Support For Respiratory Issues
When your dog starts that deep, dry, honking cough—it can be a bit jarring. Kennel cough (or canine infectious tracheobronchitis) spreads fast, especially in places like boarding facilities, daycares, and dog parks. While it’s often mild and self-limiting, you still want your dog to recover comfortably and avoid passing it to others.
Let’s explore what kennel cough is, why it shows up, and how you can support your dog with natural tools like essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, and real food.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the trachea and bronchi. It’s caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses—most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica, often alongside parainfluenza or adenovirus.
It’s basically the dog version of a cold—annoying, uncomfortable, and usually short-lived. But it can linger or worsen in dogs with weakened immune systems or preexisting issues.
How It Spreads
Your dog can catch kennel cough through:
Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
Direct contact with infected dogs
Shared surfaces like water bowls, toys, and bedding
Dogs are most at risk in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
Symptoms to Watch For
A dry, hacking cough (often sounds like a goose honk)
Gagging or retching after coughing
Nasal discharge
Mild lethargy or decrease in energy
Appetite changes
Fever (rare in mild cases)
Symptoms usually appear within 3–10 days of exposure.
Traditional Veterinary Treatment (and Its Limits)
In uncomplicated cases, your vet may simply recommend rest and monitoring. If symptoms persist or worsen, they might suggest:
Cough suppressants to ease discomfort
Antibiotics if a secondary infection is present
Anti-inflammatories for throat and airway irritation
But while these can relieve symptoms, they don’t always address the root causes—or strengthen your dog’s resilience moving forward.
Natural Support Options for Kennel Cough
Essential Oils
Used properly, essential oils can help open airways, soothe inflammation, and support immunity:
Eucalyptus radiata: Opens the airways and helps ease coughing
Lavender: Calms the nervous system and soothes discomfort
Frankincense: Immune-supportive and anti-inflammatory
Immunity blend oils (like clove, cinnamon, lemon, rosemary): Support microbial balance and circulation
How to use:
Diffuse in a well-ventilated room for short intervals (10–15 minutes)
Apply to a collar tag or nearby blanket (never directly to skin)
Use a properly diluted blend on the paws or chest (under professional guidance)
Curious about “tenting” for respiratory support? That’s one of my favorite tricks—ask me how!
Herbal Remedies
Herbs offer gentle yet powerful support, especially for soothing inflamed tissue and promoting immune strength.
Licorice root: Natural demulcent that soothes mucous membranes
Marshmallow root: Coats and calms the throat and respiratory tract
Slippery elm: Helps with dry cough and inflammation
Echinacea: Encourages white blood cell activity and immune defense
These can be made into teas, tinctures, or gentle syrups—always best with guidance, especially for sensitive dogs.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies can be matched to your dog’s specific symptoms. Some favorites for kennel cough include:
Drosera: For deep, dry, hacking coughs—especially worse at night
Spongia tosta: For barking, seal-like coughs
Aconite: For sudden onset, especially if fear or chill preceded it
Bryonia: For painful, dry coughs worsened by movement
Pulsatilla: For clingy dogs with a wet cough and thick mucus
These remedies don’t suppress the cough—they help the body move through it faster and more gently.
Nutrition and Recovery Support
A strong immune system starts in the gut. During illness, we want to:
Offer easily digestible food like warm bone broth, steamed veggies, or fresh-cooked meats
Incorporate fresh whole foods—avoid ultra-processed kibble
Support gut health with pre- and probiotics
Consider immune allies like colostrum, vitamin C, and zinc (with professional guidance)
Also… reduce stress and let them rest. Healing happens when the nervous system is calm.
When to Be Cautious
Kennel cough is usually mild—but call your vet if:
Your dog becomes lethargic or stops eating
There’s thick green nasal discharge or a deep chest rattle
Symptoms last longer than 10–14 days
You notice signs of worsening (fever, breathing distress)
For vulnerable dogs (seniors, puppies, those with chronic illness), it’s better to check in sooner than later.
Prevention Tips
Limit exposure to crowded dog spaces during outbreaks
Ask about daycare sanitation practices and their policies for sick dogs
Avoid unnecessary vaccines that could stress immunity
Keep the air clean with good ventilation and purifiers
Support immunity year-round with nutrition, herbs, and essential oils
Prevention starts with wellness—not just avoidance.
Top 5 Things You Can Do Right Now
Diffuse immunity-supporting essential oils in your home intermittently and with rotation.
Offer warm bone broth to nourish and hydrate
Support your dog’s gut with probiotics and clean food
Use gentle homeopathy for that nagging cough
Reduce exposure to crowded areas while symptoms clear
If you’re not sure which remedies are right for your dog, or if you want my full support plan for kennel cough—including step-by-step recovery, natural products, and dosing—come join the community or reach out directly.
Let’s get your dog breathing easy again.