Chronic Coughing in Dogs? Try These Remedies for Relief!

Is your dog dealing with a persistent cough that just won’t go away? If it’s been going on for over a month, your dog may have chronic bronchitis—a condition that causes ongoing inflammation in the airways, resulting in constant coughing. While conventional treatments like steroids can help, there are also natural remedies that can provide relief without the side effects. In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of the best options available, from licorice root to CBD oil, and show you how to help your dog breathe easier.

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats! This potent anti-inflammatory supplement supports joint health, overall well-being, and more—perfect for your dog’s daily health regimen. Its high bioavailability ensures maximum absorption, making it a great choice for supporting long-term health.

Can’t Stop Coughing? Try These New Tricks to Help Your Dog Feel Better!

Has your dog been coughing for over a month without any relief? If so, they may have a condition called chronic bronchitis, which is sometimes also referred to as allergic airway disease or even COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It’s one of the more common causes of chronic coughing in dogs, and in this article, I’ll explain what it is, how we diagnose it, and more importantly, share the best new remedies you can use to help your dog feel better.

Understanding Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs

There are many potential causes for chronic coughing in dogs, such as pneumonia, heart disease, lung worm, heart infections, tracheal collapse, or chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis typically results from ongoing exposure to an irritant, like smoke, which causes the body to produce inflammatory cells and mucus in the lungs. When we look at an x-ray of a dog with chronic bronchitis, we can see those classic white lines. These lines are caused by the inflammation and mucus production that’s affecting your dog’s airways.

The key feature of chronic bronchitis is that the cough doesn’t go away—it’s persistent for at least one month or longer. If your dog has a cough that just won’t quit, chronic bronchitis could very well be the cause.

Conventional Treatment: What You Should Know

The standard treatment for chronic bronchitis often involves steroids, which help to reduce inflammation. These can be given orally or through a nebulizer. While steroids are great anti-inflammatories, they also come with some potential downsides, like suppressing the immune system, causing increased thirst and urination, and possibly leading to diabetes.

But, as I always say, there are alternatives! I encourage you to explore these natural remedies to help your dog feel better while also minimizing those potential steroid side effects.

Natural Remedies for Chronic Bronchitis

1. Licorice Root Tincture

Licorice root is often referred to as a “natural corticosteroid.” It can help reduce inflammation in the airways and is especially helpful during flare-ups of bronchitis. The recommended dose is 0.5 ml per 20 pounds of body weight daily. However, it’s important to use this remedy short-term, no more than 14 days in a row, to avoid any potential long-term effects.

2. CBD Oil

CBD oil is another excellent option for managing inflammation. Research has shown that CBD can help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it a great choice for dogs suffering from chronic bronchitis. Start with 3 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight daily, and feel free to continue this long-term.

3. Curcumin

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is another powerful anti-inflammatory. A dose of 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily is recommended for dogs with chronic bronchitis. Like CBD, it can be used long-term to help keep inflammation in check.

4. Butterbur

Butterbur is a plant that has been extensively studied for its ability to help with asthma and other airway conditions. It’s known to have a bronchodilating effect, which helps dilate the airways and ease coughing. For dogs, 1 mg per pound of body weight daily is a good starting dose. Give it for at least 4 weeks to assess its effectiveness.

5. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

NAC is a modified amino acid that’s often used to treat liver toxicity in cats, but it’s also excellent for lung health. NAC helps break down the sulfur bonds in mucus, making it thinner and easier for your dog to cough up. The recommended dose is a quarter of a 500 mg capsule for every 20 pounds of body weight daily.

6. Honey and Slippery Elm

For symptom relief, I recommend local unpasteurized honey and slippery elm. Honey is soothing for the throat and helps reduce coughing, while slippery elm acts as a natural expectorant, which can help loosen mucus. For a dog weighing about 20 pounds, give 1 teaspoon of honey daily and 1/4 teaspoon of slippery elm. Mixing them with some water might make it easier for your dog to take.

7. Air Purifier

One simple yet effective remedy that many pet owners overlook is using an air purifier. Chronic coughing can be worsened by airborne irritants, so having a purifier can help reduce the irritants in your home, giving your dog’s lungs a break.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Comfortable

If your dog has chronic bronchitis, it’s important to be patient and consistent with their treatment. Whether you choose conventional steroids or go the natural route with remedies like CBD oil, licorice root, and NAC, the goal is to reduce inflammation, improve lung function, and keep your dog comfortable.

Thank you for reading, and if you want more tips on improving your dog’s health, don’t forget to click the link below to grab a free copy of my book!

It’s your pet—help them breathe easier today!

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats! This potent anti-inflammatory supplement supports joint health, overall well-being, and more—perfect for your dog’s daily health regimen. Its high bioavailability ensures maximum absorption, making it a great choice for supporting long-term health.