, if it helps humans, it should work for dogs too, right?

Can You Give Dogs NyQuil?

Definitely not! Our canines and NyQuil don’t mix. 

NyQuil is made for humans. It contains ingredients that might relieve our sniffles but could spell danger for our furry friends. 

It’s not just one variant that’s a no-go. 

All the different types of NyQuil could be toxic to dogs.

What Are the Risks of Giving NyQuil to Dogs?

If you know the consequence of giving your pet NyQuil, you’ll probably never consider it again. 

The greatest danger is severe liver damage, which may need emergency medical treatment and is not always treatable. 

Plus, NyQuil has been linked to major health problems including anemia. 

Overdosing is also problematic and is a real risk for your pet. 

Taking too much NyQuil can leave them depressed and weakened. 

There are even cases when dogs experience shortness of breath and palpitations.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Does Proin kill dogs?

Is NyQuil Toxic to Dogs? Harmful Ingredients

As I mentioned above, the reason why NyQuil is a no-go for dogs is because of the ingredients. 

The big troublemaker here is acetaminophen. It’s what we take for pain and fever, but for dogs, it’s a real danger. 

It can seriously mess up their liver and even cause anemia. So, definitely keep it away from your furry pals. Your pet can experience fatigue and weakness due to this condition.

Doxylamine succinate and dextromethorphan are other active ingredients in the medication. 

The former might result in your pet having digestive issues, including vomiting and loose stools.

The latter, on the other hand, can induce lethargy, confusion, and neurological symptoms. 

What Are the Symptoms of NyQuil Overdose in Dogs?

If our pet ingests too much NyQuil, it can result in a range of symptoms that indicate an overdose. 

• Lethargy may set in, with dogs becoming unusually tired and showing little interest in moving or playing.
• Your poor pup may also become weak and struggle with standing or walking. They might seem a bit wobbly on their feet. 
• Vomiting and diarrhea can also happen as the body reacts to the overdose. 
• You might also notice your poor pup experiencing rapid or troubled breathing and tachycardia if the situation is severe.
• Additionally, dogs might present pale or white gums and appear disoriented or confused. 
• In severe cases, NyQuil overdose can even lead to seizures. 

What Should You Do if Your Dog Takes NyQuil?

If your dog accidentally takes NyQuil, you will need to act calmly but quickly. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. 

This is important because acetaminophen gets absorbed by the body easily. 

Follow closely what your vet will tell you to do. 

Most of the time, this would involve keeping a close eye on your pet and giving them a lot of water.

If your furry pal managed to down a lot of the medicine, your vet might instruct you to induce vomiting.

Remember not to do this on your own without the supervision of an expert.

How Can You Prevent Your Dog From Taking NyQuil?

Preventing your dog from getting hold of NyQuil, or any similar medications, is all about taking a few simple steps to ensure their safety. 

First and foremost, store these medications securely. Make sure they’re kept in a place that’s not accessible to your dog, like a high cabinet or locked drawer. 

This is especially important if you have kids around because, let’s face it, dogs are curious, and kids might not always remember to keep medicine out of their reach.

After every use, double-check that the container is sealed tightly, and don’t leave it lying around where your dog can get to it. 

You know how life can get super busy, and we might miss stuff like this. So, just being a bit more careful can really help keep your dog out of harm’s way.

How Should You Treat Your Dog’s Cold or Flu Symptoms

How To Treat A Dog with A Cold

Watch this video on YouTube.

If your dog seems under the weather with cold or flu symptoms, you’ll need to help them ride it out. Let them take plenty of rest and make sure they stay warm. 

Hydration is also important and you would want them to have plenty of fluids as well. You can do this by keeping their bowls filled with fresh water so they can quench their thirst at all times. 

If your dog’s not eating, try offering them bland and easy-to-digest food like boiled chicken and rice. 

Observe them. If their symptoms get worse or don’t improve in a couple of days, it’s time to call your vet for advice. 

Cold Medication That is Harmful to Dogs

Aside from NyQuil, there are also other medications that you should keep away from your pet. 

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

While it might be tempting to use this common pain reliever for your dog’s discomfort, it’s a big no-no. 

Ibuprofen can cause severe gastrointestinal issues. Your poor pet may experience

severe stomach pain, vomiting, and even ulcers just by ingesting a small amount.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen, which can also be found in Tylenol is another concern, being toxic to dogs and potentially causing liver damage. 

Again, even a small amount of Tylenol can harm them, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. Lastly, some cold medications contain 

Pseudoephedrine-containing medications

A decongestant that is particularly risky for dogs is Pseudoephedrine.

Aside from the possibility of elevated heart rate and seizures, in severe cases, it can even cause death.

Since dogs metabolize medications differently from humans, it’s vital to keep these medications out of their reach and immediately consult your vet if you suspect ingestion.

How Much Acetaminophen is Toxic to Dogs?

Any dose is a bad dose. Acetaminophen’s toxic threshold is much lower for dogs than humans, so don’t even think about it.

Smaller and younger dogs are more at risk. For dogs, a toxic dose starts at 100 milligrams per kilogram of their weight. That’s about 45 milligrams per pound. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: Will NyQuil Kill My Dog?

When it comes to your dog’s health, knowledge is your greatest ally. 

While NyQuil may not be an immediate death sentence, it’s a risky path to tread, and you should definitely avoid it.

Keep them stored securely to prevent any accidents, and let your family members know about it too.