Dimetapp is found in many homes and is reached for often during cold and flu season. But can you use this same standby for your cat? Sometimes they will show the same symptoms that we do, and you might think it will give them relief.
But diagnosing a cat is not the easiest thing to do, and is why veterinarians go to school for so long. Even though you might think your cat has a cold, they may just have allergies. Or it could be something else entirely. That’s why it’s best to leave it to the pros to determine what’s ailing your cat.
Can I Give My Cat Dimetapp? Answer: No.
The main reason that you don’t want to give your cat Dimetapp is that it contains two different drugs in it, and neither one should be given to cats. They won’t process it the same way, and there are better medications that they should have but those need to be prescribed by a vet. You should also not give them Children’s Dimetapp for the same reason. Using smaller doses will not make this safe to give your cat.
When to See the Vet
As a cat owner, there are basically two situations that will present themselves to you: the first is when your cat is suffering from an ailment but seems like they’ll pull through if given enough time and basic care. The second is when you don’t foresee your cat getting better on their own, in which case you should be getting ready to take them to the vet. Treating your cat with over-the-counter medications is not one of your roles as their caretaker. It’s not a medicine for cats, it could make things worse, and you’re not giving them the care they deserve.
Cats and Colds
The cold that a cat will get is not the same strain of cold or flu that humans get. Their bodies also do not process the medication the same way that ours do, so there’s no reason why you’d give them medication made for humans to treat a human cold. If they’re really suffering you should take them to the vet. Perhaps it’s a new strain that’s going around and they need professional attention. Maybe it’s something more serious than a common cold and the vet will be able to make that determination and put them on the proper treatment.
Worst case scenario if you end up taking them to the vet and it wasn’t serious and they don’t need any treatment other than time, you still did the right thing and next time they’re sick you’ll be able to recognize the symptoms better and you’ll have a better idea of whether it’s worth another vet visit.
The Healing Process
It’s good to want to care for your cat when they’re under the weather, but there are plenty of things you can do for your cat instead of medicating them that will help them get better faster. You can get them a high quality cat food and consider sticking with it even after they’ve gotten better. These foods are not just priced higher, they’re formulated better than the cheap brands and have more of what your cat really needs, and less fillers. You’ll notice that they’ll have a speedier recovery, and fewer colds and ailments as they go on because they’re functioning at their best.
Another thing you can do for them is to make sure that their litter box is always clean and fresh. Some cats get very picky about the cleanliness of their litter box, and you want them to be able to process things naturally and not be holding it in because their finicky about their box. You can also consider getting them a cat bed if they don’t already have one. Some cats like a designated spot where they can sleep, while others will grab a nap wherever they see fit. It’s definitely worth experimenting with to see what kind of cat you have.
By taking these all-natural steps to help your cat through this difficult time, you’ll be doing them a lot more good than just giving them some Dimetapp and hoping things get better. Cats are fast healers and are very in tune with nature. If you produce the right environment you’ll likely see them improve on their own in no time.
The cold and allergy version has actually been recommended by my vet.