7 Safe & Natural Home Remedies You Can Try to Get Rid of Kennel Cough

How to get rid of kennel cough?: Have you noticed that your dog has a dry, hacking cough? (Check symptoms here). It is likely that he has kennel cough, a kind of common cold for canines. If you have a pet, chances are that he is more like a member of your family and you would do anything to make him feel better. So what can you do if your dog has kennel cough? There are a few ways to treat it without going to your vet. Here are few home remedies you can use to treat and get rid of kennel cough so your furry friend is comfortable and recovers quickly.

7 Safe & Natural Home Remedies You Can Try to Get Rid of Kennel Cough

Here is a look at some of the best home remedies for kennel cough:

1. Hot Showers/Steam Baths

A hot or steam bath is one of the most effective home remedies to get rid of kennel cough. Your dog will inhale the steam, which will then open up his the bronchial tubes and clear extra phlegm from his throat. Once the phlegm is eliminated, your furry friend will start feeling better as this will also speed up the healing process.

How to Use:

Turn on a hot shower and take your dog into the bathroom. Allow the steam to build up by keeping the door closed.
Let your dog breathe in the steam for 15 to 20 minutes.
Repeat the process 2 times a day.

Note: Make sure that you do not leave your dog unattended in the bathroom.

2. Honey

Honey is another superb natural treatment for kennel cough. It has antibacterial properties that help in fighting the bacteria causing the infection. Honey is also effective in alleviating the nasal discharge that comes with kennel cough. Plus, its immune-boosting nature builds up the immunity of your pet, helping to prevent any kind of infection.

How to Use:

Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey and give it to your pet 3 to 4 times a day until the cough is completely gone.
You can also give him a mixture of 2 teaspoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of warm water. Do this 2 times a day to help your pet recover quickly.

3. Cinnamon

This is a spice-cabinet staple that you can safely use to treat kennel cough any time of the year. Cinnamon works as an antiviral agent which is why it is so effective for this doggy illness. This is an easy home remedy that works wonders to get rid of kennel cough. If possible, use Ceylon Cinnamon as it is especially fragrant and hence your doggy will love the flavor.

How to Use:

Sprinkle 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon over your pet’s food.
Repeat 2 times a day and the kennel cough will be gone in no time.

4. Chicken Soup

This is usually the go-to remedy when humans have a cold or the flu. Well, chicken soup does wonders to doggies too! It helps in soothing the throat and boosting your pet’s immune system. It has antioxidants that benefits the upper respiratory tract. It is delicious and nutritious, making it the ideal home remedy for kennel cough. Add some veggies to the soup for extra nutrition that will do your pet’s immunity a world of good.

How to Use:

Give your dog a bowl of chicken soup. Homemade or store-bought – they are equally effective. Make sure the soup is just warm as to prevent your furry buddy from burning its tongue.
Repeat 2 times a day until your pet’s kennel cough is cured.

5. Garlic

Garlic is known for its antibacterial properties which makes it a super-effective home remedy for a wide range of health conditions. Now you know that it is great for kennel cough too. Garlic helps in warding off the bacteria responsible for the kennel cough in the first place. Give your furry friend garlic to make sure that these bad guys stay away!

How to Use:

Add garlic to your pet’s food.
You can also add 1 garlic tablet (500mg) to your pet’s meal.
Repeat this once a day until you notice that he does not have kennel cough anymore.

6. Licorice Root

Licorice root is very effective in soothing the throat, especially for dogs with kennel cough. Additionally, it helps in boosting the immune system, which is important for your pet as it will prevent infections and illnesses in the future.

How to Use:

Boil licorice roots in a pot and then remove from the heat, allowing it to cool.
Give your dog the licorice tea.
Add 1 teaspoon of honey if you like – your pet will like the taste better with a little bit of sweetness.
Let your pet drink this tea before meals, and only once a day.
Repeat daily until the kennel cough is completely gone.

7. Coconut Oil

Known for its potent antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is another amazing home remedy to get rid of kennel cough. Giving your pet coconut oil on a regular basis will prevent infections in the future as well. One of the good things about this remedy is that many dogs are eager to taste it because of its sweet flavor.

How to Use:

Take 1 teaspoon of pure, organic coconut oil and let your dog lick it from the spoon.
Give him coconut oil 2 times a day until he is no longer suffering from kennel cough.
You can also mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of honey and feed it to your doggy a few times a day.

Although it may sound like a common problem, it is important to get rid of kennel cough before your pet gets sicker. With these home remedies, you can make sure that your doggy gets better soon and is happy and healthy once more. However, it is important to keep in mind that pneumonia can be caused by ongoing kennel cough infection, so if your pet does not show signs of improvement within four days of home treatment, you should take him to the vet to be checked.