7 Effective Ways to Get Your Dog to Stop Coughing (That Actually Work!)

Is your furry friend’s constant coughing driving both of you crazy? I totally get it – when my dog started having coughing fits last year I felt helpless and worried. After lots of research and vet visits I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to help your coughing canine companion.

But first, remember this: while there are helpful home remedies, a persistent cough always warrants a vet visit. Don’t try to be Dr. Dolittle here – some coughs can indicate serious conditions like heart disease or pneumonia.

Understanding Why Your Dog is Coughing

Before jumping into solutions, we gotta understand what’s causing all that hacking. Dogs cough for different reasons, and the type of cough often provides clues about what’s going on:

• Kennel cough: Sounds like a goose honking – loud and persistent
• Heart disease: Often starts at night when your dog is lying down and may sound “wet”
• Tracheal collapse: More like gagging, as if your pup is trying to cough up a hairball
• Foreign objects: Sudden onset coughing with pawing at the mouth
• Allergies: Coughing plus itching, sneezing, or watery eyes
• Lungworms or parasites: Persistent coughing that doesn’t improve
• Chronic bronchitis: Dry, hacking cough that worsens with exercise

When to See a Vet Immediately

While I’m gonna share some helpful home remedies, there are times when you need to drop everything and head to the vet:

• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Blue-tinged gums
• Severe lethargy
• Not eating or drinking
• Persistent coughing for more than a few days
• Coughing accompanied by fever or nasal discharge

7 Effective Ways to Stop Your Dog’s Coughing

1. Steam Therapy – The Bathroom Spa Treatment

Just like when your mom put a steamer in your room as a kid, humidity can work wonders for an irritated airway.

How to do it:

1. Take your dog into the bathroom
2. Close the door
3. Turn the shower on hot (but keep your dog OUT of the shower!)
4. Let your pup breathe in the steamy air for 10-15 minutes
5. Repeat 2-3 times daily

You can also use a humidifier in the room where your dog spends most of their time. This keeps the air moist and can reduce coughing episodes.

2. Honey – Nature’s Cough Syrup

Honey is amazing for soothing irritated throats in dogs (despite what some people think, small amounts are safe for adult dogs – just never for puppies under 1 year).

How to use it:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1/2 teaspoon of honey up to 4 times daily
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1 teaspoon up to 4 times daily
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 1 tablespoon up to 4 times daily

For extra effectiveness, try this homemade cough syrup:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1/2 cup of water
• Give 1 tablespoon to a 50-pound dog twice daily (adjust for your dog’s size)

3. Ditch the Collar – Switch to a Harness

This one surprised me! Pressure on your dog’s throat can make coughing worse, especially with conditions like tracheal collapse.

What to do:

• Remove your dog’s collar completely when at home
• Use a proper fitting harness for walks instead
• Avoid any pressure on the throat area

4. Reduce Environmental Irritants

Your home might contain triggers that make your dog’s cough worse.

Try eliminating:

• Dust (vacuum and dust more frequently)
• Smoke (no smoking around your pet)
• Strong scents (perfumes, cleaning products, air fresheners)
• Pollen (keep windows closed during high pollen days)
• Mold (check and clean damp areas in your home)

5. Herbal Remedies – Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Several herbs can help with different types of coughing in dogs. Always start with small amounts and watch for any adverse reactions.

For immune support with kennel cough:

• Echinacea and Goldenseal tincture: 1 drop per pound of body weight twice daily

For cough suppression (short-term use only, max 5 days):

• Licorice Root tincture: 1 drop per pound of body weight twice daily
• (Don’t use with dogs who have liver, kidney or heart issues)

For coughing due to fluid:

• Dandelion tincture: 2 drops per pound of body weight twice daily

6. Coconut Oil – A Tasty Supplement

Coconut oil contains fatty acids that can help your dog recover faster from respiratory issues.

Dosing guidelines:

• 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, divided into multiple doses
• Start with smaller amounts and increase gradually
• If stools become loose, reduce the amount

7. Homeopathic Options

Some pet parents report success with these homeopathic remedies:

• Belladonna 30C: For dry coughs, 3-4 times daily
• Pulsatilla 30C: For coughs that are dry at night but productive in the morning, 3 times daily
• Hyland’s Cough Syrup: 1/4 of the regular adult dose per 10 pounds of body weight

What NOT to Do When Your Dog is Coughing

I’ve made some mistakes along the way that I want to help you avoid:

• Don’t give human cough medicine – many contain ingredients toxic to dogs
• Don’t force water if your dog is struggling to drink
• Don’t exercise a coughing dog – rest is important
• Don’t ignore a persistent cough – if it lasts more than a few days, see your vet
• Don’t try to extract something stuck in your dog’s throat – you could push it further in

Prevention is Better Than Cure

To reduce the chance of future coughing episodes:

• Keep vaccinations current – especially Bordetella for kennel cough
• Avoid exposing your dog to sick dogs
• Strengthen immune system with a high-quality diet
• Maintain dental health to prevent infections
• Use a humidifier during dry winter months
• Regular vet check-ups to catch issues early

My Personal Experience

When my Lab mix, Buddy, developed a terrible cough last winter, I panicked. The vet diagnosed kennel cough and prescribed antibiotics, but the coughing continued to disrupt his sleep (and mine!). The honey and lemon mixture made a HUGE difference for him. Within 2 days, his coughing fits were less frequent and he seemed more comfortable.

I also noticed that removing his collar completely (even though it wasn’t tight) helped reduce the irritation. Now whenever I hear that telltale cough starting, I immediately break out the honey and head to the steamy bathroom. Works like a charm!

Final Thoughts

Remember, while these remedies can provide relief, they don’t replace proper veterinary care. If your dog’s cough persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, please see your vet.

A coughing dog is distressing for both of you, but with patience and proper care, most dogs recover fully. The key is identifying the underlying cause and addressing it appropriately.

Stay pawsome,
[Your Name]

P.S. Don’t forget to pin this article for future reference – you never know when a midnight coughing fit might have you searching for solutions!

To help a dog stop coughing and gagging, focus on environmental factors like using a humidifier, avoiding irritants like smoke, and switching to a harness instead of a collar to prevent airway pressure. For a soothing remedy, you can offer honey (about a teaspoon for a 20-30 lb dog) or warm, low-sodium broth. However, a vet visit is crucial for persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or if your dog seems unwell, as the underlying cause could be serious, such as kennel cough, heart disease, or an object stuck in the throat.