Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath
Dogs and cats do not often suffer from coughing but when it happens, and particularly serious causes are excluded, natural remedies can be used to reduce their effects. Let's find out better.
What is cough
Cough is a natural reflex and is the body's response to irritation of the respiratory tract. Cough is the symptom of various disorders of the respiratory system and constitutes a natural protective mechanism useful for eliminating bacteria, viruses, dust, allergens, liquids and irritants from the lungs and trachea. The cough also allows the expulsion of any mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract.
Cat and dog cough symptoms
Cough in dogs can be caused by many causes, starting from laryngitis to heart problems. So its persistence should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Night cough, at rest or even in sleep, is a symptom to be explored. It could be of cardiac origin, or due to a slight tracheal collapse which in the lying or crouching position bothers, there may be something that obstructs, it may be a thoracic problem that causes cardiac distress.
Dog Cough: Cures and Natural Remedies
When more serious causes are excluded the natural remedies for treating a dog's cough are as follows:
- Rosa canina, glycerine macerate : rich in vitamin C the dog rose has anti-inflammatory, vitaminizing and stimulating the response of the immune system. 10 to 40 drops are sufficient depending on the size of the dog, once a day for a few days. The drops can also be put into food.
- Propolis : a spoonful of honey in which 3 drops of propolis have been dissolved per teaspoon, several times a day. Propolis has an emollient, calming and disinfectant action.
- Polygala : this officinal plant has tussifughe properties, is administered under syrup dorma: from half to 2 teaspoons 3 times a day depending on the persistence of the cough.
Then there are medicinal plants that can also be taken in the form of infusions:
- Drosera (has antispasmodic properties);
- Grindelia (disinfectant and mucolytic properties);
- Peppermint (antiseptic of the respiratory tract).
The dog can take the infusion with a teaspoon or spoon (depending on the size) about every two hours.
You can learn more about the antibiotic properties of propolis
Cat cough: cures and natural remedies
As with the dog, cough in cats can also be caused by different causes, so its persistence should always be evaluated by a veterinarian, especially if it is nocturnal. Therefore, the most serious causes of natural cough to treat the cat are as follows:
- Dog rose, glycerine macerate: 10 to 40 drops depending on the size of the cat, once a day for a few days. The drops can also be put into food.
- Propolis : a spoonful of honey in which 3 drops of propolis have been dissolved per teaspoon, several times a day. Propolis has an emollient, calming and disinfectant action.
- Polygala : this officinal plant has tussifughe properties, is administered under syrup dorma: from half to 2 teaspoons 3 times a day depending on the persistence of the cough.
Also some officinal plants can be taken against the cough in the form of infusion: Drosera, Grindelia and Mint piperita . The cat can take the infusion through a syringe about every two hours.
