Tussigon for Dogs – Cough Suppressant
Tussigon combines:
- Hydrocodone 5 mg (opioid antitussive)
- Homatropine 1.5 mg (anticholinergic)
DEA Schedule II controlled substance.
Dose
0.1-0.3 mg/kg hydrocodone PO every 6-12 hours
Severe cases: up to 0.5 mg/kg
Dose Reference Table
| Weight | Tablets |
|---|---|
| 5 kg | 0.25-0.75 tab |
| 10 kg | 0.5-1.5 tab |
| 15 kg | 0.75-2 tab |
| 20 kg | 1-2 tab |
| 30 kg | 1.5-3 tab |
Indications
✓ Appropriate
- Tracheal collapse (chronic honking cough)
- Chronic bronchitis (irritant cycle)
- Refractory kennel cough
- Palliative for terminal cough
- Brachycephalic cough syndrome
❌ NOT For
- Productive cough (pneumonia, edema)
- Acute pulmonary edema
- Heartworm without addressing primary
- Foreign body suspected
Alternatives
| Drug | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butorphanol | 0.05-0.1 mg/kg q6-12h | Milder, less constipating |
| Dextromethorphan | OTC | Mild; less effective |
| Guaifenesin | Expectorant + mild antitussive | |
| Theophylline | Bronchodilator | For tracheal collapse |
| Terbutaline | Bronchodilator |
Address underlying cause:
- Weight loss for tracheal collapse
- Allergy management for bronchitis
- Heart failure management if cardiac
Side Effects
Common
- Sedation
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Dry mouth
Caution
- Respiratory depression (high doses)
- Bradycardia
- Urinary retention
- Tolerance/dependence (chronic)
⚠ Schedule II Controlled
- Prescription only
- Tracking required
- No refills allowed (new Rx each time)
- Document use
- Secure storage
- Owner accountability
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Tussigon for my dog’s cough?
DOSE: 0.1-0.3 mg/kg hydrocodone every 6-12 hours; severe cases up to 0.5 mg/kg. Each tablet contains 5 mg hydrocodone + 1.5 mg homatropine. EXAMPLES: 1) 5 kg Yorkie – 0.25-0.75 tablet q6-12h; 2) 10 kg Pomeranian – 0.5-1.5 tablets; 3) 15 kg Cocker – 0.75-2 tablets; 4) 20 kg Beagle – 1-2 tablets; 5) 30 kg Lab – 1.5-3 tablets. Splittable. Schedule II – prescription required + tracking. Give as needed for cough. Watch for sedation + constipation. NOT for productive cough. Address underlying cause (weight loss for tracheal collapse, allergy management for bronchitis).
What is Tussigon used for in dogs?
SEVERE NONPRODUCTIVE COUGH. Primary indications: 1) TRACHEAL COLLAPSE – chronic harsh ‘goose honking’ cough; most common indication; Yorkie, Pomeranian, toy breeds; 2) CHRONIC BRONCHITIS – irritant cough cycle (cough → inflammation → more cough); 3) Refractory KENNEL COUGH – usually self-limiting but severe cases may need; 4) PALLIATIVE for terminal cough (cancer, end-stage cardiac); 5) Brachycephalic upper airway syndrome cough; 6) Post-tracheostomy. NOT FOR: 1) PRODUCTIVE COUGH – pneumonia/edema (need to clear secretions); 2) ACUTE pulmonary edema (suppressing cough harmful); 3) Heartworm without treating primary disease; 4) Foreign body suspected. MECHANISM: hydrocodone opioid suppresses cough center in medulla; homatropine anticholinergic adjunct + abuse deterrent. ADDRESS UNDERLYING: 1) Tracheal collapse – WEIGHT LOSS (single most important); harness instead of collar; cool environment; avoid stress; theophylline/terbutaline bronchodilators; surgical stenting severe; 2) Chronic bronchitis – prednisone or budesonide; bronchodilators; avoid irritants; weight management; 3) Cardiac – manage CHF. Tussigon is symptomatic – not curative.
Is Tussigon addictive for dogs?
Has POTENTIAL for tolerance + dependence with CHRONIC use – Schedule II controlled substance. TOLERANCE: dog may need higher doses over time for same effect. DEPENDENCE: physical dependence possible with long-term use. WITHDRAWAL signs if abruptly stopped: restlessness, vocalization, hyperventilation, diarrhea, agitation. MANAGE chronic use: 1) Lowest effective dose; 2) Try alternating with other antitussives (butorphanol); 3) Take dose holidays if possible; 4) Address underlying cause aggressively; 5) Taper gradually if discontinuing (reduce by 25% every 1-2 weeks); 6) Don’t abruptly stop. RECREATIONAL/DIVERSION concern: 1) Schedule II = potential for human abuse; 2) Secure storage essential; 3) Don’t leave accessible; 4) Tracking by pharmacy + vet; 5) No refills – new prescription each time; 6) Document use. ALTERNATIVES with less addiction potential: 1) Butorphanol Schedule IV; 2) Dextromethorphan (OTC, mild); 3) Treat underlying cause (often best approach). Discuss with veterinarian for long-term cough management plan that may include weight loss, environmental modifications, and rotating medications.
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References & Further Reading
The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.
- Plumb DC. Hydrocodone, homatropine.
- Tussigon product information – Endo Pharmaceuticals.
- Sumner C, Rozanski EA. Management of chronic cough.
- Maggiore AD. Tracheal collapse management.
- PuppaDogs. Tracheal Collapse Calculator, Chronic Bronchitis Calculator, Cough Triage Calculator. puppadogs.com.
