Natural Remedies to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs

Herbal Tea for Calves

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 02/24/2015
★★★★★

Hello!

We had two calves that came to the farm rather sickly. They developed a cough and runny nose. They sounded awful! I made them a bucket of herbal tea each day.

Here is the recipe:

Bring 5 quarts of water to boil. Remove from heat.

Add 1/4 cup each of dried leaves of the following:

hyssop
comfrey
mullein

Cover. Let steep (with no extra heat) for 2 hours. Strain out the leaves. Stir in 1/2-3/4 cups of blackstrap molasses. When the tea is warm (a comfortable drinking temperature) but not hot, feed to calves. My calves loved it, in fact, they fought over it.

Here is a video of it:

Calves Fighting over Herbal Tea

The calves "shared" one bucket of tea each day. I did this for about 2 weeks. The best part is that the cough and runny nose did clear up! And the calves and I became friends. :)

~Mama to Many~

EC:

Honey, Hydrogen Peroxide, Lemon Juice

Posted by Aims (Kelowna, British Columbia) on 11/07/2014
★★★★★

I have used honey lemon and Peroxide mixture and it worked so good for my 13 1/2 year old Retriever. I was just wondering how long I can continue using Peroxide on her for since I have seen a huge improvement since using it.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Aims (Kelowna, British Columbia) on 11/05/2014
★★★★★

I have an old retriever who picked up a case of Kennel Cough. I started using Honey, Food Grade Peroxide, Lemon and Distilled Water and her cough seems to have almost gone. I was just wondering how long I can keep this process up, and if anybody knows how many drops are allowed for a dog per day. Right now she gets 3 drops in her water with about 2 cups of water. It has definitely helped but I wasn't sure how long it is safe to carry this on. Thank you, Amy

Honey and Lemon

Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 07/29/2014

Hey Dropsofpluto!

Ideally you would dose your pet via a syringe or dropper by tipping his head back and inserting the syringe in the pocket of his cheek at the back of his mouth and then depressing the plunger slowly to allow him to swallow.

Honey and Lemon

Posted by Dropsofpluto (Lachute, Quebec) on 07/26/2014

My dog has what seems to be a kennel cough. I am making him some fruit snacks and juices high in vitamin c. I decided to try the lemon and honey mixture but he won't drink it when I tell him. Am I supposed to just leave it in his bowl for him to drink?

Honey, Hydrogen Peroxide, Lemon Juice

Posted by Dogwood (Thousand Oaks, Ca) on 05/13/2014
★★★★★

Recently rescued a mastiff mix from a shelter - a week later she started a bad cough with discharge from her eyes and nose. Used this HP/honey/lemon recipe (3 drops Food Grade 3% HP, tsp organic honey, small squeeze fresh lemon) administered every 4 hours - she stopped coughing within 20 min, discharge cleared up in a day. However, the rest of the dogs started coughing - administered it to them with a turkey baster two times and they stopped coughing within minutes - all but one stopped coughing/sneezing entirely after the 2nd dose. (I'll post separately my continued problems with remaining dog.) The properties of this particular recipe appears to be quite effective.

Honey, Hydrogen Peroxide, Lemon Juice

Posted by Rosemarie (Waikato, Nz) on 03/25/2014
★★★★★

What a great remedy! Our dog woke up with a terrible cough we presumed was kennel cough - a real gaggy terrible sounding noise which left him almost choking. It was no better two days later, so before heading to the vet we decided to give this remedy a go. 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 5 drops Hydrogen Peroxide (its a big dog! ). Spread this onto a thick dry piece of ciabatta and fed it to him before his other food morning and night. He loved it and within 2 days the coughing had stopped completely.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Stephanie (Pa) on 02/07/2014
★★★★★

I just rescued a 60+ lb border collie/newfoundland mix yesterday and he was up all night coughing and hacking up mucus. I just tried this about 45 min ago and he only coughed about 2x right after giving it. Since then- not a peep! He's finally getting some rest. Hopefully my Aussie won't get it!

Diagnosing Kennel Cough

Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 02/01/2014
★★★★★

There are myriad reasons for a dog to have a cough; older dogs can cough from tracheal collapse; dogs infected with heart worm will cough; puppies seem to pick up 'kennel cough' just by visiting the dog park. A sure fire way for a vet to test for KC is to press on the throat in a certain area - the dog will cough it if has KC [sorry I can't explain in fuller detail]. I did have one of mine catch KC and it sounded as if she had a bone stuck in her throat and was trying a deep cough to bring it up.

Kennel cough is a virus with a billion gazillion strains: like the human flu, you can give your pet the KC vaccine but if the strain of virus your dog is exposed to is not covered in the vaccine, then your dog is at risk of catching that strain of KC.

Vet's often prescribe antibiotics for KC *just in case* your dog develops bacterial complications. I try to avoid unnecessary antibiotics but would consider dosing 3-5-7 days if it did appear that my dog developed a secondary bacterial infection due to the stress of fighting off the virus.

If you are certain you are dealing with KC, I have used homeopathic children's cough remedy available from the natural health store do the trick. That and nutritional support with vitamin C or Echinacea boosted with vitamin C was all that was needed.

Drossera 30C

Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 12/26/2013
★★★★★

The remedy for kennel cough is DROSSERA 30C. Research online. Om

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 12/24/2013

Hey Newfoster mom in NYC!

It has been years since I had to deal with KC; the symptoms look like the dog is trying to cough a bone out of its lungs - its a deep cough.

I have not used this remedy myself. However it would appear you did not give the correct dose of food grade hydrogen peroxide. You mixed three tablespoons [1.5 ounces] in to 8 oz of water, and then soaked the bread in this stronger concentration; it would appear you dosed to induce vomitting, hence your result.

Try this:

Mix 1 ounce of the 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide into 11 ounces of distilled water to obtain at 3% solution.

Then take 8 oz of water with 3 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and 1 teaspoon of honey, 3 times a day.

Also consider homeopathic remedies for your lil guy; many whole food coops and health food stores carry pediatric preparations that are both gentle and effective.

Good luck and let us know how your foster boy does!

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Newfosternyc (New York, Ny) on 12/23/2013

The new 1year old yorkie I'm fostering seems to be exhibiting Kennel Cough symptoms. At day 2, he was having a hacking cough attack approx 10 min after eating (last only a few secons). Seemed to be okay during the day but definitely lethargic like other symptoms noted on this forum. in the evenings, he was prone to more frequent, but smaller hacking fits (which thankfully don't last long for his sake). I didn't want to go the traditional antibiotic route due to his size and unknown history.

After reading about the hydrogen peroxide option (I have the 35% grade), I diluted 3tsps of H2o2 in 8oz of water with a little bit of honey - cut a few small pieces of bread and soaked the bread in a few tsps of the mixture, then mixed the bread with his lunch. I was excited after all of the other reviews on here, but the poor little guy threw up his lunch shortly after eating. :(

I see one of the h202 uses is also an emetic, so perhaps the solution wasn't diluted enough? (Or maybe this mixture is not suitable for small dogs?)

A few hours later, he's been resting most of the day (and will get up for hugs and pets), but will go back to his blanket to rest. He had a few hacking spells but they didn't last long.

Any other suggestions? I'm aware of the pneumonia precautions with KC as well as trachea issues with Yorkies.

Since he travelled far (shelter/kennel in either GA or SC) to NYC, I want to be sure he's taken care of properly (and believe me, he's getting LOADS of TLC and Love :))

Thank you, all.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Caleb (Tennessee) on 11/22/2013
★★★★★

I used about 2-3 TBSP of an Asian honey aloe tea about 2 cups of water and 2-3 drops of regular peroxide. My boxer had an awful cough and was really suffering.

This mix worked wonders. Within a day he was about 75% better and now just three days out he's about 95% well. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Noelle1000 (Elkhorn, Ne, Usa) on 07/24/2013
★★★★★

Dachshund was up half the night coughing and hacking. Of course, my dogs always get sick on weekends and holidays. I checked EC and found this treatment to try. I used my 35% FOOD GRADE H2O2 and diluted it to a 3% solution. I put 1 teaspoon of honey in a little cup and put some of the H2O2 solution in. I filled a small syringe with the mixture and shot it into her mouth. That darn dog has not coughed even one time since then! I did repeat the dosage every six hours for the next day, but not sure if it was needed. A miracle cure, really.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Lisa (Austin, Tx) on 06/26/2013
★★★★★

Thank you for posting the recipe! It worked wonders for my 12 year old pomeranian who contracted kennel cough from the vet's office. Did two doses 6 hours apart and no more cough.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Jackie (Clifton, Nj) on 05/21/2013
★★★★★

My dog contracted kennel cough from neighborhood dog. Cough gradually was getting worse after a weeks time. Found this remedy and it worked after one dose. I dissolved 1 tsp. of raw honey in warm water, added a few more ounced of water to total about 6 oz. Then added 3 drops of store bought hydrogen peroxide. He wouldn't drink it so a broke up pieces of bread in the bowl with it and he lapped it up. Coughing stopped immediately and didn't return. I did give him a second dose about 6 hours later to make sure. That was 1 month ago.

Rosehips, Lemon, Honey, Garlic

Posted by Wishapup (Southeastern Area, Ontario, Canada) on 05/13/2013
★★★★★

My 64-or-so pound dog once had a cough/respiratory infection in the middle of winter, and the vet told us to wait it out. She was coughing a lot and not doing well, so I started some home treatments for her. I made sure she was warm, and added some powdered garlic and water to her dry kibble each meal. I also gave her, several times a day, a mixture of about 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and added some to her kibble. It really seemed to soothe her throat and keep her from coughing. To encourage her to eat it, I had to add crushed biscuit.

I also added wild rosehips to her diet. They have a huge amount of Vitamin C, and I would add handfuls to her food and give them to her as treats. She consumed a full quart of them within 1 week! Her recovery was quick and she was soon back to her normal self again.

Vitamin C

Posted by Kathryn4 (Owings, Md.) on 04/03/2013
★★★★★

Kennel cough: I use buffered Vit c powder- just sprinkle a bit over his food every day. If I forget, after a few days it comes back. My dog was vaccinated supposedly for it from the Aspca when I adopted him but he still gets bouts with it. He gets regular vet appts for updates on the kennel cough - but this works and I just don't worry about it.

Honey

Posted by Rhinebeckdude (Rhinebeck, Ny) on 02/24/2013
★★★★★

My new adopted German Shorthair came down with what looked like kennel cough a day after coming with me. It went from initial sneezing to cough, to coughing up flem every 15 mins... He never threw up his food, just the junk sitting in his throat.

I started treating him with 1 teaspoon of honey and when he coughed I gently patted his chest to try and loosen some of the junk... It also gave the young dog some comfort to be held while coughing. Results were seen in 4-8 hrs. Now, he just has sniffles and occasional dry cough, which I will retreat with honey/lemon mix. Seems like it works.

Vitamin C

Posted by Leticia (Houston, Texas) on 01/17/2013
★★★★★

YES! When I adopted my 2nd Bichon from the pound, she had kennel cough. The vet was wanting to charge me 200 bucks for a medicine and told me that it usually doesn't work the first time around. I told him I would try myself and then bring her back if my rememdy didn't work. I found a chewable supplement for kids and gave her 1 wafer. She ate it without problem. A few hours later, she stopped coughing altogether. I even gave it to my first dog so that she wouldn't get sick. It works and it is cheap! Anytime I use any kind of human supplement on my dogs, I use a child formula as it helps with taking the guessing out for dosage because children's medicine/vitamins usually give dosages according to weight.

P.S. Even though kennel cough presents itself to dogs who are under stress and have compromised their immune system because of the stress, it is contagious- be sure that you lysol your pet's kennels and wash their linens while you are treating them. Good luck!

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Rhonda (Ephrata, Pa) on 10/26/2012
★★★★★

I rescued a 12 yr old shihtzu 1 week ago. He had the kennel cough nose vaccine that day. I saw it given. He started coughing the next day. I found this peroxide, honey recipe and it worked. I had the mixture in the drinking water for all my old dogs. 5 total. 1 week later Snicks is not coughing and the others show no sign. I do rescue and have clavamox and doxy. He did not need the meds. I will share this w/my rescue friends. You must follow the recipe and get food grade hydrogen peroxide for safety. I know how much $ I saved using this. Give it a try!

Vitamin C, Antibiotics

Posted by Nat (Las Vegas, Nv, Usa) on 07/23/2012
★★★★★

My puppy started hacking the middle of the night... Kennel cough. Took her to vet. Started antibiotics with 500 mg of Vitamin C and honey in morning and before bed. She stopped coughing the next night. Sorry, but folks at least take your dog to vet. Make sure there is not collapsed trachea, obstruction, etc. One person on this page asked what to give a pup with pneumonia.... TAKE THEM TO THE VET! I appreciate holistic and home remedies and use them alot. In fact my vet helps plan them, but to completely disregard vets and take the word of people you have never met on a web forum for the welfare of your animal is lacking in wisdom. I do the vet, apply appropriate veterinary items and do the holistic things they prescribe after our discussion.

Garlic

Posted by Debbie (Dallas, Tx) on 07/04/2012

A 2003 study on Grape and Raisin Toxicity in Dogs, published in the Australian Veterinary Journal clearly states that certain grapes, onions, garlic, cloves and other derivatives can be harmful for pets. Most people do not understand the difference between human food and dog food.

Garlic can have severe long term effects such as hormonal changes, diarrhea, anemia, tachycardia [irregular heart beat], liver damage and allergic reactions. Would you risk that ?????

I have tried using this medicine on my dogs ( a lab and a pug ) both of them recovered well without any problems.