Dogs and cats do not often suffer from cough but when it does, and particularly serious causes are excluded, natural remedies can be used to reduce its effects. Let’s find out better. 

>   1. What is cough

>   2. Symptoms of cough in dogs and cats

>   3. Dog cough: natural cures and remedies

>   4. Cat cough: natural cures and remedies

What is cough

Coughing is a natural reflex and is the body’s response to an irritation of the respiratory tract. Cough is the symptom of various respiratory disorders and is 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.

Cough symptoms in dogs and cats

Coughing in dogs can be caused by a variety of causes, ranging from laryngitis to heart problems. Therefore its persistence must 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 that bothers you in the lying or crouching position, there may be something obstructing, it may be a chest problem that causes heart pain.

Dog cough: natural cures and remedies

When more serious causes are excluded, the natural remedies to treat dog cough are the following:

• Rosehip, glycerine macerate : rich in vitamin C , rosehip has anti-inflammatory, vitaminizing and stimulating properties for 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 per teaspoon have been dissolved, several times a day. Propolis has an emollient, calming and disinfectant action.
• Polygala : this medicinal plant has tussifugal properties , it is administered under a syrup bed: from half to 2 teaspoons 3 times a day depending on the persistence of the cough.

Then there are some medicinal plants that can also be taken in the form of infusions:

• Drosera (has antispasmodic properties) ;
• Grindelia (disinfectant and mucolytic properties);
• Peppermint (respiratory antiseptic) .

The dog can take the infusion by offering it to him with a teaspoon or a spoon (depending on the size) about every two hours. 

You can learn more  about the antibiotic properties of propolis

Cat cough: natural cures and remedies

As for dogs, cough in cats can also be caused by various causes, so its persistence must always be evaluated by a veterinarian, especially if it is nocturnal. Therefore, excluding the most serious causes, the natural remedies to treat cat cough are the following:

• Rosehip , glycerine macerate: 10 to 40 drops according to 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 per teaspoon have been dissolved, several times a day. Propolis has an emollient, calming and disinfectant action.
• Polygala : this medicinal plant has tussifugal properties, it is administered under a syrup bed: from half to 2 teaspoons 3 times a day depending on the persistence of the cough.

Even some medicinal plants can be taken against cough in the form of an infusion: Drosera, Grindelia and Peppermint . The cat can take the infusion through a syringe about every two hours.