🐶What Home Remedy Can I
Give My Dog for Coughing?🐶
Table of Contents
Introduction
Types of Coughs in Dogs
Kennel
Cough
Heart
Cough
Collapsing
Trachea
Other
Cough Types
Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs
Respiratory
Infections
Heart
Disease
Allergies
Foreign
Objects
Collapsing
Trachea
Other
Causes
When to See the Vet for Coughing
Home Remedies for Dog Cough
Honey
Herbal
Tea
Humidifier
Steam
Therapy
Slippery
Elm
Bone
Broth
Vitamin
C
Probiotics
Throat
Coat Tea
Essential
Oils
Other
Remedies
Lifestyle Changes for Dog Cough
Avoid
Irritants
Use a
Harness for Walks
Manage
Anxiety
Ensure
Proper Rest
Other
Lifestyle Adjustments
When to See the Vet
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
Coughing is one of the most
common concerns dog owners have about their furry friends. As a pet parent,
hearing your dog hack, gag, and wheeze can be alarming. Coughing seems to
happen all of a sudden and the sounds can range from a dry, honking cough to a
wet, choking cough.
Understanding the different types
of canine coughs, their potential causes, and home remedies to try is key.
Coughing is the body's way of clearing irritation from the throat and lungs.
It’s typically harmless, but can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue
needs veterinary attention.
This extensive guide covers
everything you need to know about coughing in dogs. You’ll learn about mild,
moderate, and severe coughs, when to seek vet care, and natural home remedies
to soothe your pup’s throat and stop the coughing. Let’s get started!
Types of Coughs in Dogs 🐶
Not all coughs are the same in
dogs. Here are the main categories of dog coughs and their characteristics:
Kennel Cough
The most infamous is kennel
cough, medically known as infectious canine tracheobronchitis. This highly
contagious upper respiratory infection spreads rapidly where dogs congregate.
The signature kennel cough is dry, loud, and honking, sometimes with a
goose-like sound. Coughing episodes are often triggered by excitement,
exercise, or pulling on the leash. Kennel cough usually resolves on its own
within 1-2 weeks, but can progress to pneumonia in puppies or immunocompromised
dogs.
Heart Cough
Dogs with heart disease and
associated heart failure will often cough due to fluid buildup in or around
their lungs. This is called pulmonary edema. Heart coughs are typically wet,
gurgling coughs that bring up white, pink, or brown phlegm or foam. Episodes
tend to worsen at night when the dog is lying down and the fluid shifts. Dogs
with heart disease also tire easily, breathe rapidly, and may faint.
Collapsing Trachea
Small and miniature breed dogs
like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians are prone to a collapsing trachea.
This causes a dry, honking cough that can sound goose-like. The cough is
stimulated by excitement, exercise, eating, drinking, collar pressure, or
pulling on the leash. Coughs from a collapsing trachea are chronic and
progressive over time.
Other Cough Types
- Bacterial or viral pneumonia – wet,
productive cough with colored mucus
- Asthma - wheezing cough often
triggered by allergens, exercise, or stress
- Upper airway obstructions -
loud choking, gagging cough
- Smoke or chemical inhalation –
harsh, dry cough
Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs 🐶
Coughing is the body’s way of
clearing irritants from the airways and keeping the lungs clear. Some common
reasons for coughing in dogs include:
Respiratory Infections
Infections from viruses,
bacteria, and fungi are a prime cause of coughing in dogs. The microbes cause
inflammation and mucus buildup. Common culprits include:
- Kennel cough – Highly
contagious bordetella bacteria causes inflammation of the trachea and larynx.
The signature loud, dry cough is triggered by activity, excitement, tracheal
pressure, or inhaled irritants. Kennel cough is easily spread where dogs congregate.
Most cases resolve within 7-14 days without treatment.
- Canine influenza – The dog flu
virus H3N8 results in a deep, hacking cough that worsens with activity. It’s
often accompanied by lethargy, fever, and nasal discharge. Most dogs recover
fully within 2-3 weeks.
- Bacterial or viral pneumonia –
More severe respiratory infections cause pneumonia, triggering wet, productive
coughs with yellow, green, or blood-tinged mucus. Puppies and seniors are at
highest risk. Aggressive antibiotic therapy is needed.
- Fungal infections – Inhaled
mold spores can cause coughing fits along with nasal discharge and sneezing.
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection seen in dogs with compromised immune
systems.
Heart Disease
Advanced heart disease and heart
failure will cause coughing in dogs as pulmonary edema develops. The heart is
unable to pump efficiently, causing fluid backup into the lungs. A wet, gagging
cough with white, pink, or brown phlegm is characteristic. Labored breathing,
fatigue, and fainting often accompany heart coughs.
Allergies
Inhalant allergies to pollen,
mold, dust mites, chemicals, and other irritants can cause coughing, sneezing,
and wheezing in dogs. The cough is often dry and worse when exposed to the
offending allergen. Seasonal allergies tend to follow blooming cycles.
Year-round allergies are usually indoor irritants.
Foreign Objects
Grass awns, seeds, foxtails,
sticks, bones, balls, and other inhaled objects can obstruct the throat,
leading to gagging, hacking coughs. The cough serves to try and dislodge the
blockage. Signs include pawing at the mouth, retching, drooling, gagging, and
distress. Remove objects you can reach yourself, but see the vet for deep
obstructions.
Collapsing Trachea
Miniature and small breed dogs
have a higher risk for a collapsing trachea. The signature cough sounds like a
dry honking or goose call. Anything putting pressure on the trachea - like
excitement, exercise, collar pulls, or drinking water - can trigger coughing
fits. They become more frequent over time as the cartilage rings of the trachea
progressively collapse and narrow the airway.
Other Causes
- Lung tumors
- Heartworm disease
- Laryngeal paralysis
- Congestive heart failure
- Lungworm infection
- Anemia
- Smoke or chemical inhalation
When to See the Vet for Coughing 👩⚕️
While most coughs can be managed
at home, contact your vet promptly if your dog shows any of these signs:
- Cough lasting over 1 week
- Worsening cough
- Gagging, choking, or coughing
up blood
- Cough interfering with eating
or sleeping
- Lethargy, fever, or nasal
discharge
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Weight loss
- Collapsing episodes
- Signs of distress
Puppies under 6 months and senior
dogs should be evaluated sooner for coughing to identify and treat any
underlying illness before it progresses. If your dog shows any signs of
respiratory distress like pale gums, weakness, or difficulty breathing, seek
emergency vet care immediately. Don’t hesitate to call your vet to discuss
concerning coughs – early treatment leads to the best outcome.
Home Remedies for Dog Cough 💊
For mild coughing spells, try
these natural home remedies to soothe your dog’s throat and suppress coughing:
Honey
Honey is a natural cough
suppressant that coats and soothes an irritated throat. The viscous consistency
helps adhere the honey to the esophagus and trachea, reducing cough reflexes.
Give your dog 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey stirred into warm water or
chicken broth 2-3 times daily. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
properties of honey benefit respiratory issues.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas provide therapeutic
plant compounds that reduce throat inflammation, fight infection, and act as
expectorants to loosen mucus. They also provide much needed hydration. Safe
anti-tussive herbs for dogs include licorice root, marshmallow root, mullein,
mint, fennel, thyme, sage, and holy basil. Steep the dried herbs in hot water
for 5-10 minutes, then cool before serving. Give 1-2 tablespoons of tea 2-3
times daily. The soothing fluids help suppress the cough reflex.
Humidifier
Dry air tends to exacerbate
coughs. Running a warm mist or cool mist humidifier increases moisture in the
air to make breathing easier. Place the humidifier in your dog’s favorite rest
areas. Refill with clean water daily to moisten and loosen mucus. This is
especially helpful for congested airways and sore throats. Monitor the humidity
level and keep between 30-50%.
Steam Therapy
Inhaling warm, moist air helps
loosen mucus and soothe airway inflammation. To create a steam tent, run your
shower on hot until the bathroom gets steamy. Bring your dog in and close the
door so they can breathe the steam for 10-15 minutes to open airways and
relieve coughing. Keep a close watch that they don’t get overheated.
Slippery Elm
The inner bark of the slippery
elm tree contains mucilage that coats and protects irritated membranes. When
mixed with hot water, it creates a soothing gel. To treat your dog’s cough,
stir 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of powdered slippery elm bark into broth, canned food,
or plain yogurt. Give before meals and bedtime. It adheres to the throat to
decrease coughing and relieve soreness.
Bone Broth
Warm bone broth provides your
sick dog with hydration, nutrients like calcium and magnesium, and compounds
that reduce inflammation. As the broth cools, the natural gelatin forms a
coating over the throat that diminishes irritation and the urge to cough. Serve
several small portions throughout the day. Store-bought or homemade broth works
well.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C boosts the immune
system and has antioxidant effects to help fight respiratory infections. It
also loosens mucus through its expectorant properties. For dogs with kennel
cough, pneumonia, or flu, vitamin C speeds recovery. Give your dog ester-C
supplements or crushed chewable vitamin C tablets. Check with your vet on the
appropriate dosage for your dog’s size.
Probiotics
Research shows probiotic
supplements can reduce the duration of kennel cough and other upper respiratory
infections. Probiotics support healthy immune function in the gut and
respiratory tract. They prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Give your
dog a canine-formulated probiotic with live cultures of lactobacillus and
bifidobacterium species. Follow label dosing guidelines.
Throat Coat Tea
This herbal tea for humans can
safely be given to dogs in small amounts. The soothing blend of slippery elm
bark, licorice root, and marshmallow root provides mucilage that coats and
protects the throat. Mix a teaspoon or two into your dog’s food or water to
diminish irritation and suppress the urge to cough. Give 3-4 times daily.
Essential Oils
Oils from eucalyptus, peppermint,
lavender, and tea tree have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and mucolytic
properties to open airways and soothe coughs. Add a few drops of diluted oil to
your dog’s collar or bandana to inhale throughout the day. You can also diffuse
the oils in your home. Never apply oils directly to your dog’s skin without
diluting in a carrier oil. Use extra caution with small breed dogs.
Other Remedies
- Ginger - Has cough-relieving
and anti-inflammatory effects. Can make into tea or add to food.
- Anise - Loosens mucus and
provides antispasmodic effects to suppress coughing. Use anise water or tea.
- Fennel - Reduces coughing
spasms and soothes the throat. Give fennel tea or seeds.
- Saltwater gargle - Rinse and
soothe your dog’s throat by putting small amounts of warm saltwater in a bowl
for them to lap up.
Lifestyle Changes for Dog Cough 🐶
Aside from home remedies, make
these lifestyle adjustments to reduce coughing triggers:
Avoid Irritants
Minimize your dog's exposure to
anything that aggravates their cough. Avoid taking them to crowded dog parks,
grooming salons, hiking in dusty areas, or any other environment with potential
irritants. Don’t use sprays, perfumes, or harsh chemicals in your home.
Consider an air purifier to filter allergens. Limit time outdoors when air
quality is poor or pollution and smoke levels are high.
Use a Harness for Walks
Dogs with collapsing trachea or
other cough triggers have fewer coughing fits when walked using a comfortable
harness instead of a neck collar. The harness disperses pressure over the chest
rather than putting direct pressure on the delicate trachea. Invest in a front
clip harness for added control without trachea aggravation.
Manage Anxiety
For dogs prone to coughing fits
when excited or anxious, implement calming strategies to reduce these episodes.
Limit high arousal activities. Teach settle and relaxation commands using
positive reinforcement. Consider anti-anxiety medications if recommended by
your vet. Preventing the spike in stress hormones will lower the occurrence of
coughing and collapsing trachea spasms. Provide a quiet, soothing environment.
Ensure Proper Rest
Make sure your dog has a
draft-free, comfortable resting area where they can get uninterrupted sleep.
Proper rest is crucial for your dog’s body to heal from whatever is causing the
cough. Restrict activity and enforce nap time if your pup has trouble settling.
Use calming essential oils in the bedroom. Coughs often worsen at night, so
daytime rest is essential.
Other Lifestyle Adjustments
- Give smaller, more frequent
meals and slow down eating pace
- Use raised food and water bowls
to decrease neck flexion
- Avoid overheating, especially
with warm mist therapy
- Prevent rigorous exercise and
overexertion
- Keep your home calm and quiet
as possible
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Make sure vaccinations and
preventatives like heartworm, flea, and tick medication are current
When to See the Vet ⏰
Watch for these signs your dog’s
cough requires prompt veterinary attention:
- Persists beyond 1 week
- Worsens or interferes with
eating and sleeping
- Gagging or coughing up blood or
colored mucus
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing,
or panting
- Lethargy, fever, or nasal
discharge
- Weight loss or appetite decline
- Blue-tinged gums or tongue
- Collapsing episodes
Puppies under 6 months old
warrant quicker evaluation for coughing to identify infectious or congenital
causes before they worsen. Senior dogs should be assessed sooner as well due to
higher risk for diseases causing chronic cough. In an emergency, seek immediate
vet care if your dog collapses, can’t catch their breath, or turns blue.
Calling your vet to discuss coughing concerns is always a smart idea.
Conclusion
Coughing in dogs is usually
self-limiting or minor, but may indicate underlying disease. Acute coughs tend
to stem from infectious causes and resolve once the illness runs its course.
Chronic coughing can signal congestive heart disease, collapsing trachea,
cancer, allergies, or other persistent conditions needing diagnosis and
management.
While home remedies can provide
soothing relief for coughing spells, worsening or unexplained coughing should
involve an exam, diagnostic tests, and treatment plan from your vet. With
appropriate lifestyle adjustments and medication if warranted, most dogs with
chronic coughs can breathe comfortably again. Never take chances with
respiratory distress, fainting, or coughs producing blood - seek emergency
veterinary attention immediately. Responsible pet parents keep a close eye on
any unusual coughing to maintain their furry friend’s optimal health.
FAQs about Dog Coughing 🐶
What is the most common cause of
coughing in dogs?
The most common causes of
coughing in dogs are kennel cough, other respiratory infections, heart disease,
allergies, and foreign objects stuck in the throat. Kennel cough is a highly
contagious upper respiratory infection and notorious cause of coughing in dogs.
When should I take my dog to vet for
coughing?
See your veterinarian promptly if
your dog's cough lasts over 1 week, produces colored mucus, causes difficulty
breathing, or comes with other symptoms like fever, lethargy, or loss of
appetite. Puppies and senior dogs should be evaluated sooner for coughing.
Are cough remedies safe to give my
dog?
Natural remedies like honey,
herbal tea, bone broth, and humidification are generally safe in small amounts.
Check with your vet before giving vitamin C, probiotics, essential oils, or
other supplements. Never give human cough syrup, lozenges, or over-the-counter
cold medicines to dogs as they can be toxic.
What cough sounds warrant seeing a
vet?
Wet, gagging coughs that produce
mucus or foam may signal heart disease or pneumonia. Dry, wheezing coughs can
indicate collapsing trachea. And sudden episodes of choking or gagging may mean
a foreign object is lodged in the throat. See your vet to identify the cause.
Can kennel cough go away without
treatment?
In most healthy adult dogs,
kennel cough will resolve on its own within 1-2 weeks without treatment. But
antibiotics may be prescribed for puppies or immunocompromised dogs to prevent
secondary infections. Probiotics and cough remedies can provide relief while it
runs its course.
What home remedies soothe a dog's
cough?
Some home remedies to help soothe
a dog's cough include honey, herbal teas, bone broth, humidifiers, essential
oils, throat coat supplements, vitamin C, and probiotics. Always consult your
vet before giving any supplements.
How can I tell if my dog's cough is
serious?
Seek immediate vet care if your
dog is coughing up blood-tinged sputum or having collapsing episodes. Other red
flags include difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums, weakness, extreme lethargy,
loss of appetite, or cough lasting over 2 weeks. These signs indicate an urgent
medical issue.
Can I give my dog cough medicine
like Robitussin?
Never give a dog any human cough
syrup, throat lozenges, or cold medicine like Robitussin. Ingredients like
acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin are toxic to dogs. Only give
medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
What natural remedies soothe a dry
cough in dogs?
For dry, hacking coughs, try
natural remedies like slippery elm bark, licorice root tea, honey,
humidification, bone broth, and throat coat supplements. They work by soothing
irritated throat tissues and lubricating the mucous membranes.
When is coughing normal in dogs?
It’s normal for dogs to
occasionally cough and clear their throat, much like people. Brief bouts of
coughing are not a concern as long as your dog is acting normal otherwise. But
chronic, frequent coughing or coughing combined with other symptoms warrants
having your vet examine your pup.