Kennel Cough Medicine for Dogs

We at Milo Naturals know how stressful kennel cough can be, especially when your dog develops a harsh, persistent hacking cough that sounds painful or alarming. Many pet owners search “kennel cough medicine for dogs” wanting to know what actually works, what vets typically prescribe, and what safe at-home remedies can help soothe the throat and airways.

In this expert guide, we break down the best kennel cough medicine for dogs, including vet-approved treatments, when antibiotics are needed, and gentle home remedies that may support recovery — including our own Milo Naturals Respiratory Support, designed for irritated airways.

👉 Check Out Milo Naturals Respiratory Support

What Does Kennel Cough Medicine for Dogs Do?

Kennel cough medicine focuses on:

• Reducing inflammation in the trachea

• Easing the harsh hacking cough

• Supporting the immune system

• Preventing secondary infections

• Helping your dog feel more comfortable while the virus runs its course

Since kennel cough is usually viral, many cases don’t need antibiotics — but they may still need supportive care and airway-soothing remedies.

Veterinary Kennel Cough Medicine for Dogs

When you contact your vet, they may prescribe one or more of the following medicines depending on the severity of symptoms:

1. Antibiotics (If Bacterial Infection Is Suspected)

While most kennel cough cases are viral, vets may prescribe antibiotics if:

• The cough is severe

• Thick nasal discharge appears

• Symptoms last longer than expected

• A secondary bacterial infection develops

Common choices include:

• Doxycycline

• Clavamox (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)

• Azithromycin

These can help speed recovery only if bacteria are involved.

2. Cough Suppressants

For dogs with a painful, deep, or constant hacking cough, vets may prescribe:

• Hydrocodone (stronger)

• Butorphanol

• Dextromethorphan (mild, sometimes OTC-bought but ONLY with vet guidance)

These medicines reduce coughing fits, allowing the trachea to heal.

3. Anti-Inflammatories

To calm the irritated trachea, vets may use:

• NSAIDs (prescription only)

• Steroids in rare cases

These help reduce swelling and coughing severity.

4. Nebuliser or Steam Therapy (Vet-Directed)

Some vets recommend nebulising saline or medications for dogs with more stubborn coughing.

Home Remedies & Natural Kennel Cough Support

Many mild cases of kennel cough can be supported at home with gentle remedies while the illness runs its course:

✔ Steam / bathroom humidity

Helps loosen mucus and calm the throat.

✔ Switching from collar to harness

Removes pressure from the trachea.

✔ Keeping your dog rested

Overexertion triggers coughing fits.

✔ Warm water & hydration

Keeps the throat moist and reduces irritation.

✔ Avoiding smoke, candles, sprays

Irritants can intensify coughing.

Natural Kennel Cough Medicine for Dogs: Milo Naturals Respiratory Support

While not a replacement for veterinary treatment, natural respiratory support can be extremely helpful for soothing the irritated trachea during and after kennel cough.

Our upcoming Milo Naturals Respiratory Support formula includes botanicals traditionally used for airway comfort:

🌿 Tiger Milk Mushroom

Supports lung function and helps calm airway inflammation — excellent during recovery from kennel cough.

🍄 Cordyceps militaris

Helps maintain healthy oxygen capacity and supports breathing comfort.

🌱 Mullein Leaf

Known for its soothing benefits on dry, harsh coughing.

🍃 Nettle Leaf

Ideal for dogs sensitive to environmental triggers that worsen coughing.

🌸 Marshmallow Root

Coats and comforts the throat, reducing coughing frequency.

Milo Naturals Respiratory Support is especially helpful once vet care has begun, or when the cough is mild and your dog simply needs airway comfort.

👉 Check Out Milo Naturals Respiratory Support

How Long Until Kennel Cough Medicine Works?

This depends on the cause:

• Viral kennel cough: 7–14 days

• Bacterial kennel cough (with antibiotics): improvement within 3–5 days

• Mild cough + natural support: often eases in a few days

Coughing may linger even after the infection clears — the trachea takes time to heal.

This is where soothing botanicals shine.

When to Contact a Vet About Kennel Cough

Seek veterinary attention if:

• The cough worsens over time

• It lasts longer than 2 weeks

• Your dog develops a fever

• Breathing becomes difficult

• Your dog stops eating or seems lethargic

• The cough becomes wet or productive

When in doubt, call your vet — especially for puppies or senior dogs, if you want to know more about kennel cough check out this blog post: Kennel Cough.

FAQ: Kennel Cough Medicine for Dogs

1. What is the best kennel cough medicine for dogs?

Vets commonly use antibiotics (if bacterial), cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatories. Mild cases may only need rest and natural support.

2. What can I give my dog at home for kennel cough?

Humidity, rest, hydration, and soothing natural botanicals like mullein, marshmallow root and cordyceps.

3. Do all dogs with kennel cough need antibiotics?

No — most cases are viral and improve with supportive care.

4. Can natural supplements help kennel cough?

Yes — soothing botanicals like the ones in Milo Naturals Respiratory Support can help calm throat irritation and reduce coughing frequency.

5. When should I avoid home treatment?

If your dog has trouble breathing, won’t eat, develops a fever, or the cough turns wet.

References

Merck Veterinary Manual – Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
https://www.msdvetmanual.com/

Canine Disease Complex (Kennel Cough)
https://www.avma.org

Frontiers in Pharmacology – Tiger Milk Mushroom Airway Study
https://www.frontiersin.org/

NIH/PMC – Cordyceps & Respiratory Performance Study
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5236007

PubMed – Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Respiratory Support Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16222647