- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
While many pet owners can spot—or, more accurately, hear—a case of kennel cough from a mile away, treating the condition is another story. While there are several safe home remedies you can employ to soothe kennel cough, it’s important to remember these are not replacement for veterinary treatment.
First, it’s helpful to clear up any confusion about what the condition entails. The term “kennel cough” refers not to one specific illness, but rather acts as a catch-all umbrella term for a host of conditions caused by different viruses and bacteria. So while two dogs may both have kennel cough, they could be infected by two completely different things. This is why treatment for kennel cough varies from case to case: what works for your dog will depend on what’s causing his cough.
Think your dog may have kennel cough? The most common symptom and tell-tale sign is that infamous persistent dry hacking or “honking” cough, and your dog may exhibit a handful of other symptoms, too. Read more about how to spot the signs of kennel cough.
While highly contagious, most cases of kennel cough are not cause for alarm. That said, we understand how distressing it is to see our dogs in any discomfort. What’s a concerned pet parent to do?
To get to the bottom of things, we sat down with Rover’s Veterinary Medical Advisor, Dr. Rebecca Greenstein. We discovered a number of safe and natural ways to offer your pet relief—and we also debunked a few popular but unproven remedies for kennel cough. Here’s what we found.
6 Home Remedies to Help Soothe Kennel Cough Symptoms
Doctor veterinarian makes an ultrasound and cardiogram of the heart of a dog in the office of a veterinary clinic.
To ease your dog’s discomfort (and give yourself some peace), here are a few safe techniques to try. Please keep in mind, however, these remedies are intended to be palliative in nature and are not meant to take the place of your vet’s expert care. In the interest of safety, it’s always a good idea to get the all-clear from your veterinarian before trying any home remedies on your pet.
1. Steam
Have you ever used a humidifier to treat your own winter cold? Steam opens up bronchial passages and keeps them nice and moist—and it works for dogs, too. But don’t use this method if you have a flat-faced dog like a pug or bulldog, warns Dr. Greenstein. For these dogs, steam can worsen a cough and be dangerous.
For all non-brachycephalic dogs, steam up the bathroom by running a hot shower with the door closed for a few minutes. Then, join your pup in the bathroom for a 10-15 steam break. Or, just bring them into the bathroom with you when you shower. (You know they’re following you in there, anyway!)
You can also use a humidifier to create steam near your dog’s favorite snoozing spot. For an extra cold-soothing boost, add a small amount of dog-safe essential oil (see below for more info).
2. Aromatherapy
Certain botanicals have soothing properties, and when used properly, may help to ease cold symptoms in dogs. However, full-strength essential oils may be overpowering or even dangerous to pets. Consult your veterinarian before introducing essential oils to your dog’s care routine, and always use diluted products.
Here are some of the most popular essential oils used to treat colds in dogs:
- Eucalyptus oil has antiseptic properties and may ease congestion
- Peppermint oil eases congestion and invigorates
- Lavender oil soothes and calms
Remember, a little bit of aromatherapy goes a long way. Even while congested, your dog has a powerful nose! We recommend using pet-safe products like this deodorizing spray, which contains eucalyptus and peppermint oils that have been diluted to safe levels for your dog.
3. Herbs & honey
Scottish Deerhound licks honey from a popsicle.
Dogs can eat honey, when offered in moderation. It is believed to soothe canine coughs and colds. Due to the high sugar content, honey is not right for diabetic or obese dogs, as Dr. Greenstein points out. But you can give an adult dog a teaspoon of honey with their meals, and it may soothe their stuffy nose and cough. You can even find honey specifically produced for dogs; K9 Honey is a family-owned company offering raw honey for dog wellness.
Some other herbs, such as elderflower and kali bichromicum, are thought to relieve dog cold symptoms. You can find homeopathic decongestants online, and Amazon reviewers seem to generally like Homeopet Nose Relief. However, you should always check with your vet before giving your dog a new supplement or herbal treatment.
4. Chicken soup (and other fluids)
Yup, grandma’s cure-all has benefits for dogs, too. Dogs shouldn’t eat soup made for humans, which is high in sodium and often contains dog-unfriendly ingredients like onions. But low-sodium broth, purchased at the store or made yourself, is perfectly safe for dogs.
Broth has one other curative quality for dogs: it makes food smell and taste better! When your dog has a stuffy nose, she can’t smell her food, and may lose her appetite. Make your dog’s meal more appealing, and more hydrating, by adding some broth.
In addition, make sure your dog drinks plenty of water while they’re sick. Hydration is key to curing the doggy cold!
5. Good old-fashioned rest
Since overstimulation and excitement can worsen your dog’s cough, it’s important to keep him calm. Create a quiet space for your pup to get some uninterrupted peace. Add soft blankets, a calming pet bed—and some snuggles from you.
Pet-safe heating pads or heated beds offer a comfy place to snooze, and the heat can help loosen congestion. You can also run a blanket or towel through the dryer for a warming wrap, or snuggle with your pet under the covers for a bit.
6. Use a Harness
Not a “treatment” per se, but swapping your dog’s collar for a harness can do wonders for his throat. Dr. Greenstein recommends trading your dog’s collar for a quality harness to alleviate some of the pressure on his trachea. Also, keep your pup calm and supervised to prevent any sudden flare-ups spurred by overexcitement.
What Not To Use At Home for Kennel Cough
Of course, not everything promoted as a cure for kennel cough is safe, and some so-called remedies can actually do more harm than good. Dr. Greenstein was able to discuss the efficacy (or lack thereof) of the following home treatments for kennel cough:
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is popular among naturalists for its alleged health properties. (and it’s great for curry dishes, too!) But can it alleviate your dog’s cough? Probably not. As Dr. Greenstein points out, coconut oil has no proven efficacy in treating kennel cough. Plus, it’s high in calories, and many dogs don’t process fat well.
- Garlic: Another kitchen staple, garlic has long been praised for its healing properties. But, unfortunately, it’s a big no-no for dogs. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, garlic is toxic to dogs, and large amounts can damage red blood cells and lead to GI upset.
One thing to bear in mind: dogs are not small humans! What works for your own cough may not be effective—or even safe—for your pet. To be safe, always consult with your veterinarian before trying something new on your pup.
How to Prevent Kennel Cough
If your dog is experiencing symptoms, it’s important to avoid environments where they might pass the condition on to other dogs. Because kennel cough can spread wherever dogs gather—dog parks, doggy daycare, shelters, grooming facilities, vet clinics—it’s almost always in your pet’s best interest to get your dog the Bordetella vaccine.
According to Dr. Greenstein, this vaccine offers the best, scientifically proven protection against kennel cough. She also reports that “the kennel cough vaccine is not a particularly reactive vaccine,” so dog owners can pursue it without worrying about how their pet will handle it.
When to See A Vet For Kennel Cough
If your dog does contract kennel cough, there’s no need to panic. Mild cases will usually go away on their own. But if things don’t resolve themselves, give your vet a ring after 7-10 days of persistent symptoms.
Dr. Greenstein recommends following a two-pronged approach for affected dogs: (1) isolate your pooch until he’s better and (2) notify close contacts so they can watch for symptoms, too.
What will treatment for kennel cough look like? That will depend on the cause and severity of your dog’s condition. Mild cases may only require rest and hydration. To combat inflammation in more severe cases, your vet may prescribe antibiotics and/or codeine-based cough suppressants for relief.
Dogs with the disease should be isolated until symptoms go away (usually around 2 weeks).
