When your dog develops a cough, it can be concerning. A cough is often a sign of irritation in the throat or respiratory system, and while the occasional cough is normal, persistent coughing may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. And it may have you thinking about using cough medicine for dogs to help soothe the irritation and stop the coughing.
Is over-the-counter cough medicine for humans helpful or safe? Or are there other – safer – options to help your pup?
Why Do Dogs Cough?
Dogs cough for many reasons, and identifying the cause is key to determining how to help them. Sometimes, the occasional cough may just be something harmless (a hair, for example) that’s making its way through the airways. However, if the cough happens more frequently, it could be one of these issues:
- Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex) – A common cause of coughing in dogs, often contracted in places where dogs gather, such as kennels or dog parks. It’s highly contagious, so it’s important to identify it if you think it’s the cause.
- Allergies – Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or smoke can irritate your dog’s airways and cause coughing.
- Heart Disease – Certain types of heart disease, such as congestive heart failure, can lead to coughing due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Collapsing Trachea – Common in small breeds, this condition causes a honking cough and requires careful management.
- Foreign Objects – Dogs may cough if something is stuck in their throat or airway.
- Pneumonia or Bronchitis – Infections can cause persistent coughing that needs veterinary attention.
Is Human Cough Medicine for Dogs Safe?
While it may be tempting to use your own cough medicine to relieve your dog’s symptoms, it’s crucial NOT to. Human medications can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as:
- Dextromethorphan (DM) – Found in many over-the-counter cough suppressants, this ingredient can cause lethargy, vomiting, tremors, or even seizures in dogs.
- Acetaminophen – Often included in combination medications, acetaminophen (think Tylenol) is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver damage or death.
- Pseudoephedrine – A common decongestant in cough and cold medications, pseudoephedrine can lead to dangerous side effects like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and nervous system issues.
- Alcohol or Artificial Sweeteners – Some liquid cough medicines contain alcohol or xylitol, both of which are toxic to dogs.
Important Takeaway: Human cough medicine for dogs is a no-go, in all cases, unless you have explicit guidance from your veterinarian.
Natural Remedies to Support a Dog’s Cough
If your dog has a mild, non-life-threatening cough, several natural remedies can help soothe their throat and support respiratory health:
1. Manuka Honey
- How It Helps: Manuka honey has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it great for calming an irritated throat. NOTE: Make sure the honey is melted. Don’t just give your dog a spoonful of Manuka honey as any mucus buildup can make the honey very hard to swallow. This can create the potential for choking.
- How to Use: Give 1 teaspoon for small dogs and 1 tablespoon for large dogs, up to three times a day. Mix the melted honey well into their regular food or into bone broth.
2. Bone Broth
- How It Helps: Bone broth is soothing and hydrating, especially if your dog isn’t eating well due to their cough. It also contains vital nutrients that are important if they’re not eating. You can make your own using our recipe – find it here!
- How to Use: Offer it lukewarm as a comforting topper to food or just give several tablespoons on its own.
3. Slippery Elm
- How It Helps: This herb forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, coating and soothing the throat.
- How to Use: Use a supplement containing slippery elm (like our Gut Soothe) or mix slippery elm powder with water and give it to your dog. Typically, dosage guidelines go by weight; recommendations are 100 milligrams per 10 pounds, two to four times daily. You can mix it into your dog’s regular food, or blend it into a little bit of plain kefir or gentle bone broth.
4. Marshmallow Root
- How It Helps: With its high mucilage content, marshmallow root has strong demulcent properties, which can help reduce swelling and irritation in the mucous membranes and support calming in the respiratory tract.
- How to Use: If you find a single marshmallow root supplement, start small to find the right amount for your pet’s individual needs. Mix it with their regular food – most pets don’t mind it. You can work up to ¼ tsp for small dogs to ½ tsp for larger dogs. Or use a canine supplement with marshmallow root (again, like our Gut Soothe) and follow the directions.
5. Herbal Tea
- How It Helps: Teas made from dog-safe herbs like chamomile, green tea, or marshmallow root can have calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, when given warm, it can soothe an irritated respiratory tract.
- How to Use: We always suggest reaching for decaffeinated tea when it comes to tea for dogs (caffeine is a no-go). Brew a weak tea, let it cool, and offer small amounts to your dog on its own or pour over their regular food.
A few other quick tips: think about when you’re sick – you want soft food, lots of liquid, and nothing that puts pressure on the throat (this includes collars). Raise food and water bowls to make it easier on their throat as well, keep exercise to a minimum, and remove any possible irritants (scented candles, room sprays, chemical cleaners, etc.).
When to See a Veterinarian
While natural remedies can help with mild coughing, it’s essential to consult your vet if your dog:
- Has a persistent cough lasting more than a few days.
- Shows signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- Coughs up blood or has a hacking cough that worsens over time.
- Has other symptoms, like fever, vomiting, or nasal discharge.
A cough in dogs can range from a minor irritation to a sign of a more serious issue. While human cough medicine for dogs is unsafe and should not be used, natural remedies can help address the problem effectively. Always monitor your dog closely, provide supportive care, and seek professional advice if their symptoms persist or worsen. By taking a thoughtful approach, you can help your dog feel better and breathe easier.
