Dogs are social and loving animals that have lived with man from time immemorial. They are easy to take care of, which is why humans keep them as pets. Furthermore, they act as security, keeping intruders out of their owner’s homes.
Yes. Dogs can get phlegm in their throats. Dogs always suffer from a windpipe tingle that is always characterized by a hard cough that almost sounds as if they are choking, followed by a slimy-like liquid from their nose called phlegm.
If your dog has mucus in their throat (dog phlegm in the throat), it may be a sign of an underlying respiratory issue. It’s important to take your dog to the vet to determine the cause of the phlegm and receive appropriate therapy.
In the meantime, you can try to relieve your dog’s throat by using a humidifier or steam from a hot water bath to help loosen the phlegm. Additionally, make sure your dog stays hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water. Do not give your dog any medication purchased from a store unless your veterinarian advises you to do so.
Causes of Phlegm in Dogs
The following are ten causes of phlegm in dogs:
1. Allergies
Dogs may develop phlegm due to allergies to environmental factors like pollen, dust, and mold. Allergies in dogs can cause excessive production of phlegm in the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
2. Respiratory Diseases
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can lead to phlegm production in dogs. These infections can cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract, leading to an increase in mucus production.
3. Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a condition that causes phlegm production, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by long-term inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs.
This inflammation can lead to an overproduction of phlegm or mucus, which in turn causes persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.
4. Kennel Cough
A highly contagious respiratory infection that causes phlegm production, coughing, and fever. The virus is highly contagious and can be passed on through coughing and sneezing or by the dog getting into contact with surfaces that are infected with the virus.
5. Heartworm Disease
Dogs infected with heartworms may develop phlegm due to lung damage. Heartworms are a parasitic infection that can seriously affect a dog’s health.
Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries, causing blockages that can lead to lung damage and the production of phlegm.
6. Breathing In Foreign Materials
Inhaling foreign substances like smoke or chemicals can irritate and damage the lungs, leading to phlegm production. These substances irritate the respiratory tract and organs, leading to the production of phlegm.
7. Abnormal Growths
Some tumors can grow in the respiratory system and cause phlegm production. They develop in different parts of the respiratory system, like the lungs and trachea, and can result in the production of mucus in a dog’s throat.
8. Dog Flu
The canine influenza virus can cause phlegm production along with other respiratory symptoms. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs.
The virus can cause a range of symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. In some cases, the virus can also cause phlegm production.
9. Heart Disease
Some heart diseases can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to phlegm production. Heart diseases, such as congestive heart failure, can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which then leads to the production of mucus in the dog’s throat.
10. Breathing Disorders
Some dogs may be born with abnormalities in their respiratory systems that can cause phlegm production. These disorders, like collapsed bronchitis, can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to coughing and the production of phlegm.
How Do You Clear Mucus From a Dog’s Throat?
The following are five ways to help clear mucus from a dog’s throat:
1. Drinking Plenty of Water
Keeping your dog hydrated can help thin out mucus, making it easier to clear. Keeping your dog hydrated is crucial for their overall health. When dogs are adequately hydrated, their bodies are better equipped to thin out excess mucus. This makes it easier for them to clear the mucus from their throat.
2. Application of Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air can help break up mucus in your dog’s throat and make it easier to cough up. An increase in moisture in the air can increase humidity levels, which can help break up mucus in a dog’s throat and respiratory tract.
3. Steam Therapy
With your dog in a small room, turn on hot water in a sink or water bath, and hold your dog close enough to inhale the steam. Be cautious to keep water away from the dog, as it can cause blisters due to burning.
4. Call the Vet
It is best to take your dog to the vet to determine the probable cause and get proper medical attention in case the mucus persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughing.
5. Natural Remedy
Add a bit of honey and lemon to your dog’s water or mix it in with their food. Honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help prevent infections and soothe sore throats, while lemon, on the other hand, can help break down mucus.
Dog Phlegm Remedy
The following are five home remedies for dog phlegm:
1. Honey
Add a teaspoon of honey to your dog’s food to help soothe his throat and reduce phlegm. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat.
It can also act as a natural cough suppressant, which can help reduce the amount of phlegm produced.
2. Steam
Bring your dog into the bathroom while you shower to expose him to steam. This will help loosen up any phlegm that may be causing respiratory distress. You can also subject it to steam from a warm water bath.
3. Vital Oils
Add a drop of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of boiling water and let your dog inhale the steam. This can help clear up his airways and reduce phlegm.
You can also apply other vital oils, such as Peppermint oil and Lavender oil.
4. Concoctions
Brew a tea made from herbs like liquorice root, ginger, and fenugreek and add it to your dog’s drinking water. This can help reduce phlegm and soothe his throat.
However, you should seek advice from your vet first, as some concoctions can be very detrimental to your dog.
5. Neti Jar
Employ a neti pot to gently flush your dog’s nasal passages. This can help remove excess mucus and reduce phlegm in the throat. Ensure that you use a saline solution specially formulated for dogs.