7 Natural Home Remedies for Dog Stuffy Noses & Colds - Vet Approved Advice

Has your pup been sniffling, snuffling, and sneezing? Believe it or not, dogs can get colds too. Pooches are particularly susceptible to upper respiratory issues in the winter when the temperature drops down. While the colds that canines catch isn’t the same virus as the human strand, the symptoms are pretty much the same and can include coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.

While you can’t treat Fido’s cold with flu medicine, you can certainly ease his symptoms with natural and holistic remedies. Here are seven natural home remedies for your dog’s stuffy nose and cold.

The 7 Home Remedies to Help Your Dog's Stuffy Nose & Cold

1. Humidifier

Warm, steamy air can loosen up all that gunk in your dog’s nose. Put a humidifier near your pet’s bed to help alleviate his snuffles. Just make sure it is a plain vapor humidifier and avoid the use of essential oils, as many are toxic to dogs. If you don’t have one, you can also keep your dog in the bathroom when you take a hot shower or bath. The steam from the hot water will also help to clear things up.

2. Clean His Space

Get rid of germs by thoroughly cleaning your dog’s bed, blanket, dishes, toys, and anything else that may be harboring icky bacteria. Also, be sure to replace your pet’s water every day.

3. Chicken Soup for the Doggy Soul

Just like many people crave a hot bowl of chicken soup when they’re sick, dogs like this meal too. Give your pet a lukewarm (never hot) bowl of chicken soup to help him fight off the infection. Chicken soup that contains low sodium, brown rice, and cooked veggies is perfect for a sick pup. Just make sure you do not add any onion or garlic when preparing your dog’s chicken soup. Also, be careful not to offer your dog any bone. Cooked chicken bones are brittle and can break into sharp pieces, potentially injuring your dog’s mouth or digestive system.

4. Honey 

Honey is well known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it is a natural soother for canine colds and coughs. However, if your pet is obese or diabetic, skip the honey, as its high sugar content can do more harm than good. Give your pup a teaspoon to a teaspoon of honey before his meal.

5. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is made from the inner bark of the slippery elm or red elm tree. It can be found either in capsules or powdered form. Offer your dog half the content of a capsule mixed with half a tablespoon of honey two or three times a day about 30 minutes before meals. This will help to coat and soothe its throat. Please sure you do not mix the slippery elm with any other medicines as that can affect absorption. Remember that you should always consult your veterinarian before offering any remedy to your dog.

6. Plenty of Sleep

Even if you’re missing out on your daily morning jog with your dog, let him skip the exercise and catch up on his sleep. If he’s restless, provide him with a short stroll. You can make his bed even comfier with a pet-safe heating pad. The heat will also help to loosen his clogged nose.

7. Hydration

Your dog will need plenty of fluids in order to swiftly recover from a cough or cold. If your pet doesn’t want to drink, tempt him with broth from the chicken soup.

Conclusion: Home Remedies for Dog Stuffy Nose

When your dog has a cold, there are plenty of holistic remedies that you can use right at home to ease his symptoms. From honey and herbs to plenty of water and rest, these seven tips will help your pup fully recover in no time at all.

• See Also: Is a Humidifier Safe for a Dog?

Featured Image Credit: Mylene2401, Pixabay