Just like humans, even dogs are also vulnerable to diseases. Nobody wants to witness their canine suffer, and watching their dog suffer from a problem could be a scary thing to watch. Dogs can suffer from breathing problems not just because of their own congenital defects, but also because of external factors. Dogs are even prone to the breathing conditions that affect human beings. If you notice that your dog’s breathing is becoming harder, it’s better to take him to a veterinarian. But, if you can’t do that, we present to you the best dog breathing problems home remedies.
While some of the respiratory problems can be cured by home remedies, you should know that these home remedies are not always an option; in case your canine is having severe difficulty in breathing, it’s better to take your dog to a vet as soon as possible.
If your dog is not breathing, try to give CPR, as there may not be enough time left to take your dog to a vet.
How to identify if your dog is having breathing problems?
It is not easy to tell if your dog is having trouble breathing because, unlike humans, they can not tell us that they are having problems. It is hard to tell the difference between a normal sneeze from a serious illness like kennel cough, you should look for the following symptoms.
- Shaking when breathing
- Snoring when breathing
- Choking
- Wheezing
- Gurgling
Some information about lungs and airway disorder in dogs
Because of genetic mutation, some breeds of dogs like Pugs, Pekingese, and French bulldogs are more prone to obstructive breathing because of the shape of their head, throat, and muzzle.
When the level of oxygen is low, dogs will show symptoms of respiratory distress. The dog’s body tries to overcome this problem by increasing the rate and depth of oxygen intake; this also increases the blood rate and heart rate.
Dogs often have breathing problems when laying down, walking for long distances, and when sleeping at night: The increase in pressure when they are exercising, or by laying down can boost the symptoms of underlying breathing problems.
Why is your canine breathing heavily?
There are various reasons why your dog is breathing heavily, and some are more serious than others. Here are some of the most common.
- Overweight
- Seasonal allergies
- Old age
- Asthma
- Illness (Heart disease, Kennel cough, Aspiration pneumonia, Parainfluenza)
When to go to the vet
In a few instances, severe respiratory issues can motivate death, so the faster you get to your vet, the better are the chances for your dog to survive.
If you notice the following symptoms in your dog, quickly take them to the vet.
- Vomiting
- Tongue showing different color
- Shaking
- Panicking
- Gasping for breath
- Pawing at mouth
If your dog has stopped breathing or is choking, then do the following steps and act fastly
- Look into your dog’s mouth for a foreign object.
- If there is an object, try to remove it carefully, or try the Heimlich on your dog.
- If there is no object, try to give CPR.
- As soon as they are stable, immediately take them to the vet.
Dog Breathing Problems Home Remedies
In less severe cases, homemade remedies can help your dog by easing their suffering. These can help your dogs to live a more comfortable life, but in case there are any serious symptoms, go to the vet immediately.
Honey
Known as a respiratory reliever, it works exceptionally well for dogs when mixed with a few more natural ingredients like dandelion, which is also rich in vitamins. It helps in stopping lung spasms in dogs and humans.
Humidifier
Is an effective way to suppress bronchitis and a variety of other breathing problems
In both dogs and humans. Just place it on the ground where your dog usually lays down. You should start to see positive results within a week.
Remove collar
Removing your dog’s collar helps them to breathe more easily. Collars can hamper breathing in dogs with serious breathing problems. The collar makes them feel restricted and may worsen their cough.
Clean their teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly helps to keep all kinds of bacteria and infections away and also ensures that their oral health is good, which also keeps their heart and lungs in good shape.
Weight control
One of the main reasons for a dog to suffer from breathing problems is being overweight. It not only causes breathing problems but also puts your dog at risk of getting a heart attack and other new problems. Contact your vet and plan a diet for your dog so it can lose weight and stay fit.
Stay away from hot and humid environment
We humans calm down our body temperature by sweating, dogs don’t sweat like us, meaning they are more prone to breathing problems in a hot and humid environment plus, the added fur only makes it worse.
Reduce excitement and exercising
If your dog is old try to not excite them and decrease the amount of playtime or exercise at a slow pace.
CBD oil for pets
CBD oil which is also known as cannabidiol is a natural substance made from using hemp plants while manufacturing THC is removed or is in very small amounts. It is completely safe for your dog. It works by calming your dog down and in some cases is also used for joint problems
Antihistamines
If your canine is suffering from allergies, hay fever or is stung by a bee and has an inflamed nose, you may want to try antihistamines
oxygen mask for dogs
If your dog is having breathing problems frequently, it is advisable to purchase an oxygen mask and a tank for your dog. Consult your vet regarding this.
LungGold for dogs
Try LungGold for dogs. It is an all-natural remedy for dogs suffering from respiratory difficulty or bronchitis. LungGold is made by combining natural herbs and vitamin C. It also boosts resistance to harmful bacterias and viruses and also reduces swelling caused by bronchioles. It is one of the most effective remedies against bronchioles out there. It can be given daily to your dog as it is all-natural with no side effects.
Before starting any home remedies it would be better to visit your vet first so the vet can determine the underlying problems which are causing difficulty in breathing.