- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
GeneIf your dog is making strange honking noises you may be scratching your head wondering why. Far from doing their best goose impression, they most likely have kennel cough.
A dog’s cough sounds quite different from a human’s. Dog coughs are honking and retching noises, often followed by gagging. It usually sounds like they are trying to bring something up or clear their throat. Kennel cough can be caused by many different bacteria and viruses and is highly contagious. All dogs can catch kennel cough, but it is especially common in puppies. It’s always best to keep your dog separated from other dogs if you suspect that they have kennel cough to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, Rover’s Veterinary Medical Advisor, details below some home remedies for kennel cough that are safe for dogs. Importantly, kennel cough can develop into pneumonia, so it’s always best to take your dog to a veterinarian if you are at all concerned for their health.
1. Honey
Honey has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine. The antimicrobial properties are great for treating a dog’s cough. Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties are also good for soothing sore throats from frequent coughing.
Generally, you can give your dog 1 teaspoon of honey with their meals to help soothe their irritated throats. Try placing it on top of their food or allow them to lick it off a spoon. Alternatively, you can mix the honey with a little warm water and squirt it into your dog’s throat with a syringe.
Dr. Greenstein notes that honey isn’t the best home remedy for diabetic or obese dogs. The high sugar content can exacerbate their health problems, so a non-food solution is recommended instead.
2. Steam
Another great kennel cough treatment at home is steam therapy. Steam is good for adding moisture to your dog’s airways to help reduce irritation of their respiratory tract.
Different ways to add moisture to the air include:
- Humidifier: Place a small humidifier close to your dog’s resting spot.
- Hot shower: Bring your dog into the bathroom when you are having a hot shower/bath so they can breathe in the moisture-dense air.
- Bowl of water: If you don’t have a humidifier, you can place a bowl of hot water next to your dog for them to breathe in. Be sure to stay with the bowl of water so your dog doesn’t accidentally knock it over and burn themselves.
Dr. Greenstein notes that steam therapy shouldn’t be used on brachycephalic dog breeds such as Pugs and English Bulldogs. Steam can worsen coughs in brachycephalic dogs and can be dangerous.
3. Aromatherapy
Next on the list of home remedies for kennel cough is aromatherapy. Take extra caution with this natural remedy because certain types and strengths of essential oils can be dangerous to dogs.
Popular essential oils used to treat colds in dogs include peppermint oil to help ease congestion and lavender oil to help soothe and calm.
Be sure to always consult your veterinarian before introducing essential oils to your dog’s care routine. Ensuring you have the right dilution before use is always a must.
4. Plenty of Fluids
Getting plenty of fluids when sick is not just recommended for humans but for dogs too! Though there is little research on the effects of hydration on the immune system, it is important to keep your dog well hydrated so they can replace any water lost whilst fighting the infection.
Drinking plenty of fluids will also help lubricate your dog’s throat to soothe any irritation. Paying particular attention to your dog’s hydration can be a simple but effective dog cold treatment at home.
A low-sodium, store-bought chicken broth also can help keep their hydration levels up while tasting yummy. Alternatively, if you have some spare time on your hands, you can make delicious bone broth instead.
5. Rest
Good old-fashioned rest and relaxation are some of the best ways your dog can naturally recover from their cough. Dogs’ bodies require lots of energy to fight off infections and so will require lots of rest to replenish that energy.
Minimizing play times and avoiding overexertion can give your dog the best chance of fighting off any infection. To encourage more dog naptime, you can try:
- Calming dog beds
- Heated dog beds
- Adding soft blankets to their bed
- Purchasing a crate cover
- Running a blanket or dog towel through the dryer for a comfy, warm place to sleep
6. Using a Harness
Another great home remedy to help your dog’s kennel cough is to swap their dog collar for a harness. Dr. Greenstein recommends trading your dog’s collar for a quality harness to alleviate some of the pressure on their trachea.
This simple swap can help stop your dog’s throat from becoming more irritated.
7. Avoiding Smoke & Other Irritants
Smoke inhalation isn’t good for any animal, but it can be especially detrimental to one already fighting an infection.
If dogs inhale smoke, it could lead to:
- Thermal injuries of the throat
- Loss of oxygen
- Toxicity from inhaled materials
If your dog has a cough, it’s best for them to avoid any type of smoke inhalation. Smoke caused by wildfires, cigarettes, or outdoor fire pits can irritate your dog’s throat and put additional strain on their immune system.
To avoid smoke inhalation, move your dog into a different area away from the smoke. If the smoke is caused by wildfires or an outside fire pit, close the windows to avoid the smoke blowing into the room. Lastly, if the smoke is caused by cigarettes, ask the smoker to step outside to finish.
When to See a Vet for Kennel Cough
If your dog does contract kennel cough, there’s no need to panic. Mild cases can be looked after with the home remedies detailed above. But if your dog is a puppy, senior, or has any other health problems or symptoms, we recommend a prompt vet visit. Additional symptoms, such as loss of appetite and lethargy, are signs of a more serious infection and may need to be treated with antibiotics.