How to Alleviate Your Dog's Cough? Top 5 Natural Remedies 2025

Like many dog owners, you might have dealt with your furry friend's coughing. Understanding the various causes and treatments can seem complex, which is why we're here to guide you through essential information and offer natural solutions for your dog's respiratory health.

Whether you're looking for gentle alternatives to pharmacy medications or advice to improve your pet's daily life, you're in the right place. Let's explore together how to effectively soothe and treat your dog's cough with safe and effective remedies.

If you are looking for gentle alternatives to pharmacy drugs or tips to enhance your pet's daily comfort, you are in the right place.

Let us discover together how to effectively soothe and treat your dog's cough with both safe and effective remedies.

What are the different types of dog cough?

The variety of canine coughs includes dry cough, often irritating and repetitive, which may suggest problems such as tracheitis.

The productive cough suggests the presence of mucus in the airways, while a hoarse cough could indicate inflammation or infection.

The tracheal cough is typically caused by pressure on the trachea, often seen in small dog breeds.

The cardiac cough, associated with heart problems, often has a specific sound and is accompanied by other signs of heart disease.

Finally, the reverse sneeze, often loud and resembling a choking sound, is common in dogs and generally harmless.

What causes coughing in dogs?

Why does my dog cough?

Respiratory infections, such as kennel cough, are common causes.
Environmental allergens that irritate the airways can also cause coughing.

Foreign bodies inhaled, such as twigs or small toys, are less common but significant causes.

Heart problems can also manifest as a cough, particularly in older dogs.

Additionally, chronic inflammatory conditions like bronchitis can cause persistent coughing.

What symptoms accompany a cough in dogs?

A cough can be accompanied by various symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, or apathetic behavior.

How do I know if my dog's cough is serious?

A cough that persists for more than a few days, intensifies, or is accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, lethargy, or refusal to eat, should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

What are the conventional treatments for a dog's cough?

The treatments for a dog's cough vary depending on the underlying cause.

Has my veterinarian prescribed medication, are they the only treatments?

Conventional treatments for cough may include antibiotics, bronchodilators, or cardiac drugs, often available in pharmacies.

These medications aim to treat the underlying cause of the cough, whether it be infections, allergies, or heart conditions. Rest and proper hydration are also essential for recovery and can be complemented by natural remedies to support the general well-being of the dog.

What natural remedies can help treat a dog's cough?

Natural remedies can be effective supplements to treatments prescribed by your veterinarian to relieve your dog's cough. Here are some safe and natural options:

1) Honey

How can honey relieve my dog's cough? Honey is known for its soothing and antibacterial properties. It can help calm dry and irritating coughs by coating and soothing the irritated throat of the dog.

Mix a small amount of pure honey (half a teaspoon for small dogs, a teaspoon for large dogs) with lukewarm water and give it to your dog two to three times a day.

Ensure that the honey is pure and without xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

2) Thyme

What are the benefits of thyme for dogs who cough? Thyme has antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties that can help treat cough by reducing inflammation and combating respiratory infections.

Prepare a thyme infusion by adding a teaspoon of dried thyme to a cup of boiling water. Let it infuse for ten minutes, then strain and cool.

You can add a few drops of this infusion to your dog's water or mix it into their food.

3) Marshmallow

How to use marshmallow root for canine cough? Marshmallow root is known for its calming effect on irritated respiratory mucous membranes. It can help relieve dry and unproductive coughs.

Prepare an infusion by adding a teaspoon of dried marshmallow root to a cup of cold water. Let it macerate for eight hours, strain, then give this infusion to your dog in small amounts throughout the day.

4) Plantain

How is plantain useful for dogs who cough? Plantain has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated respiratory pathways and reduce coughing.

Make a plantain infusion by adding a teaspoon of dried plantain leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let it infuse for ten minutes, strain, cool, and add to your dog's water or food.

5) Air Humidity

Why use humidifiers or vaporizers? Just like in humans, dogs' respiratory tracts can become dry or irritated due to environmental factors such as central heating, dry air, or the presence of dust and allergens.

Low humidity in the environment can exacerbate symptoms of dry cough and make your dog uncomfortable.

Using a humidifier or vaporizer in your dog's resting environment helps increase air moisture, which can soften respiratory mucous membranes, reduce irritation, and ease the expulsion of secretions.

How does a dog catch kennel cough?

The kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects dogs. It is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, including the canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Can a vaccinated dog catch kennel cough? Yes, even vaccinated dogs can contract kennel cough, especially if their vaccination is not up to date or if the vaccine does not cover all the pathogens responsible for this disease.

Dogs are most often exposed in environments where many dogs congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, dog shows, and veterinary clinics.

Transmission occurs mainly through airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, but it can also occur through direct contact or via contaminated surfaces (such as bowls, toys, or bedding).

Is kennel cough transmissible to other animals or humans?

Kennel cough is specific to dogs and is primarily caused by pathogens that do not infect cats or humans.

Can my cat or I be affected by kennel cough? While it is very rare for the disease to be transmitted to species other than dogs, it is crucial to practice good hygiene when handling an infected dog.

This includes frequent hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and using protective clothing if necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. Minimizing contact between a sick dog and other uninfected animals is also an important preventive measure.

Conclusion

A dog's cough can be a symptom of various conditions, some benign and others more serious. How can I prevent my dog's cough and when should I consult? Regular monitoring, maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, and periodic veterinary visits are essential for your dog's respiratory health.

If the cough persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms, a veterinary consultation is imperative.

To support your dog's health, consider natural remedies for a holistic approach to respiratory health.

If you are concerned that your pet is suffering from a health issue, our Free Animal Health Recommendation can help. In addition to obtaining advice and recommendations from our Natural Health Advisors, they will also guide you through the products and treatment options that best suit your pet's health needs.