Is hydrocodone prescribed for dogs?

According to Vet Depot, hydrocodone is a narcotic sometimes prescribed to dogs to control coughing that is dry and does not produce mucus. VCA Animal Hospital identifies kennel cough, collapsing trachea and viral lung infections as conditions that often call for hydrocodone.

VCA recommends giving a dog its hydrocodone at the same time each day. If missed, it is acceptable to give the dose shortly after the predetermined time, but two doses should never been given close together.

Hydrocodone has a number of common side effects, VCA indicates. These include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation and upset stomach. The longer the medicine is taken, the more likely it is for side effects to appear.