Dog Breathing Problems Home Remedies: Top 10 Tips To Help Fido

Depending on the cause, dog breathing problems home remedies may include: cooling your dog, trying a new harness, CBD oil, a special diet, regular teeth cleaning, humidifiers, or antihistamines like Benadryl. Increasing or decreasing your dog’s physical activity may also be an option.

Do you have a feeling that your dog is breathing funny? If you sense that your dog’s breathing isn’t quite right, I definitely advise you to listen to your gut. Since dog breathing problems can be life-threatening, I highly recommend contacting a vet as soon as possible. Many dogs actually have a breathing problem, but although this condition is usually treatable with home remedies, your course of action still depends on the findings done by medical professionals.

Check out exactly how you can help your dog’s breathing problem with some of the most excellent home remedies. 

Does Your Dog Have A Breathing Problem? 

The best way to tell if your dog has breathing problems is to know the symptoms of this common condition. A dog with breathing problems may experience any of the following symptoms: 

• Labored breathing (Read: Why is my dog breathing from his stomach?)
• Inflamed nostrils 
• Quick, shallow breathing 
• Choking, snorting, or coughing 
• Excessive drooling
• Constant and excessive panting while breathing
• Poor appetite 
• Fatigue  

If your furry friend is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact a vet as soon as possible. I cannot stress it enough how a dog having a difficulty breathing is a medical emergency and should be treated promptly. 

Let’s Take A Look At The Causes Of Breathing Problems In Dogs

If you’re a pet owner and have been wondering why your dog is breathing heavily, you don’t have to spend any more time thinking of the reasons. More than likely, your dog’s breathing problems are caused by one of the following reasons: 

• Kennel cough 
• A heart condition
• Cancer
• Collapsing trachea 
• Trauma 
• Excess weight
• Allergies
• Pneumonia and other types of lung disease
• Medications 
• Bacterial infection 
• Hot/humid climates 
• Foreign object blocking the airways

What Will Happen When You Take Your Dog To The Vet? 

When your dog arrives at the vet, he may be given supplemental oxygen immediately. Once your pup is stable, the vet will perform a thorough physical examination and likely ask you questions about your dog’s medical history. 

In order to figure out the exact cause of your dog’s breathing issues, a vet will conduct a wide variety of diagnostic tests like an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, fluid sample examination, and many more. 

The right treatment for your dog will depend on what’s causing its breathing issues. Be sure to ask the vet which home remedies are appropriate for your best pal. 

Here Are The Top Home Remedies For Dog Breathing Problems  

One of the best ways to relieve dog breathing problems is to use home remedies. Once again, before using any of these home remedies, I advise you to talk to an experienced vet for approval to make sure that you are doing the right remedy fit for your dog’s situation. 

Shelter & Shade 

When dogs spend a lot of time outdoors in a hot and humid climate, many of them will probably experience breathing problems—you’ll immediately see them rapid breathing. Just so you know, flat-nosed dog breeds are especially sensitive to hot and humid climates. During these unbearable conditions, it’s best to provide lots of shade for your furry friend or let it stay indoors as much as possible. Furthermore, avoid heat stroke by offering your dog lots of water throughout the day too. I find that leaving several bowls of water around the house or yard a good way to encourage Fido to drink more.

Increase Or Decrease Exercise 

There’s a good chance that your dog’s breathing condition may be due to too much or too little exercise, and an experienced vet will be able to tell you if your dog’s exercise routine needs to be adjusted. If your best pal is severely overweight, he will most likely develop breathing problems. A vet may encourage you to walk your dog more because your dog’s breathing condition may be caused by obesity. On the other hand, if a vet believes that your dog’s breathing problems are due to age, he/she may urge you to decrease your furry friend’s exercise every day. 

Teeth Cleaning

Many pet owners know that ensuring that our dogs have excellent oral hygiene can prevent bad breath and periodontal disease, but were you aware that this can also keep its lungs and heart functioning well? For these reasons and more, make it a priority to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. During this daily activity, you can closely monitor your dog’s labored breathing. Always check that your dog’s mouth is clean and healthy as any obstruction or dental issue will worsen his condition.

CBD Oil

Many dog owners swear by treating their dogs’ breathing problems with natural remedies like the best CBD oil for dogs. A great natural remedy, CBD oil has been shown to improve obstructive airway disorders, according to many studies. What I love about CBD for dogs is that it makes them calm. Although CBD oil is generally safe for dogs, you should check with a highly qualified vet before treating your dog with this natural supplement. Avoid replacing any of your dog’s prescribed medications with CBD oil unless a vet says it’s okay. 

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are an extremely effective and inexpensive way to improve your dog’s breathing condition, and many dog owners already know this secret to treating their dogs’ breathing problems. Simply set a humidifier next to the dog bed or dog crate, and you should start noticing significant improvements in your dog’s breathing really soon. 

A New Harness 

If your dog suffers from severe breathing problems, you may have noticed that the collar is making his cough and spasms much worse. A collar can greatly exacerbate our furry friends’ breathing problems even if it’s only moderately tight. Instead of a dog collar, using one of today’s best dog harnesses may just be the home remedy that you need. 

Honey 

Known as a respiratory reliever, honey has been used by many dog owners to improve their pets’ breathing problems. When honey is used with a few key ingredients, this respiratory reliever may be able to prevent your dog’s respiratory tract from swelling. The natural remedy may also be able to control your dog’s lung spasms. 

Special Training 

Many dogs may be breathing fast due to stress and anxiety. If this is also the case with your dog, talk with a vet about letting a certified dog behaviorist train your dog at home [1]. After a few sessions with a certified behaviorist, you may notice that your dog’s breathing has drastically improved. 

Special Diet

If your dog’s breathing issues are caused by heart disease, a vet may urge you to alter your dog’s diet. In order to determine the best diet and best dog food for your furry pal, I suggest you work closely with a vet. 

Benadryl

Available over-the-counter, Benadryl is a great antihistamine if your dog’s breathing condition has resulted in inflamed nostrils. 

Please note: If your dog is still experiencing breathing problems after trying these home remedies, please take it to the vet immediately. A vet may recommend alternative treatments such as sterile nose drops and/or home oxygen therapy. In some cases, a dog with breathing issues may require prescription medications or surgery. 

How Can You Manage Your Dog’s Breathing Condition? 

After treating your dog with a home remedy, there are some ways to manage its breathing condition. Here is how you can keep your dog’s breathing condition from getting worse. 

• Make sure that your dog gets the kennel cough and flu vaccines
• Adhere to your vet’s treatment instructions 
• Take your dog to the vet if you notice that its symptoms are getting much worse 

FAQ 

1. What can I give my dog If He Has trouble breathing?

When it comes to the best treatments for your dog’s troubled breathing, you’ll definitely want to consult with a vet. Depending on the exact cause, a vet may recommend any of the following home remedies: Honey, a new harness, CBD oil, a special diet, regular teeth cleaning, humidifiers, or Benadryl. A vet may also encourage you to increase or decrease your dog’s physical activity. Make sure that your dog has plenty of shade while engaging in physical activity, especially when the weather is hot and humid. If you happen to discover a home remedy online, always consult with a vet before using this treatment on your dog. 

2. How do you fix a dog’s respiratory problem?

If you don’t notice any improvement after using a home remedy, you should call a vet to discuss additional ways to improve your dog’s respiratory problem. The specific treatments will depend on the cause of your dog’s breathing issues. A vet may then recommend surgery, prescription medications, intravenous fluids, home oxygen therapy, and even sterile nasal drops. During a surgical procedure, a vet will need to get rid of the fluid around your dog’s lungs. A couple of medications that a vet may prescribe to your dog are diuretics and bronchodilators.