Holistic Cough and Flu Remedies For Dogs And Cats

I myself am just getting over a nasty bout with a cold, cough, runny nose, and achy flu like symptoms..but now after 4 days I am feeling almost normal!

I seldom become ill, so being layed up on the couch was a new thing for me..

I did self medicate with a few things, and here are 2 things that you can also consider ( for yourself and pets)

Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus) — While probiotics won’t directly relieve your cough, they may help underlying conditions. Some evidence suggests that Lactobacillus may help prevent colds and flu, and possibly reduce allergy to pollen. One study found that children in daycare centers who drank milk fortified with Lactobacillus had fewer and less severe colds. Another study of children in daycare found those who took a specific combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium had fewer flu-like symptoms.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) — Thyme has traditionally been used to treat respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and to treat cough. Two preliminary studies suggest that thyme may help treat acute bronchitis and relieve cough. Thyme is approved by the German Commission E to treat those conditions. Thyme oil is considered toxic and should not be taken by mouth.

Source: Cough | University of Maryland Medical Center

The Thyme comes in capsules, and can give you a bit of a herbal after taste, but I really perked up after starting on it.

Worth considering.

The pet doses

For upper respiratory tract infection, traditional uses include drinking tea, made by steeping 1-2 grams of dried herb in 150 milliliters of boiling water for 10 minutes, then cooling, given twice daily. Tincture: 5 drops/ 10lbs twice daily; or herbal capsules- a pet dose would be 1/4 of a capsule per 10lbs daily

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM