The following is one of the treatment chapters from the book, in its entirety, to give a sense of how the treatment sections work. Remember that the treatment section is only one part of the book, which includes an overview of homeopathy, health, and healing, as well as chapters on vaccination and the human-animal relationship and a Materia Medica (description of homeopathic medicines listed in the book).

Chapter Nine: Respiratory System, Nose, and Sinuses

The Air We Breathe

Function

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

Nosebleed

Coughing

Lung Problems

The Air We Breathe

Just as good healthy food provides nourishment to our bodies, clean fresh air nurtures our lungs and cleanses our spirits (spirit and respiratory derive from the same word root). Today, clean and fresh air may be difficult to find. While we may not be able to directly affect industrial air pollution on a day-by-day basis, we can be thoughtful in our decisions that contribute to the quality of our atmosphere. Drive less, use public transportation whenever possible, ask yourself if a contemplated trip is really necessary. Also, support governmental leaders who value quality of life over consumption and quantity-based standards. We all know what to do. It is simply a matter of priority.

Closer to home, the most obvious air pollutant is cigarette smoke, from tobacco as well as marijuana. The choice to smoke is appropriately an individual one. If you share your living space with others, however, smoke outside whenever possible. You will benefit as well. I have seen many respiratory ailments in animals that improved or disappeared when guardians took steps to improve air quality. Even incense may cause problems, so please be considerate. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine associate the lungs with grief; some believe that smoking is an attempt to fill a void or to mask the feeling of grief. Could this be true for you or for a friend?

Indoor air toxins may derive from a vast number of sources. Carpet, paint, finishes, vinyl floors, plastics, and common household cleaners and other chemicals are just a few products that off-gas dangerous chemicals. Environmental illness and “sick building syndrome” are becoming more and more common, especially with the modern tendency to build houses and offices with reduced ventilation in an attempt to reduce energy costs. While energy conservation is laudable, it should not come at the expense of health. The best solution is to use natural nontoxic products at every opportunity so the air quality is not diminished.

Open windows whenever possible, even on warm days. Turn off the air conditioning and breathe some fresh air. Clean those dusty lungs! If you use air conditioning or forced air heat, change the filter regularly. Reusable high-efficiency filters (HEPA filters) will not only do a better job than the disposable types, but they also save landfill space as well as money. Another option is a room air filter, though most filters remove particulate matter only. While this is sufficient for pollens, dust, and some smoke, it will not remove solvents like glue and paint fumes. For these, you must use a filter with carbon (activated charcoal) filtration in addition to particulate filtration (HEPA). Also be sure to change filters regularly. Carbon filters can reach their maximum quickly if used with new construction, paints, and so on.

Function

Like the digestive system, the respiratory system provides a necessary interface between our bodies and the outside world. While the former provides us with solid nutrients, the latter serves to exchange gaseous materials with our environment. A thin membrane within the lungs allows oxygen to enter the body, as carbon dioxide and other “waste” gases exit (of course, in the wonderfulness of our ecosystem, plants utilize carbon dioxide—it is not a waste gas to them). Respiration is virtually the entire function of this system. The rest of the system exists to support this gas exchange and provide a buffer between delicate lung tissue and the outside world. In a sense, though, our respiratory system is also a connection to the outside world, since we exchange energy (in the form of air particles, carbon dioxide, and oxygen) with every other being on the planet. This is an invisible but real energy exchange, linking us all together.

The long entryway comprising the nose, sinuses, throat, and trachea warms, moistens, and filters incoming air, lessening the shock to the lungs. Upon expiration, these same conduits cool the air and remove some moisture, conserving bodily resources. This is recycling at its most basic and efficient level. Additionally, the outflow expels dust particles that were trapped during inspiration.

Within the lungs, bronchi and bronchioles distribute the air movement to all sections, finally delivering air to the alveoli. Also known as air sacs, the alveoli provide the site for swapping oxygen and carbon dioxide. An alveolus is really nothing more than a tiny, balloon-like membrane that is intimately connected to equally tiny capillaries, which transport blood. The thinness of the membrane allows gases to freely pass through. Diffusion supplies the force: oxygen moves from oxygen-rich air to oxygen-poor blood; carbon dioxide moves from carbon dioxide–rich blood to carbon dioxide–poor air.

Many of the symptoms we view as disease are really only heightened activity as the body attempts to maintain a buffer and an open airway. The body produces nasal discharge, for example, by using mucus to trap dirt and debris. Small cilia (hairlike filaments) move the mucus outward, eventually forcing the discharge to the outside with the aid of sneezing and snorting. Increased mucus is thus a response and evidence of particles or bacteria in the airways that the body is attempting to move to the outside. Similarly, coughing removes particles from deeper in the airways through forceful air movement. The presence or absence of mucus establishes either a wet or dry cough, respectively.

Inflammation of the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, as well as the alveoli, provides another layer of resistance to invasion. Thickening results from the inflammation, creating a more solid barrier. Up to a point, the bronchi and bronchioles remain flexible, but ultimately the thickening interferes with proper functioning. Similarly, thickened alveolar membranes still allow passage of gases up to a certain point, yet provide greater imperviousness to foreign materials.

As with all body systems, viewing symptoms as productive rather than destructive alters our approach to illness. Instead of trying merely to stop the symptoms, we prefer to aid the body in eliminating the need for them. A good example is the use of cold medicines in humans. These drugs tend to stop discharges and reduce coughing. While this may be beneficial in reducing discomfort, the consequence is reduced effectiveness of the self-cleaning capability of the airways. You may feel better for a time, but the cold lingers on due to the hampered immune response.

Rather than suppressing discharges, homeopathic medicines stimulate the immune system, thereby aiding the eliminative effort. In some cases this may mean an increase in discharges for a short time. In many instances, however, discharges and coughing do stop fairly quickly. Rather than acting to oppose symptoms, however, the medicines have changed the susceptibility of the body so that infections or foreign materials are readily eliminated. As a consequence, the body no longer needs to react with symptoms, and they no longer occur.

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

As mentioned above, the body uses sneezing and discharges to expel debris and infectious organisms. It is important that we not artificially suppress these symptoms but instead boost the body’s efforts to cleanse the airways.

General Care for Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

If your companion experiences sneezing and nasal discharge, first you must assess the severity of the problem.

•Is this an isolated incident, or does this happen regularly?

•What does the discharge look like? Is it thick or thin, what color (if any) is it, and is there any blood?

•Is the discharge foul-smelling?

•How frequently is it occurring? Is it constant, or does it come and go?

•Does the discharge interfere with breathing?

•Does the discharge irritate the skin around the nose—is the nose reddened?

•Is she weak and listless?

•Does the sneezing occur in fits? Is it violent?

Have your companion checked right away:

•if you notice weakness;

•if sneezing fits occur more than two to four times a day, especially for more than three days;

•if sneezing is violent;

•if you see blood (more than a few specks), or if discharge is foul-smelling;

•if discharge obstructs breathing.

Have an examination soon:

•if discharge persists for more than a week;

•if condition persists after home treatment;

•if you see acrid (irritating) discharges.

Next, try to determine patterns or circumstances. Are there triggering conditions such as:

•eating or drinking;

•smelling foods, cigarette smoke, and so on;

•times of day;

•stress or anxiety;

•are other animals in the household affected—thus, could the condition be contagious?

Acute Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

If sneezing begins suddenly, and especially if it is violent and one-sided, the problem may be a foreign body in one of the nostrils. This may be something innocuous like a piece of lint that can be expelled by the body, or it may be more serious. If you live in the western United States, foxtails present a threat. These are seed heads of grasses (Alopecurus spp.) that have sticky spikes on them. The spikes grab onto hair and may then propel the foxtail into body cavities, and even into the skin between the toes. Ears, eyelids, and nostrils are common sites of foxtail embedding. The foxtails can travel deeper and deeper due to one-way barbs, so the sooner they are removed, the easier the removal. Anesthesia is often necessary.

Cats occasionally get litter into their nostrils, though in most cases it is easily expelled. I have pulled blades of grass, food particles, and even a maggot out of my patients’ nostrils at various times.

To assist in removal of foreign bodies, the remedies Silicea and Myristica have proven of great benefit. If you suspect a foxtail, however, do not delay in getting veterinary help.

Other causes of acute sneezing include upper respiratory infections and air pollution. Although homeopathic treatment is generally based upon the expression rather than the cause of disease, it is helpful to know the cause to prevent further illness, as well as to understand the severity and likely outcome.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E will reduce the intensity of the inflammation, as well as boosting the immune system. Use moderate doses: for vitamin C (natural C if available) give 10 mg per pound twice or thrice daily, and for vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) give 5 mg per pound once a day. If the nasal discharge irritates the skin around the nostrils, apply vitamin E, Calendula ointment, or aloe topically. If you believe your companion’s health is depleted, an immune-boosting supplement such as echinacea, astragalus, cat’s claw, Cordyceps (a mushroom), or DMG may be helpful. Herbs are best used in short stints, such as a week or two at a time. DMG is safe to give for much longer.

Keep in mind that these upper respiratory infections, especially in cats but including kennel cough in dogs, can be quite contagious. Wash well between handling other animals of the same species after exposure to a potentially contagious animal. Even changing clothes is a good idea. Within a household, you can separate the infected ones, though often exposure has occurred by the time you realize the cat or dog is ill. Again, change clothes (shoes too!) and wash well between handling infected and noninfected animals. You can use coveralls or an overcoat/gown if you must nurse an infected animal and then care for others.

Chronic Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

Have a thorough examination to assess the reason for the condition. If necessary, particularly if the discharge is one-sided, obtain X-rays of the nose and sinuses. A one-sided discharge may be due to an abscessed or decayed root of an upper canine tooth, as well as a tumor or a fungus infection, so a diagnosis is essential. Veterinarians typically recommend a bacteriological culture, though this is rarely of benefit, as chronic conditions are generally not primarily bacterial infections. These can be quite persistent, especially in cats with chronic upper respiratory viruses like calicivirus and rhinotracheitis virus (feline herpesvirus). If your cat suffers from a nasal discharge that does not clear up within a week to a month (depending upon severity), work with a homeopathic veterinarian.

Use antioxidants and immune boosters as above, and be sure the diet is high quality; home-prepared meals are best. Fasting can help some cats, as can cooking the food for a month or two if the cat is chilly or overweight.

Homeopathic Medicines for Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

(See also “Conjunctivitis” in Chapter 10, “Eyes”)

Allium cepa

This remedy is made from a red onion, and its symptoms are just as you might expect: profuse watery eye and nose discharges, red eyes, and frequent sneezing. The left nostril is typically affected more strongly than the right. Curiously, the nasal discharge irritates and burns the nose and upper lip, while the eye discharge remains more bland. The Allium cepa state often arises during cold damp weather and in the spring, but the patient is worse in a warm room.

Arsenicum album

Once again, Arsenicum shows its merit, as the entire respiratory tract falls within the range of this remedy. Discharges tend to be watery, yet burning and irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. The nasal passages may be quite painful to touch. Discharging may start or be more severe on the right side.

The Arsenicum patient is generally restless, thirsty, and chilly, and often very fearful and skittish. Cleanliness is paramount to the Arsenicum state, so animals may expend much effort to clean the nose.

Calcarea sulphurica

A primary symptom of Calc sulph is thick, lumpy, yellow mucus discharges. These may occur anywhere, but most commonly we see them in the nose and eyes. Eye inflammation may occur in newborn or very young animals, so this remedy may be useful in kittens with rhinovirus or calicivirus infections (feline URI), and possibly in early cases of canine distemper. In the nose, the yellow discharge may be blood-tinged and often affects primarily the right side. The tongue may have a yellow coating as well, especially at the base.

Like those needing Allium cepa, these animals are worse in warm rooms, but the condition may arise in cold damp weather.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum

The Hepar sulph state generally occurs late in the course of an upper respiratory infection. As such, the inflammation has progressed to the point of sore, sometimes ulcerated nostrils and a foul discharge that smells like old cheese. Blood often accompanies the discharge. Any inflammation in a Hepar sulph state is usually quite painful to the touch. These animals tend to be very irritable as well, so touching the area may trigger a vicious bite or scratch response.

These chilly animals worsen upon entering cold air or drafts and are worse in winter and at night.

Hydrastis

While these patients have a thick yellow discharge similar to that of Calc sulph, the discharge is ropy rather than lumpy. Also, these animals are usually quite sick and depressed and often somewhat emaciated. The discharge is very acrid and very tenacious—animals have difficulty clearing it from the nose, and it collects in the back of the nasal passages as well as the sinuses. Cats with chronic sinusitis may benefit from this medicine. A headache often accompanies the sinus congestion, so affected animals may appear dull and listless.

These patients tend to be worse in cold air, causing the discharges to become quite profuse.

Kali bichromicum

A keynote of Kali bichromicum is the development of tough crusts that attach to the outer portion of the nostrils and are very difficult to remove. Pulling these crusts off usually tears the skin because of the strong adherence, resulting in a bleeding sore. The accompanying discharge is greenish-yellow and thick. Postnasal discharge may occur as well, and breathing through the nose can be very difficult if not impossible. Violent sneezing often results from the obstruction.

A sore throat typically accompanies the nasal congestion, so these animals may have difficulty swallowing, and their throats will be bright red. The Kali bichromicum state is worse in the morning and in cold, damp weather.

Kali sulphuricum

Like Calc sulph, this remedy state produces a lot of yellow discharges, though the Kali sulph discharges are initially watery, only becoming thick later in the illness. The pus may become greenish as it thickens. Another similarity to Calc sulph is a yellow coating at the base of the tongue.

These animals worsen in the evening and in warm rooms, improving while walking in cold air. This remedy may be needed after Pulsatilla, if Pulsatilla helps but does not cure the cold.

Mercurius (vivus or solubilis)

Mercurius is suited to a condition that closely resembles that of Hepar sulph in that the illness is rather advanced and destructive. Inflammation is often profound, producing intense redness, ulceration, corrosion, and nosebleed. The Mercurius discharge is foul, cheesy-smelling, and greenish, and it corrodes skin and mucous membranes upon prolonged contact.

These animals are also quite irritable, but unlike those needing Hepar sulph, these patients are worse in warmth and sunshine (sunshine incites sneezing). Consider also Mercurius corrosivus if Merc v or Merc s do not help and you still think Merc is the best remedy.

Mercurius corrosivus

I have seen good result with Merc corr in a household calicivirus outbreak in cats, with nasal symptoms as well as drooling and mouth ulceration. These were very ill cats, and Merc corr turned several around nicely.

Natrum muriaticum

Nat mur is said to be “infallible for stopping a cold commencing with sneezing,” and I have had success in a couple of cases where sneezing was the first sign. Discharge is usually watery at first, or it may be watery alternating with dry. There may be ulcers or irritation on the nose itself, especially on the wings. Nat mur is probably best in these early stages before thick discharges arise.

Pulsatilla

When Pulsatilla is indicated, the animal will generally produce thick yellow or yellow-green discharges that obstruct the nose and fill the eyelids. These discharges tend to be bland. Often Pulsatilla is needed at the end of an illness, when inflammation has subsided but drainage continues to occur. The inflammation that should be present to eliminate the disease cannot manifest, and the body needs help in finishing the cure.

Classically, these sweet-natured animals are thirstless, avoid heated stuffy rooms, and like lots of attention and nurturing. They can be quite demonstrative in this need for attention. Discharges worsen while the animal is inside, and they improve upon going out into open air. The right nostril or eye will be affected more often than the left side.

Sabadilla

Sabadilla is useful in humans with hay fever (and thus in animals with similar symptoms), with red watery eyes, violent itchy sneezing, and fluent runny nasal discharges. The discharges are mucus, either transparent or thick and yellow-gray, rarely watery. It can be helpful in prolonged cases where other remedies have not helped. These patients are usually chilly, but may be improved in open air.

Sepia

While Sepia also produces a thick greenish discharge, these cats and dogs are nothing like those needing Pulsatilla. The Sepia state is one of indifference to others and sadness. Additionally, these animals tend to be quite chilly, and will hug the fire in an attempt to stay warm. The left side bears the brunt of disease.

Silicea (Silica)

Poor reaction highlights the need for Silicea, as these patients cannot mount a good immune response. Weakness abounds throughout the body, even in this inability to rid the body of illness. Thus those needing this well-known abscess remedy have as much difficulty eliminating nasal discharges and infections as eliminating infections from puncture wounds. And these animals often have a history of one infection after another, as well as poor skin, poor teeth and gums, and generalized lethargy.

Other Silicea hallmarks include chilliness, sensitivity to touch and noise, and a history of many vaccinations. Additionally, these animals may be thin, weak individuals.

Sulphur

As with most Sulphur discharges, nasal discharges tend to be watery, profuse, and irritating. Occasionally they become yellowish. Sneezing predominates, and animals may rub the nose and eyes due to the burning irritation. Redness develops as well, a Sulphur keynote—red eyes, red scabby nostrils, red anus, and so on.

Sulphur animals may be quite thirsty and often have poor appetites. Early morning is a time of worsening. Finally, these animals (and people) are known for a lack of concern for appearance, so dogs (and even cats) appear unkempt and unclean.

Sycotic co

This is one of the bowel nosodes, and it can be a great remedy for upper respiratory infections such as feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis) and calicivirus infections. It may be hard to obtain, as it is a prescription remedy, but it is helpful if you can get some. There is thick nasal mucus (catarrh), often with postnasal and sinus involvement, so these animals may have difficulty breathing through their noses. The nose may also be dry and crusted, with cracks. There may also be cracks in the angles of the lips, and ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue, with increased salivation.

Nosebleed

Bleeding from the nose, if separate from a respiratory condition, can indicate a bleeding disorder, so this should be investigated thoroughly. If it occurs as part of a nasal condition, however, it may be due to irritation of the mucous membranes. As long as the bleeding is neither severe nor persistent, you can feel safe treating this with homeopathy. If you see any evidence of anemia (lethargy, pale gums), however, if the bleeding is profuse, or if you see bleeding in any other location, have an examination right away. Pressure and cold applications may reduce or stop the bleeding.

Yunnan paiyao is a Chinese herbal formula that is often quite effective at stopping hemorrhage from any cause. It comes in capsules. Give one or two capsules (depending upon the intensity) for dogs over twenty-five pounds. For cats and small dogs, give one-quarter to one-half capsule. This dose may be repeated two to four times a day as needed. There is also a small red “safety pill” that may be administered in emergency situations. This preparation is generally for short-term use only.

See also “Hemorrhage” in Chapter Fifteen, “Therapeutic Indications by Condition.”

Homeopathic Medicines for Nosebleed

Arnica montana

Primarily, Arnica will be indicated when the nosebleed follows an injury or a shock. The injury may not be directly to the nose. There may be much bruising, and these animals tend to be extremely painful, to a greater extent than the injury would warrant. Consequently they are very fearful of touch.

Ferrum phosphoricum

This remedy is often indicated when the nosebleed accompanies a fever. The blood is usually bright red. The animal may be rather thin and delicate, with pale gums. See also the description below, under “Homeopathic Medicines for Coughing.”

Hamamelis

Hamamelis may be needed for long-lasting hemorrhage with soreness of the nose. There may be a foul odor as well, and the blood may be dark.

Millefolium

The blood will be bright red when Millefolium is indicated, and bleeding may occur after strenuous activity.

Phosphorus

Like Ferrum phos and Millefolium, this remedy is indicated when the blood is bright red. These animals are usually thin, active, graceful, and friendly. They often have a tendency to vomit, especially after drinking or after eating foods too quickly. The vomiting does not affect them much, however, and they quickly return to eating or other activity. See also the description below, under “Homeopathic Medicines for Coughing.”

Coughing

As with sneezing, coughing provides a way for the body to remove foreign materials and infectious organisms from the respiratory tract. Forceful expulsion of air carries particulates out of the trachea and bronchi, thus mechanically cleaning the airways. Mucus may be produced here, as it is in the nose, to bind these particles and prevent them from moving deeper into the lungs. In this instance, coughing moves the mucus as well as the particulates it contains, resulting in a moist cough. A moist cough may also accompany circulation problems due to inadequate movement of blood through the lungs. Pooling of blood in the lungs can lead to seeping of fluid (plasma) through the alveolar walls into the airways. Coughing will then expel this fluid, allowing air to penetrate into the alveoli so that respiration can occur.

While the selection of a homeopathic medicine is not dependent upon which mechanism is producing a cough, obviously you need to know the cause. This determination will help decide what supportive measures may be beneficial, and it allows you to understand the severity and prognosis of your companion’s illness.

General Care for Coughing

If your companion is coughing, try to ascertain the severity of the situation:

•Is this an isolated incident, or does it happen regularly?

•How long does the coughing spell last?

•Is the cough moist or dry?

•Is he bringing anything up—mucus, blood, pus?

•Is breathing hindered?

•Are the gums nice and pink, or are they muddy, dark, or bluish?

•Is she active, or lethargic?

Have an examination immediately:

•if breathing is hindered;

•if gums are not pink (gum color should be the same as yours—if your pet’s gums are pigmented, you can look under the eyelids, or at the vagina if you have a female);

•if she is extremely weak.

Have your companion checked right away:

•if he is weak and lethargic;

•if the cough is moist, especially if any material is coughed up;

•if coughing is severe, or if spells last more than a few minutes;

•if cough is worsening.

Have an examination soon:

•if coughing persists for more than a few days (the more severe the cough, the sooner you should get an exam).

Next, try to determine patterns and circumstances.

•Are there triggering conditions such as:

•air pollution;

•dampness;

•going out into cold air;

•entering a warm room;

•drinking;

•lying down?

•What time of day or night does the cough occur?

•Are other animals in the household affected?

Acute Coughing

If your companion’s energy is good and the condition seems mild, try some vitamin C (5–10 mg/pound, two to three times a day, natural vitamin C if available) and vitamin E (3–5 mg/pound, once a day, mixed tocopherols). If the cough doesn’t resolve itself within a day or two, treat with one of the remedies listed below. For lung congestion, such as with upper respiratory infections, you can also try the following formula, from Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal: Using dry herbs, mix two parts licorice root, one part each of cinnamon, echinacea, and elecampane, and one-fourth part ginger root. Make as a tea, with one teaspoonful herbs to a cup of boiling water. Allow to steep, then remove herbs. Give one dropperful to small dogs (or cats, though cats do not take this formula well due to its taste), and one-half to one teaspoonful per twenty pounds for larger dogs. Give three to four doses daily. This is a great formula for colds that settle in the chest for humans, and for similar conditions in animals. Elecampane is the prime mover in this formula, but it has a strong aromatic taste. You can add a little honey for taste if that helps. Also see the remedy Inula helenium below for homeopathic usage of elecampane in animals who won’t take this formula.

For drier coughs, including asthmatic and allergic coughs, give nettle tea at the same doses as the formula above. Cats will usually take this fine. It can help with any lung condition but is especially helpful with drier coughs. I have used nettle tea successfully with kennel cough also, though the elecampane formula might work better with wetter coughs. Dehydration is often a component of dry coughs and asthma, so adding more water to the diet, as well as encouraging broth consumption, often helps animals with these coughs. Use broth without added salt, and preferably homemade.

Chronic or Severe Coughing

For more severe conditions, I strongly recommend working with an experienced homeopathic practitioner. Veterinary monitoring is essential, as these conditions can be life-threatening. Obtaining a diagnosis is particularly important for the same reason. If you cannot work with a homeopathic prescriber, you can try one of the indicated remedies in addition to conventional therapy, though interpretation and response may be unclear. Herbal therapy such as echinacea or cat’s claw for infections, or hawthorn for heart failure, may be of benefit, but a diagnosis is needed to know what to use. Gingko, nettles, and bromelain/quercetin may help asthmatic coughs. A holistic veterinarian can provide the best assistance.

Homeopathic Medicines for Coughing

Aconitum napellus

A sudden dry cough in an individual that has recently been chilled, especially in a cold wind, is a good indication for Aconite. These animals usually have a fever and a thirst for cold water. They may be quite anxious and fearful. Kennel cough may respond to it if the symptoms fit. The best responses occur when this remedy is administered early in the course of an illness.

Antimonium tartaricum

Antimonium tart is indicated in fairly serious respiratory affections, with copious amounts of mucus and a loose rattling cough. Although abundant, the mucus proves to be quite difficult to expel. These patients may be very weak, with poor respiration, leading to drowsiness and trembling. They must sit up to breathe, and vomiting may follow coughing fits. Despondency and chilliness generally accompany the condition. Consider this remedy for canine distemper.

Arsenicum album

Arsenicum is often helpful with asthma, a major cause of coughing in cats, although other remedies are frequently needed for permanent relief. Nighttime aggravation is usually present, as are restlessness, thirst, and chilliness—all classic Arsenicum symptoms. The cough tends to be dry, although it may alternate with a loose cough; coughing may follow drinking.

Belladonna

Belladonna states generally arise suddenly and are attended with intense anxiety, sometimes aggression, and dilated pupils during periods of aggravation. The cough is dry and accompanied with fever, chilliness, and sweating (check the foot pads in cats and dogs). Coughing often occurs on slight motion and may occur in spasms. It may be indicated in kennel cough. These patients may be thirsty for cold water, or they may be thirstless.

Bryonia alba

The Bryonia cough is similar to that of Belladonna: a dry cough aggravated by slight motion, and fever with great thirst. Onset is more gradual, however, and the thirst is even greater, as this is one of our thirstiest remedy states. The Bryonia cough is aggravated upon entering a warm room. Motion is generally intolerable for these patients, even being carried around. They usually prefer to be left alone. Coughing and breathing may be quite painful, so rapid, short respiration may ensue. The animal may sit up to breathe more comfortably.

Cina

Infestation with worms can induce a Cina state, so it is more commonly needed in young animals. They tend to be moody, irritable, and touchy—to the point of biting or swatting at those around them. The Cina cough is gagging, hacking, and spasmodic, sometimes violent. The aggravation occurs in the morning when Cina is needed; this is different from most other remedies. It may also be worse at the full moon. This is another remedy to consider for kennel cough.

Drosera

Also a good choice for kennel cough, Drosera is indicated for violent, spasmodic coughing spells. The throat is very ticklish, so vocalization or touching the throat often incites a coughing spell. The cough may be worse when the animal lies down, an unusual symptom. Coughing is deep, as if it comes from the abdomen. Hoarseness and laryngitis may accompany the cough.

Dulcamara

Aggravation in cold damp weather or from lying on damp ground points to the successful use of this remedy. It is also commonly needed toward the end of summer, when days are warm and nights are cold. Frequently the cough is asthmatic and dry, although it may be loose. Coughing may be brought on after exertion. A common initiating cause of the Dulcamara state is rapid chilling after being hot, as after exercise on a cold damp day.

Ferrum phosphoricum

These patients tend to have low-grade inflammations with productive coughing. They may cough up blood or bleed from the nose. The cough is usually tickling and hacking and may be spasmodic. Ferrum phos is often indicated in earlier stages of infections and inflammations. Mentally these animals may alternate between depression and excitability, and they generally wish to be left alone.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum

One of the major croup remedies for children, Hepar sulph can also benefit animals with bronchial inflammation. Coughing is almost always productive when Hepar sulph is indicated, and a thick yellow pus is produced. These animals are chilly, and any time they become chilled the cough worsens. Cold drafts are especially troublesome. Mentally, irritability and violence often predominate, and touch may bring about a vicious response. There may be a history of abscessed wounds.

Inula helenium

This is elecampane, a wonderful herb for the lungs. Its homeopathic indications include dry tickling cough, productive cough with thick expectoration, and general languor and debility, possibly combined with weak digestion. It can be used in a low potency, as a semiherbal application, by giving a 3X, 6X, 3C, or 6C dose, three or four times daily. This will support the lungs when there is congestion of a viral or inflammatory nature (as opposed to fluid buildup from heart or other organ weakness).

Ipecac

Coughing with nausea is a keynote for Ipecac. These animals will cough, usually violently, and then often vomit. Bleeding from the nose or mouth may accompany the cough. Asthma may be accompanied by skin disease, and it may be aggravated in damp weather. Breathing can be quite difficult, with violent wheezing; it is better in warm and open air but worse in cold air. Ipecac may be indicated when animals cough until they stiffen and pass out.

Phosphorus

This polychrest remedy centers its action in the lungs. Not surprisingly, then, many respiratory conditions will improve under its influence—if the individual is in a Phosphorus state. Bleeding often accompanies any Phosphorus condition. These animals may cough up blood-tinged mucus or bleed from the mouth or nose. The cough is typically dry and deep, and it is worse in cold air, especially upon leaving a warm room to go out into the cold. These animals may tremble when coughing and may cough more in the presence of strangers. They are generally chilly, thirsty for cold water, ravenous, and startle easily. Constitutionally, these animals are friendly and vocal, with long lean bodies.

Pulsatilla

The Pulsatilla cough is generally dry at night and loose in the morning. Heated rooms aggravate the Pulsatilla condition, while open air will relieve it. Sitting up will also provide relief, as will lying with the head elevated. This remedy is frequently needed near the end of a respiratory infection, when congestion has settled in the chest and the body needs to clear the discharges. Animals needing Pulsatilla are generally sweet, desire attention, and are not thirsty, even with a fever.

Rumex crispus

A characteristic of Rumex is tickling in the throat leading to coughing. This tickling is so severe that slight touch will elicit a cough. The other very important sensitivity is to cold air; every breath of cold air will initiate a cough. Any temperature change may also elicit a coughing spell. The Rumex cough tends to be dry and persistent. This remedy should be considered for kennel cough.

Spongia tosta

Spongia comes to mind for croupy, barking coughs. The sound of the cough has been compared (very aptly) to that of sawing through a pine board. Eating and drinking warm things will generally improve the cough; cold drinks may aggravate it, as may cold wind. Excitement usually worsens the cough. Spongia may be indicated in coughs from heart disease. These animals may be quite anxious and fearful, and often startle from sleep, moving into coughing or breathing difficulty. Spongia may be indicated for kennel cough.

Lung Problems

If your dog or cat has problems indicating more serious lung or heart problems, she should be under the care of a competent homeopathic prescriber, and close veterinary supervision is essential. Symptoms might include shortness of breath, rapid tiring upon minimal exercise, or severe wheezing. You might also notice gurgling or rattling sounds during breathing, indicating fluid accumulation. If you see any of these signs, obtain a thorough examination right away, and determine the extent of the problem. Any of these conditions may respond to correctly prescribed homeopathic medicines, but they are serious conditions and should be treated by someone with experience. If there is fluid buildup in the chest, as from heart disease, Apocynum can be a good remedy, but the animal should be under professional care.