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Is honey or Robitussin safe for my dog's cough, possibly kennel cough?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Japanese Chin | Female | spayed | 3 years and 11 months old | 15 lbs

My dog started coughing last night and coughed on and off all night and today as well . Took her to the vet , they gave her a steroid shot . Didn't mention kennel cough but to me seems like what she has . Can I give her robitussin with guaifenesin in it or honey to help soothe her ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 2nd, 2018

Hello. Yes, you can give about a 1/2 teaspoon of honey 2-3 times a day to soothe the cough. If Cookie shows any malaise, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, wheezing, please contact your veterinarian as she may require antibiotics at this point. I hope she is feeling better soon.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on November 30th, 2018

    Honey may not help much, but it doesn't hurt. You can do a teaspoon a few times a day. Using a humidifier can also help with coughing. As long as she is feeling good, eating and drinking normally, and doesn't have a fever (rectal temperature over 103), you can continue caring for her at home. If that changes, she should get checked out by a vet.

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