My first introduction to kennel cough was when Isabel was a puppy. I woke up in the middle of the night to her dry heaving (or at least I thought she was dry heaving). I pretty much had a panic attack because I had never seen anything like it before and didn’t know what was wrong with her. The next day I learned Gatsby, our boxer who was originally Jonathan’s before we got married, was going through the same thing. After doing some research, I was convinced they had kennel cough since they had both been to the dog park a couple weeks prior and were exhibiting the same symptoms. Being a young college student at the time, I didn’t have the extra money to spend to have them diagnosed by a vet so I decided to try some natural remedies for kennel cough first.
Disclaimer
I'm not a vet. I believe in a natural and holistic approach for healthcare and wouldn't take myself to the doctor for a run-of-the-mill cold so it makes sense for me to try natural remedies first with my dogs too. If you're doing online research, you'll find many vets suggest these natural remedies for kennel cough first anyway. BUT read on to learn about when you should take your pet to the vet.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a respiratory illness that can only be spread from dog to dog whether it’s by touching noses or drinking from the same water bowl. It’s very contagious, but has no effect on humans. It’s basically the canine equivalent to the common cold or flu. It usually starts off with an over excess of eye boogers and leads into a fever and a lot of coughing (which can sometimes sound and appear like dry heaving). If the coughing is bad enough, the dog may spit up mucous. It’s not life threatening, but the antibiotics you’d get from the vet to treat it will not cure it, they will just make the symptoms more manageable and less uncomfortable for your pet.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
- A persistent cough, which may sound like a “honking” or “goose-honk” cough
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Natural Remedies for Kennel Cough
The goal of these natural remedies is to boost your dog’s immune system to fight off the kennel cough and ease their symptoms. All of these natural remedies ended up relieving the kennel cough for both Gatsby and Isabel successfully without us needing to take them to the vet.
Natural Cough Syrup
Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help soothe the throat. You can mix a teaspoon of honey into your dog’s food or give it to them directly.
I created a syrup by mixing the following:
- 1 TBSP honey
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1/2 C of warm water
If they won’t drink it, you can use a dropper.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is a great source of nutrients and can help hydrate your dog if they are not drinking enough water. You can make your own by boiling chicken bones with water and vegetables, or you can buy pre-made broth from the store. Keeping your pet hydrated is important. You can warm up the stock and pour it over hard food to make it soft to entice them to eat and get some extra hydration and nourishment.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils have respiratory benefits and can be diffused in the air or applied topically to your dog’s chest (after diluting with a carrier oil). Some essential oils can be very dangerous for your pets so make sure you are checking on the safety of the oil before applying it to your pet. I used 1 drop of Young Living Peppermint essential oil and 1 drop of Young Living RC essential oil by rubbing it on the pads of their feet, on their throat, and chest. The peppermint suppressed the coughing and the RC helped them to control their breathing better. Use a carrier oil to dilute the strength if you’re concerned the oil might be too strong for your pet. Isabel’s 6 lbs and she did fine with 1 drop each and no carrier oil.
Steam
You can create a steam room for your dog by running hot water in the shower and letting them sit in the bathroom for 10-15 minutes. The steam can help loosen mucus and relieve coughing. The great thing about a diffuser, if you have one, is that it not only creates steam, but you can diffuse essential oils at the same time. I diffused 6 drops of Young Living Thieves essential oil to help fight the illness, 3 drops of Young Living Purification essential oil to clean the air, and 3 drops of Eucalyptus Blue essential oil for calming. I diffused them with water in an enclosed room every two hours or so.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C will boost their immune system and help fight off the infection. You can give your dog a small amount of vitamin C (around 100-500 mg, depending on their size) daily. Vitamin C is also found in lemon juice which I used in the cough syrup recipe.
How to Prevent Kennel Cough
There are a few ways to prevent kennel cough in dogs, but it’s important to note that even with these preventative measures, kennel cough can still occur.
Vaccination
The most effective way to prevent kennel cough is through vaccination. There are several vaccines available that can protect against the most common pathogens that cause kennel cough. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog.
Avoid Crowded Areas
Kennel cough is highly contagious and can spread easily in crowded areas such as dog parks, kennels, and boarding facilities. Try to avoid these areas if your dog has not been vaccinated or if there is an outbreak of kennel cough in your community.
Good Hygiene
Regularly washing your hands, cleaning your dog’s toys and bedding, and disinfecting surfaces can help prevent the spread of kennel cough.
Boost Immune System
A healthy immune system can help prevent the onset of kennel cough. This can be achieved through proper nutrition, exercise, and avoiding stress.
Keep Sick Dogs Isolated
Keep sick dogs isolated: If you have a dog that is showing signs of kennel cough or has been diagnosed with it, keep them isolated from other dogs to prevent the spread of the infection.
When to See a Vet for Kennel Cough
It’s important to note that while kennel cough is typically not a serious condition and can often be treated at home with natural remedies, it can lead to more severe respiratory infections if left untreated. In addition, dogs with weakened immune systems, such as young puppies or older dogs, may be more susceptible to complications from kennel cough.
If you’ve tried these natural remedies for kennel cough and they’re not helping your pet after 24 hours or your pet is getting worse, it would be wise to take your dog to the vet who can prescribe antibiotics and other medications to help your dog recover.
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Saying this respectfully … but the information you provided re: Kennel Cough (and antibiotics not working to treat, and especially that it’s not life threatening) are 100% inaccurate and very dangerous for readers and their pets.
Kennel Cough is a generic term for an upper respiratory infection caused by bordatella. Any number of bacteria (or viruses) could be causing a dog to have URI symptoms … including pneumonia.
Pneumonia is extremely serious, and what seemingly starts out as a “simple case of kennel cough or other URI” can VERY QUICKLY turn into a life threatening sickness if not treated (in less than 24 hours).
It’s true that some cases of URI resolve on their own over the course of a few weeks … but it’s of the utmost importance that a person keeps a super vigilant eye on their pup and the symptoms they’re having (and how they’re progressing), and that they take their dog to the vet ASAP if symptoms are worsening.
Any time someone noticed their dog coughing (dry, hacking, gagging with sputum, or wet and productive) or having any breathing issues whatsoever (sounding congested in chest, throat or sinuses), they need to take them to the vet ASAP. Other symptoms that can accompany coughing and respiratory issues are eye/nasal discharge or watering, loss of appetite, lethargy or inactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
My point is that your post makes it seem like kennel cough and URI symptoms are “no big deal.” They are most absolutely a big deal, and antibiotics from the vet could be the very thing that saves someone’s pet’s life.
The things you list as tips are literally “only” doing what you said antibiotics do. Antibiotics kill deadly bacteria. Essential oils, cough syrup, etc. are helpful and definitely great to use, but do NOT keep a potentially deadly bacteria or virus from invading your pet’s lungs, and making them extremely painfully ill, or worse – God forbid – killing them.
I sincerely and strongly ask that you re-write your post, because if someone lands on your site and reads your post … and subsequently doesn’t think they need to take their dog to the vet (and that they can “save $” by giving their dog some oils), it’s absolutely possible they could end up with a dead pet.
People don’t need to go to the vet for every funny blink or sound their pet makes on a daily basis, but your post gives very inaccurate information and is not responsibly researched or written.
But anyone who loves their pet would not choose “saving $” over keeping their pet alive. This isn’t a “do it yourself” kind of situation. Vets exist for a reason. A URI, and especially pneumonia, are excellent reasons to use antibiotics.
Your tips aren’t “bad” as things to try to ease symptoms, but they are NOT a treatment. Please be responsible by researching this issue further and re-writing your post to give people true information. Their pets’ lives may depend on it. Thank you. Respectfully, Katie.
Hi Katie,
I appreciate your opinion and comment on my post. I lean more towards an all natural approach to the health of both myself and those in my care. Not to say there isn’t a place for pharmaceuticals, it’s just not my preference and first choice. I think it is a good idea to have alternatives for that reason and also to have at home health remedies that you can try first to see if it can address an issue faster than a trip to the vet would and also if it could, save money in the long run. During this situation, I was doing my fair share of research on the topic to find out what I could about what may have been going on with my dogs. The suggestions listed in this post were my first attempt to soothe the discomfort they were going through and as it did, their symptoms cleared up and were gone. I’m not claiming to say these things “treat” it. My post is based on a personal experience that I’m sharing in hopes it might help someone in a similar situation as myself who maybe can’t afford an expensive trip to the vet or can’t get into a vet right away. I don’t think anyone reading this would assume I’m an expert on animals or dogs since that’s not what I primarily blog about and I don’t have any claim saying so. If you look at a human who has a cough, it is possible that it could be pneumonia or lead into it, but generally speaking it’s probably a common cold and based on the health condition of that person and the circumstances leading up to what could have caused the cough to develop, you can get a pretty good idea if it’s something serious you need to go to the doctor for or treat from home – of course I say this having grown up in a home where I never went to a doctor and we treated everything naturally. Regardless though, as the dog owner, it’s up to you to use your judgement and discretion with how you handle a situation especially when it comes to assessing the health of your dog to determine if you should take him to the vet or try a different method.
I can hear the urgency in your text about kennel cough. 1 of my dogs has it, and the vets have put the dog on bed rest and a cough suppressant. 5 bacterial 1 viral infections can cause kennel cough … Bacterial can be treated virus cannot. If my other 4 dogs get it, 2 different vets have said keep them quarantined and well hydrated and fed w soft food. It will take about 14 days to run its course … IF you were paying attention and caught it soon enough before fever has occurred. That will be $150 plz. Yes, we all know if it worsens take it to the vet.
I support you in your approach to natural remedies for your pets, and although kennel cough COULD develop into pneumonia, it really is just the equivalent of the common cold in humans. I just adopted from a shelter and she has kennel cough, she’s in a room with the diffuser going strong!!!
Thank you! Oh, how sweet to have a new little fur baby in your home to love on. So sorry to hear she’s not feeling well. Hoping the diffuser is helping her feel better and getting her on the way to a quick recovery!
thanks Amanda!!!!
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Hi Amanda,
I just wanted to say that I absolutely loved this post. My fur baby is currently being “diagnosed” for something similar to kennel cough. My Vet has not been able to get his cough under control for over 7 days ( 2 different types of antibiotics, 2 different cough represents and chest and trachea x-rays) SO.. natural home remedies seem to be my only other option at this point. Also given that my baby has idiopathic epilepsy and the antibiotics seem to trigger them. This information is very helpful.. Thank you!!
Hi Valerie,
Oh my goodness! Well, I really hope these natural remedies will help. You’ll have to check back in and let me know how your fur baby is doing after you try them. Wishing you both the best!
I want to thank you as I have a rescue and unfortunately all 13 dogs have Colten kennel cough most are coming through ok, my vet did prescribe an antibiotic and cough suppressant as we have all ages of dogs from 7 weeks to 16 years. Our two dogs were the last to get it and have had it the worst and the pain and anxiety I feel watching her cough and not be able to help her is heart breaking. We have tried everything even robitussin. I am recently new into essential oils and young living and I did a search and came across your post. I want you to know that I tried the RC and peppermint on my 95 pound girl and she has finally relaxed and is resting and hasn’t coughed in some time. It seems to be working at least so far, she hasn’t gone this long with out hacking and can finally relax and get some rest so her body can fight this. I know people have conflicting opinions. So I wanted to write on her how thankful I am for your post. We use other EO in the rescue for cleaning and training but have never had to deal with kennel cough this was the first time. She is snoring now. 🙂 thank you!
Thank you so much for your comment, Tracy! I’m so glad to hear that the oils helped! Kennel Cough can be pretty scary to watch your dog go through especially when not much is helping. Thank goodness for natural remedies that work! I love me some essential oils.
Had I know at first I could use me some oil for my furry kids. I will be trying the suggestion. Thank you for the post. Yeah the antibiotics totally expensive plus then if they need to get seen too. These is totally worth it naturally. Blessings
I did a similar treatment. Started running a bath and put 2 drops of purification, 3 drops lavender. Closed the door to the adjacent bedroom. Nothing to steamy just enough to distribute the smell throught the humidity from warm bath water.Took some coconut oil with two drops of majorium 1:4 dilution. Doing that every two hours I think will help. Plus some lavender with coconut oil at a 1:4 ratio dilution on the throat/chest. I will dilute more the more I use the oil so that she doesnt have an intolerance.
Great suggestions! Thank you for sharing your experience and what worked for you!
With the majorium I put that on the bottom of her paw pads.
I’ve got a 9 week old that has this. He was a rescue from 2 diff kennels and also have no idea where his life began. Antibiotics started 4 days ago for a surgical wound that opened, kennel cough started yesterday, and I near died last night when his episode of coughing lasted a solid 30 min. Gave small 1/2 cough tab and it hasn’t done anything. Will try diffusing, I’ve been with YL for 11 years.
Oh my gosh! A 9 week old?! That’s gotta be rough. Poor pup! Wishing him a quick recovery and peace for you as you help him get there. 💗
What is RC essential oil
RC, I believe, can only be purchased through the Young Living brand. It’s a blend of Spruce, Cypress, and three types of Eucalyptus oils (E. globulus, E. radiata, and E. citriodora). I’m aware of it being most commonly used to help with breathing. You’d rub it on your chest or diffuse it in the air.
So glad to have run by this post. Long story short, i have 2 new fur babies from the animal shelter that have the dreaded cough. I am out of RC but I’ll be diffusing thieves and applying peppermint and lavender in a few seconds . I exhausted all of my funds saving these 2 handsome guys from being put down, getting neutered and chipped and shots. Most vets won’t take an IOU so praying this works!
Thanks for this!!
Bless your heart! We need more people taking animals out of the shelter and into loving homes. Praying this helps. Best of luck to you and hoping your fur babies feel better soon!
Thank you for your post. I believe my dog had or has Kennel Cough. She was fine when I left for work and when my husband came home she was coughing. I did some research and found people using Robitussin and essential oils. I used the Robitussin and the essential oils and the vaporizer with essential oils and in 3 days she’s not coughing anymore. I will continue to give her the Robitussin for the next few days and it for any reason it comes back I will get her to the vet. Looks like I’ve saved myself a visit to the vet.
Glad to hear her cough seems to be improving! Wishing her well and peace for you in the meantime.
I appreciate you posting all this information. I am a Young Living Oil user. My dog a Young Living dog of oils, supplements and Pet CBD oil she loves. Thank you again.
HELLO I TOOK MY DOG TO THE VET MONDAY AND THEY PUT HIM ON MEDS, I FEEL HES NOT GETTING ANY BETTER HE COUGHS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE WHEEZING BUT ITS COMING FROM HIS THROAT? ANY IDEAS WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP HIM? I HATE HIM BEING ON MEDS AS HE HAD LIVER SHUNT SURGERY LAST YEAR
Hey Amanda
I have read many websites that day essential oils are harmful and toxic to dogs, when used in a diffuser but especially if ingested (which can usually happen if the dog licks their paws). Did you get clearance from a vet? We have a pup with kennel cough and are worried.. he is on antibiotics but I’m worried to try EOs
Thanks
Hi! Please edit your post, the post you thought may be helpful can actually harm pets, peppermint essential oils and menthols in general are toxic to pets.
Essential oils can be a good tool to help support our health, and thr health of our pets. I have the training of a registered aromatherapist and am concerned about some of your info in this post. As mentioned in other comments, oils with menthol, like Peppermint and eucalyptus, and especially wintergreen, are not good for dogs. (Wintergreen oil is highly toxic and shouldn’t be used with animals and never ingested by anyone,, animal or human!) And even more concerning to me is that you used essential oils without any carrier oil. To follow safe practices with essential oils, please do not ever use them undiluted! That is not safe for humans or animals. For animals, most oils should be diluted by 1 drop to a tablespoon of carrier oil, at the very least. And for small dogs, maybe even more diluted than that! Just because it is natural doesn’t mean it is safe. Oils can be highly toxic. Please use them responsibly.