🐾 Paw-scription Mondays: Natural Remedies to Help Your Dog Breathe Better in Polluted Environments 🌿🐶🌫️

Air pollution doesn’t just affect humans—it can also have serious effects on our dogs’ respiratory health. From car fumes, industrial pollution, and wildfire smoke to household chemicals and allergens, dogs can struggle to breathe, develop coughing fits, or experience long-term lung irritation.

While we can’t always control the air quality, herbs and natural remedies can support lung health, reduce inflammation, and help your dog breathe easier—even in polluted environments.

In this Paw-scription Monday guide, we’ll explore the best herbs and natural remedies to improve canine respiratory health, how they work, and how to use them to keep your pup’s lungs clear, strong, and protected! 🌱🐾

🐕 How Does Air Pollution Affect Dogs?

Dogs are just as vulnerable—if not more—to air pollution than humans, especially since they spend time closer to the ground, inhaling pollutants that settle in dust and soil.

🚨 Signs Your Dog is Struggling with Air Pollution

🔹 Coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing🔹 Watery or irritated eyes🔹 Nasal discharge or sneezing🔹 Lethargy or reduced activity🔹 Increased thirst or dry mouth (from airway inflammation)🔹 Frequent licking of paws (from toxin exposure on the ground)

If your dog spends time in a polluted area, natural remedies can help clear the lungs, reduce inflammation, and improve respiratory function.

🌿 Best Herbs to Help Dogs Breathe Better in Polluted Environments

1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – The Ultimate Lung Tonic

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

🔥 Benefits:✔ Clears lung congestion & phlegm✔ Soothes airway inflammation & coughing✔ Strengthens lung function & oxygen intake

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Mullein leaf tea and add to food or water.

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

🚨 Safe for most dogs, but avoid long-term use in very dry coughs.

2. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – The Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Licorice Root acts as a natural steroid alternative, helping to reduce airway inflammation and soothe irritated lungs.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Relieves coughing and airway irritation✔ Helps with bronchitis, asthma, and lung inflammation✔ Supports immune health & detoxification

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Licorice Root powder (⅛ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Works best for dogs exposed to smog, wildfire smoke, or heavy pollutants.

🚨 Avoid in dogs with high blood pressure—use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) licorice instead.

3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – The Natural Antimicrobial & Expectorant

Thyme has powerful antimicrobial and expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus buildup and kill airborne bacteria and viruses.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Helps expel mucus & clear congested lungs✔ Supports immune function & fights respiratory infections✔ Reduces coughing & throat irritation

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Thyme tea and mix into food or water.

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

🚨 Use in moderation—high doses can be too strong for sensitive stomachs.

4. Plantain Leaf (Plantago major) – The Lung & Throat Soother

Plantain is an excellent natural remedy for respiratory irritation, helping to reduce throat inflammation and protect the lungs from pollutants.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Soothes inflamed airways & throat irritation✔ Reduces coughing & respiratory discomfort✔ Helps with allergy-related breathing issues

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Plantain tea and mix with food.

• Use Plantain leaf powder (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

🚨 Safe for most dogs but introduce gradually.

5. Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri) – The Breathing Booster

Osha Root is known as “Bear Medicine” and is traditionally used to increase lung oxygenation and support deep, clear breathing.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Expands airways for better oxygen intake✔ Clears congestion & soothes bronchial tubes✔ Supports lung detoxification & circulation

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Osha Root tincture (1-3 drops per 10 lbs).

• Works best for dogs struggling with persistent breathing difficulties.

🚨 Avoid in pregnant dogs & only use in small amounts.

6. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) – The Mucosal Healer

Marshmallow Root is a soothing, mucilage-rich herb that protects the respiratory tract from dryness, irritation, and environmental damage.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Coats & soothes irritated lungs and airways✔ Reduces coughing and inflammation✔ Helps with dry or chronic coughs from pollution

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Marshmallow Root tea and mix with food.

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

🚨 Avoid in diabetic dogs—it can lower blood sugar.

🌿 DIY Herbal Lung Support Blend for Dogs

If your dog lives in a polluted area or struggles with breathing, try this herbal blend to support lung function and clear airways naturally.

🌬️ DIY Herbal Respiratory Powder

🫙 Ingredients:✔ 2 tbsp Mullein Powder (lung tonic)✔ 1 tbsp Thyme Powder (natural expectorant)✔ 1 tbsp Marshmallow Root Powder (airway soother)✔ ½ tbsp Osha Root Powder (breathing booster)

📝 Instructions:1️⃣ Mix all herbs in an airtight container.2️⃣ Add ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight to food daily.3️⃣ Use long-term for respiratory health & detox support.

🚨 Introduce slowly and monitor for any sensitivities.

🛑 When to Use Herbal Support for Breathing in Dogs

🌿 If your dog lives in a polluted or smoky environment🌿 To support lung detox after exposure to wildfire smoke or chemicals🌿 If they struggle with coughing, wheezing, or nasal discharge🌿 For dogs with asthma or chronic respiratory issues🌿 To help older dogs with weakened lung function

🚨 Severe breathing difficulties (gasping, blue gums, or extreme lethargy) require immediate vet care.

🥗 Other Natural Ways to Improve Lung Health in Dogs

✅ Use Air Purifiers – Helps remove dust, allergens, and pollutants indoors.✅ Limit Outdoor Activity During High Pollution – Avoid walks near traffic or industrial areas.✅ Keep Dogs Hydrated – Helps thin mucus and clear lungs naturally.✅ Provide Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Fish oil helps reduce inflammation in airways.✅ Avoid Harsh Chemicals & Sprays Indoors – Many cleaning products contain lung-irritating chemicals.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog’s Lungs Healthy Naturally

Breathing issues caused by pollution, smoke, and allergens can make life uncomfortable for your pup. But with the right herbal remedies, clean air strategies, and immune support, you can help them breathe easier, stay healthy, and enjoy life without respiratory distress.

🐾 Has your dog struggled with air pollution or breathing issues? What natural remedies have worked for you? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️