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There are different home remedies for dog cough that you can do to help your dog feel better.
Dogs can develop a cough for several reasons.
Canine coughs often sound worse, and this condition doesn't typically require medical attention.
However, there's still a chance that this is a symptom of a serious health problem, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.
So here's what you should remember.
If your dog has a fever, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, along with coughing, bring him to the vet.
If you notice the coughing lasts more than 5 days, bring him to the vet.
But if there are no other symptoms and your dog acts like himself, you can give it a few days before scheduling an appointment.
Got it? Alright.
Encourage your dog to take a rest and drink more water.
Yes, exactly as you would do for a sick human kid.
Combine these, plus the home remedies for dog cough below, and your dog will certainly feel better in no time.
But before that: What do experts say anyway about giving home remedies to dogs?
Holistic pet medicine expert Dr. Elisa Katz said that this shouldn't mean dog owners should ‘play' veterinarian.
“There are certainly minor issues that can be treated with herbs, dietary changes, probiotics, and homeopathy… The key is communication. Always alert your veterinarian if you are giving supplements, herbs and over-the-counter medicines to your dog because some of these items can interfere with prescriptions your dog is taking or may be unsafe to use on dogs”
-Elisa Katz, DVM, Owner of Holistic Veterinary Center
WATCH: Coughing, Gagging, and Choking in Dogs Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
4 Home Remedies for Dog Cough
1. Steam/Humidifier
If your dog is coughing because the air is dehydrated, a humidifier can make a big difference.
Just like how steam helps clear your airways and relieve your cough, so does your dog!
Putting a humidifier near your dog's kennel or bed will help moisturize the air, which means his cough will be a little less dry and less uncomfortable.
It also helps prevent his nose and eyes from drying out.
I'm using this highly-rated humidifier from Pure Enrichment.
It operates quietly, so my dog doesn't pay much attention even when I put it near his crate.
But if you don't have a humidifier, just bring your dog into the bathroom with you while you take a shower.
The steam from the hot water will do the same thing for your dog's sore, dry throat.
Plus, he'd surely love to guard you against, I don't know, bathroom monsters, maybe?
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils seem to be popping up everywhere.
They're used in many over-the-counter coughs and cold remedies for humans.
Recent research shows that several essential oils are effective at relieving cough symptoms.
To help a coughing dog, you can spray his crate or bedding with a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender.
This may help to reduce coughing and disinfect the air.
Other essential oils that may help treat a dog cough include:
- Thyme
- Bergamot
- Cinnamon
- Cypress
- Rosemary
- Geranium
You can spray essential oils around wherever your dog is lying, and you can also add the oils to a diffuser.
It's like a mini humidifier that mixes the oils with water vapor and disperses them through the air.
This option combines my first two home remedies for dog cough and may be especially helpful.
Because a dog's sense of smell is powerful, you must dilute the oils in water before spraying them around your dog's sleeping area.
The safest bet is to buy an essential oil mixture like this Lavender & Chamomile Spray that's explicitly made for use with dogs.
ALSO READ: Tea Tree Oil for Dogs: Benefits and Uses Backed by Science
3. Raw Honey
Honey has many proven benefits, and one of the most well-researched benefits is its ability to suppress coughing.
If your adult dog has a mild cough, try a teaspoon of raw honey to soothe the throat and ease the coughing.
Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps fight viruses and bacteria in the body.
Its properties make it one of the most effective home remedies for dog cough.
However, make sure to use raw honey so that the pasteurizing process hasn't cooked out all of its medicinal properties.
My dog likes this one from K9 Honey. I also make him treats with this.
4. Bone Broth
It's essential to keep your dog well-hydrated, especially when he has a cough.
Coughing irritates the throat and dries it out.
It may be challenging to get your pup to drink water, but a bit of bone broth or low-sodium chicken/beef broth should do the trick.
Try feeding your dog 1/4-1/2 cup (depending on his size) 2-3 times per day.
CHECK THIS OUT: Recipe: Bone Broth for Dogs
FAQs about Home Remedies for Dog Cough
What herbs are good for dog cough?
Some herbs that are good for dog cough include licorice root, marshmallow root, and slippery elm bark.
These herbs can help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.
However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using any herbal remedies on your dog.
ALSO READ: 17 Herbal Remedies for Dogs
How can I use steam to help my dog's cough?
To use steam to help your dog's cough, you can run a hot shower and let your dog sit in the bathroom for 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Steam can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
What are some natural ways to boost my dog's immune system to prevent coughing?
Some natural ways to boost your dog's immune system to prevent coughing include providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and reducing stress.
You can also consider adding supplements such as probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids to your dog's diet.
However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet or supplements.
Are there any home remedies for kennel cough in dogs?
Some home remedies for kennel cough in dogs include honey, coconut oil, and probiotics.
These remedies can help soothe the throat and boost the immune system.
However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using any home remedies on your dog.
How long should I wait before seeking veterinary care for my dog's cough?
If your dog's cough persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy or loss of appetite, you should seek veterinary care immediately.
Coughing can be a sign of a serious underlying condition such as heart disease or respiratory infection.
Home Remedies for Dog Cough: Cost-Effective Way To Help Your Pooch!
If you use one (or more) of these home remedies and allow your pup to get plenty of rest, you should notice the cough getting progressively better over the next few days.
If you see any other symptoms develop, or the cough worsens, it's best to call your veterinarian and ask for their advice.
They will likely want to see your dog for a quick examination.
We hope your dog feels better soon!
If you want to read more articles about dogs' health and coughing, check out our links below!
