Also sold as Robitussin DM, Delsym, the 'DM' in many cough products, found in NyQuil, Mucinex DM, Coricidin
The name on the box is not enough. Combination products, decongestant versions, and extended-release forms change the answer completely.
Dextromethorphan is the 'DM' in cough medicine. On its own it causes disorientation and wobbliness in dogs, but it almost never travels alone: the other ingredients in the bottle usually decide how serious the exposure is.
Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
Part of Allergy, cold and cough medication on our medication safety hub.
Do not wait for symptoms and do not wait until you have filled in the form below. Call first, then use the checklist while you are on the phone.
Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
Exposure details to have ready
These are the questions a veterinarian or poison-control operator will ask. Fill in what you know and leave the rest blank. This tool does not estimate a dose or a risk score: medication risk depends on the exact ingredient, strength, and formulation, so the assessment has to come from the clinician on the call.
- Keep the package, blister pack, or prescription bottle. The strength and the full ingredient list are what make the advice specific.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional tells you to. It is the wrong move for several medications and can cause harm on its own.
- Do not give milk, food, salt, hydrogen peroxide, or any home remedy on your own.
- Do not give a second dose of anything to make up for one you think was missed.
- Count what is left in the packet, so the number missing can be worked out.
Your exposure summary
Read this down the phone or paste it into a message to your vet. It stays on your device; nothing here is sent to DogSafe.
Why Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) is dangerous
Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex and, in excess, produces disorientation, agitation or sedation, wobbliness, vomiting and dilated pupils, and it can contribute to serotonin excess in a dog already on an antidepressant. The larger issue is the company it keeps. Products carrying it commonly add acetaminophen, a decongestant, an antihistamine, alcohol or, in sugar-free liquids, xylitol, each of which is a separate problem. The ingredient panel, not the brand, is what the vet needs.
Part of the Acetaminophen guide
For related dog-safety questions and product-by-product answers, see the complete acetaminophen guide.
Signs to watch for
Vary with the ingredients: vomiting, restlessness or agitation, a racing heart, tremors, sedation, or unsteadiness
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
What to do next
Photograph the ingredient panel, keep the packaging, note the strength and the time, and give the full ingredient list on the call rather than the brand name.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
A closer look at dextromethorphan (robitussin dm)
Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex and, in excess, produces disorientation, agitation or sedation, wobbliness, vomiting and dilated pupils, and it can contribute to serotonin excess in a dog already on an antidepressant. The larger issue is the company it keeps. Products carrying it commonly add acetaminophen, a decongestant, an antihistamine, alcohol or, in sugar-free liquids, xylitol, each of which is a separate problem. The ingredient panel, not the brand, is what the vet needs. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other medication question.
1. Start with the exact exposure
For a closely related comparison, read Cold & Flu Medicine. The name on the front of the box does not settle this. What matters is the full active-ingredient list: combination products, decongestant versions, and extended-release forms behave differently from the plain single-ingredient version.
2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call
Another helpful reference is Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Read the full ingredient panel before doing anything else, and keep the box. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional directs you to. Call promptly if the product contains more than one active ingredient, if it is an extended-release form, if the amount is uncertain, or if any signs appear.
3. If the details are uncertain
Follow the first 10 minutes guide. Photograph the ingredient panel, keep the packaging, note the strength and the time, and give the full ingredient list on the call rather than the brand name.
FAQ
The name on the front of the box does not settle this. What matters is the full active-ingredient list: combination products, decongestant versions, and extended-release forms behave differently from the plain single-ingredient version.
Read the full ingredient panel before doing anything else, and keep the box. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional directs you to.
Call promptly if the product contains more than one active ingredient, if it is an extended-release form, if the amount is uncertain, or if any signs appear.
- Merck Veterinary Manual — poisonings from human prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — human medications
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine — extra-label drug use in animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonings from human prescription drugs
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- FDA: The ins and outs of extra-label drug use in animals