Most often, a dog coughing is nothing to get concerned about. This may be caused by many harmless factors, such as a piece of dust tickling their throat. A veterinarian should check out a more serious cough in dogs and may require a good dog cough relief aid or medication directly from the vet clinic.

Your dog coughing should become a concern to you if it seems to be a recurring issue.

A chronic cough in dogs could be a symptom of a serious health condition, and your pooch needs to be examined by a vet, and a vet may prescribe specific medicine.

Some common diseases that can cause coughing in dogs include:

  • heart disease
  • heartworm infestation
  • respiratory infections
  • collapsed trachea
  • bronchitis
  • cancer

If your dog's cough is mild, non-recurring, and is the only symptom, one of the best dog cough relief aids may be able to help him.

We'll discuss some dog cough medications available over the counter, including below the top-rated best dog cough aids.

What to Know About Dog Coughing and Cough Relief

If your dog develops a mild cough but seems to feel fine otherwise, it's safe to wait a few days before taking him to see a veterinarian.

Usually, canine cough will pass on its own. However, if the cough is accompanied by lethargy, diarrhea, fever, or other irregular health symptoms, you need to take Fido to seek veterinary care immediately.

Aside from known reasons for dog coughing similar to those we see in humans, a unique cause of why your dog is coughing could be the condition called kennel cough.

Fortunately, this condition usually will resolve itself after a week or two:

“Coughing due to kennel cough usually becomes apparent within a few weeks of exposure of your dog to other dogs in a kennel or show environment. Kennel cough usually resolves itself without any treatment.” – College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University (source)

Whatever the reasons you think may be for your dog's cough, talk to your vet before using any over-the-counter dog cough treatments and cough relief aids for your pet.

The medication may not even be necessary, and the cough may go away on its own.

Most of the time, the vet will be able to tell you over the phone if a dog cough remedy is needed or if it's safe for your pet.

They know your dog's medical history, which could greatly affect the likelihood of a cough being just a cough or something more serious.

That said, here are some options of dog cough relief to discuss with your veterinarian.

Note that this article doesn't replace a consultation with a veterinarian. A veterinarian may only prescribe the best dog cough medication (or any other meds) after your dog has been examined.

The dog cough aids listed in this article and sold over the counter may be weaker, unregulated supplements. Your vet will always know better.

Top 5 Best Dog Cough Relief Aids

1HomeoPet Cough

Relentless coughing in pets is not only bothersome, but it may also lead to more serious health problems if left unattended.

First on our list of the best dog cough relief solutions is the HomeoPet fast-acting liquid.

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  • COUGH MEDICINE FOR DOGS &...
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It is recommended for most types of cough, including dry or wet cough, kennel cough, and barky cough.

This solution uses organically-grown herbs and contains no harmful chemicals. It had been clinically proven to be safe and effective even for pups, kittens, and pregnant pets and caused no harmful side effects.

One bottle is good for approximately 90 doses.

Instead of those costly antibiotics or steroids, pet owners say they have resorted to using this liquid cough drop on their dogs and were impressed with the results.

Administering the medicine is easy. Based on their experience, HomeoPet Cough worked whether they placed the required dose directly into the dog’s mouth, mixed it with wet or dry food, or put a few drops on their dog’s cookie treats.

They observed that it worked faster if given right at the onset of a cough.

According to dog owners, this formula made a huge difference in their pets’ condition and wellbeing, and theirs as well.

It helped them save on expensive vet bills and prescription medicines. It has also significantly reduced stress, both for them and their pets, and that’s priceless.

If your pet has been suffering from an annoying cough without letup, this HomeoPet cough solution might be what you’re looking for.

It’s a great cough medicine to keep for quick relief from coughing and sneezing.

PROS:

  • Recommended for most types of coughs
  • Formulated with organically grown herbs
  • Contains no harmful chemicals
  • Safe and effective for puppies and pregnant dogs
CONS:

  • Some dogs are likely to dislike the strong smell

 

2Paw Healer Hound Honey Phlegm Heat Syrup

Paw Healer’s Hound Honey is a natural remedy that suppresses cough, especially the hacking and honking type of cough.

It is highly recommended for early signs of cough, including rapid breathing with rasping sounds, gasping for breath, and excessive thirst.

The syrup comes with rich natural herbal extracts that help fight tracheal problems and allergies in pets. It works by discharging mucus clogged in the respiratory tract, which usually triggers coughing as an expectorant.

PawHealer Dog Cough Remedy-Hound Honey Syrup...
  • Symptoms of Excess Honking...
  • Rapid Breathing
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  • Gagging / Hacking Cough
  • Signs of Heat - Thirsty -...

It’s easy to dispense – usually by dribbling over food or simply giving it to the dog by the spoonful.

According to pet owners who’ve tried this product on their dogs and cats, it really works. Gone were the sleepless nights because of an annoying cough.

They have also significantly cut out expensive narcotic cough medications, not to mention the harmful effects that drugs usually have on pets, such as constant drowsiness, tiredness, and loss of appetite.

The Honey Hound has been most effective in treating coughs associated with tracheal ailments and allergies.

Many owners of dogs with collapsed trachea say that they’ve gone from feeling helpless to hopeful after finding this cough syrup.

Relief from cough usually came overnight after administering the medicine.

It has certainly helped sick dogs to breathe healthier again and made the lives of pets and their owners much easier.

PROS:

  • Made with rich natural herbal extracts
  • Discharges mucus clogged in the respiratory tract
  • Easy to dispense by drizzling over food
CONS:

  • Some dogs would not consume this due to its smell and texture

 

3

Safe Bay Dog Supplement and Cat Supplement

They created this supplement by Breathe Well with maximum symptom-fighting ingredients, including Calendula, Mullein leaf, and Elderberry.

This is an all-natural product that can be used for dogs as well as cats.

No products found.

Safe Bay Dog Supplements is a vet's choice. They were developed with supreme quality products to improve and extend the lives of your companion animals.

This is an all-natural product. Made in the USA.

Pet owners were so pleased with this product because it really helped their dog’s nagging cough after only a short treatment time.

PROS:

  • Some find it Highly effective
  • Guaranteed safe with no side effects
  • 100% natural
  • Made in the USA
CONS:

  • Some did not see positive results
  • Most dogs found they liked the taste, but some did not

 

4Pet Wellbeing Throat Gold for Dogs

According to the manufacturer, the Pet Wellbeing Throat Gold natural cough and throat soother for dogs was specially formulated by veterinarians.

It is made from natural ingredients and special herbs with high mucilage content, including chokeberry bark, mullein leaf, slippery elm bark, licorice root, ginger root, and Baikal skullcap root.

Pet Wellbeing Lung Gold for Dogs - Vet-Formulated...
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These protein-rich ingredients are capable of soothing throat discomforts and cough in dogs.

Most importantly, this formula is designed to provide a healthier and stronger immune system to combat common infections in pets.

Pet owners were amazed by the efficacy of this medicine.

After a week of continuous use of the Pet Wellbeing Throat Gold for Dogs, positive results were evident without the ill effects that usually went with prescription meds.

They also observed that this medicine worked really well when given orally in the required dose, although it may also be mixed with the dog’s meal or treat at a somewhat reduced efficacy.

Coughing, breathing noises, shortness of breath, loss of weight, and lack of appetite in pets were just some of the health issues the Pet Wellbeing Throat Gold solved.

When your dog is exposed to other dogs or various unhealthy factors in the environment, this medicine is great to have within easy reach.

PROS:

  • Formulated by veterinarians
  • Made from natural ingredients
  • Herbs used are certified organic
CONS:

  • As with many other recommended dog cough remedies, this is not going to work for every dog

 

5Amber Technology Vibactra All-Natural Antibiotic Alternative for Pets

What makes this product from Amber Technology tick? Essentially, it contains ingredients derived from the freshest and purest organically-grown herbs from reliable growers across the US, according to the manufacturer and their label.

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  • Vibactra Immune Support: The...
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It aids in treating wounds more quickly and works as a perfect alternative to antibiotics and antifungal medicines.

Complete with antioxidants, it strengthens the immune system to help ward off most viral, fungal, and bacterial infections in pets, including respiratory infections.

According to pet owners, they make sure that they always have Amber Technology Vibactra All-Natural Antibiotic Alternative for Pets in their pet’s medicine kit.

It has become an indispensable dog supply for them because it has helped treat various illnesses ranging from nasty coughs, congested sinuses, and trachea problems.

It has also helped foil bacterial and viral infections from further setting in, thus greatly improving their pets’ wellbeing.

Another thing they like is its versatility in treating infected body wounds without the need for antibiotics.

When your pet coughs and starts to lose weight significantly due to lack of appetite, it’s time you use Vibactra.

It not only acts on your pet’s cough; it also works as an all-natural dietary supplement that can help bring back your pet’s lost desire for food.

Nothing can be a better cough medicine than one that treats your dog’s cough, makes them healthier, and does not have side effects like most prescription drugs.

PROS:

  • Made from organically grown herbs sourced in the USA
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Natural alternative to antifungal medications and antibiotics
CONS:

  • As with any other top-rated dog cough relief remedy, this did not work for every dog
  • It smells like wine, and not all dogs will be interested in trying it

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Top Rated Best Dog Cough Relief Aids

Diana currently lives and works in London, UK and she's been an animal lover and dog owner since she was a child. After graduating high school, she focused on getting her degree in English to become a writer with a focus on animals, pets and dogs.