🐾 Paw-scription Mondays: Herbal Remedies for Respiratory Health in Dogs – Natural Support for Breathing & Lung Function 🌿🐶💨

Does your dog suffer from coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing? Respiratory issues in dogs can be caused by allergies, infections, asthma, kennel cough, or environmental irritants like smoke and pollution.

While conventional treatments include antibiotics, steroids, and antihistamines, herbs offer a natural and effective way to support lung health, clear congestion, and strengthen your dog’s respiratory system—without harsh side effects.

In this Paw-scription Monday guide, we’ll explore the best herbs for respiratory health in dogs, how they work, and how to use them to keep your pup breathing easy and feeling great! 🌱🐾

🐶 Common Respiratory Issues in Dogs

🚨 Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis) – A highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a harsh, dry cough.🚨 Bronchitis & Pneumonia – Inflammation of the lungs and airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.🚨 Allergies & Asthma – Can cause chronic coughing, sneezing, and mucus buildup.🚨 Collapsed Trachea – Common in small breeds, leading to a "goose honk" cough.🚨 Environmental Irritants – Smoke, dust, and chemicals can trigger breathing problems and nasal congestion.

If your dog struggles with coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing, these natural herbal remedies can help open the airways, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the respiratory system.

🌿 Best Herbs for Respiratory Support in Dogs

1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – The Lung Cleanser

Mullein is one of the best herbs for respiratory health, helping to clear mucus, soothe inflammation, and open airways.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Clears mucus and congestion from the lungs✔ Soothes coughing and inflamed airways✔ Supports breathing and lung function

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Mullein tea and mix into food or drinking water.

• Use Mullein tincture (2-5 drops per 10 lbs).

🚨 Safe for long-term use but should be introduced gradually.

2. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – The Natural Cough Syrup

Licorice root is a natural demulcent, meaning it coats and soothes the throat, reducing coughing and irritation.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Acts as a natural cough suppressant✔ Soothes inflamed airways and throat irritation✔ Helps with allergy-related respiratory issues

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Licorice root tea and add to meals.

• Use Licorice tincture (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

🚨 Do not use long-term or in dogs with high blood pressure.

3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – The Antibacterial Respiratory Tonic

Thyme is a powerful antibacterial and expectorant herb, helping to kill respiratory infections and clear mucus buildup.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Kills bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory infections✔ Clears mucus and congestion from the lungs✔ Supports immune function to prevent further infections

🦴 How to Use It:

• Add dried Thyme (¼ tsp per 10 lbs) to food.

• Brew Thyme tea and mix into meals or water.

🚨 Avoid using large amounts in pregnant dogs.

4. Elecampane (Inula helenium) – The Deep Lung Healer

Elecampane is a traditional lung tonic, used to strengthen lung tissue and fight chronic respiratory infections.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Helps with deep, persistent coughs✔ Supports lung healing and regeneration✔ Clears excess mucus and congestion

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Elecampane tincture (2-4 drops per 10 lbs).

• Works best for chronic bronchitis or deep lung infections.

🚨 Introduce slowly to monitor sensitivity.

5. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) – The Soothing Respiratory Coat

Marshmallow root is a natural mucilage, meaning it forms a soothing gel-like layer over irritated airways.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Soothes dry, scratchy throats and persistent coughs✔ Helps with kennel cough, allergies, and trachea irritation✔ Reduces inflammation in the lungs and bronchi

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Marshmallow root powder (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Brew Marshmallow tea and mix into meals.

🚨 Safe for long-term use but works best when combined with other herbs.

🌿 DIY Herbal Respiratory Syrup for Dogs

If your dog suffers from chronic coughing, kennel cough, or breathing difficulties, try this homemade herbal syrup to provide natural relief.

💨 DIY Herbal Cough & Lung Syrup

🫙 Ingredients:✔ 1 tbsp Mullein (lung cleanser)✔ 1 tbsp Licorice Root (cough soother)✔ 1 tbsp Thyme (antibacterial support)✔ 1 tbsp Marshmallow Root (respiratory coat)✔ 1 cup Filtered Water✔ 2 tbsp Raw Honey (optional, NOT for puppies)

📝 Instructions:1️⃣ Simmer the herbs in water for 15 minutes.2️⃣ Strain and let cool.3️⃣ Add honey for extra soothing benefits.4️⃣ Give 1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, 2-3 times daily.

🚨 Do not give honey to puppies under 1 year old.

🛑 When to Use Herbal Respiratory Support for Dogs

🌿 If your dog has kennel cough or persistent coughing🌿 During cold and allergy season🌿 If they suffer from asthma or environmental sensitivities🌿 To support lung health in senior dogs🌿 If exposed to smoke, pollution, or airborne irritants

🥗 Other Natural Ways to Support Your Dog’s Respiratory System

Along with herbal remedies, you can naturally support your dog’s lung health by:

✅ Using a Humidifier – Helps keep airways moist and prevents dry coughing.✅ Avoiding Smoke & Air Pollution – Secondhand smoke can worsen breathing problems.✅ Providing Fresh Air & Exercise – Helps expand lung capacity and clear mucus.✅ Feeding Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Reduces inflammation in the lungs.✅ Wiping Paws & Fur After Walks – Removes pollen and environmental allergens.

📌 How to Safely Use Herbs for Respiratory Health in Dogs

🌿 Introduce herbs gradually and monitor for any reactions.🌿 Use high-quality, organic herbs to avoid pesticides.🌿 Do not use licorice long-term—best for short-term relief.🌿 Consult a vet if your dog has severe breathing problems.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Natural Respiratory Support for a Healthy, Happy Pup

If your dog suffers from coughing, allergies, or respiratory infections, natural herbs like Mullein, Licorice Root, Thyme, Elecampane, and Marshmallow Root can provide safe, effective relief—without synthetic medications.

🐾 Has your dog ever struggled with respiratory issues? What natural remedies have worked for you? Share your experience in the comments! ⬇️