Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How can I help my congested dog breathe easier with home remedies?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 11 years and 2 months old | 15 lbs

My dog is super congested..what can i do for her at home

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 20th, 2017

You could put a humidifier in the room with her and/or put her in the bathroom while you shower to moisturize her nasal passages and help her breath easier. She might also need an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory so you could have her examined by a vet to prescribe.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 19th, 2016
Poor Toby! If he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. You can also put him in a small room with a vaporizer (just the steam, don't use medicine) to see if that helps with his breathing. If he begins to have a lot of difficulty breathing, including high respiratory rate while resting and bluish gums, you will need to rush him into an ER vet right away.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 22nd, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. It sounds like he has an upper respiratory tract infection based on the symptoms you have described. He will need to see his veterinarian if the coughing persists. In the meantime, you can turn the shower to hot and close the bathroom door. Allow the steam to build up. Then place him in the bathroom to breathe the warm humid air. This can ease congestion. It is unlikely that he acquired the infection from you, but it is possible. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog is congested and sneezing. What home remedies can I try?

Yes, there are a few home remedies you can try to see if that helps with Rosco's congestion. I would bring him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. You can also put him in a small room with a humidifier to see if that helps with his congestion. Do not give him any human medications for his congestion, many are toxic to dogs. If he's still suffering with the congestion on Friday, take him into the vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is congested and stuffy. What home remedies can I try?

Poor Dolly! You can try to hold her in a small bathroom while your run a hot shower and let her breathe in the steam. Obviously, don’t put her in the water. And picking her up allows her to get more steaks since steam rises. You can also try some Benadryl. See the link below for more information. If she isn’t improving or if she is lethargic or not eating then I would have your vet look at her. Your vet will be able to listen to her heart and lungs and help determine the cause. She may need some antibiotics to help her feel better. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog sounds congested. How can I help him feel better at home?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend using a humidifier until you can get him to the veterinarian. Do not use any decongestant products over the counter as these can have harmful toxic effects on animals. Avoid any essential oils and no vapor rubs as these can be irritants to the airway. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is congested. How can I help him breathe through his nose?

Oh no, poor Buddy! This could be caused by an upper respiratory infection, fungal infection, foreign body, or a nasal tumor if he is an older dog. You can try putting him in a room with a humidifier, or brining him into the bathroom with you when you take a shower. The steam from these may help temporarily relieve any congestion he is experiencing. I would have Buddy seen by a vet in the morning . The vet can diagnose what is causing his difficulty with breathing through his nose, and can discuss treatment options with you.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has one stuffy nostril but isn't sick. What can I do at home?

You could put him in a steamy bathroom or a room with a humidifier/vaporizer and see if that helps moisten any secretions and relieve the congestion. You could also try a saline nasal spray. Otherwise, he needs to be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic and/or other medications and your vet can prescribe.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What home remedies clear my dog's stuffy nose without a humidifier?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You could try letting your shower water run warm/hot with the door closed which will result in steam concentrating in the bathroom and possibly helping Brain's clogged nose. You can try this for 10-15 minutes a few times a day. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My poodle is congested and can't breathe. What can I do to help?

Poor Bella! It does sound like she is very congested, and I can give you some things to try at home to help her with that. She may also benefit from some medications from the vet, which you can use in conjunction with the home remedies to give her maximum relief. I would have her seen by a vet today to have medications prescribed so she can get some rest. At home, try using a humidifier (water only) or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share