Lung Health for Dogs

Canine Respiratory Issues in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chronic coughs, wheezing, and/or labored breathing are all related to the Lung energetic organ system of traditional Chinese medicine which belongs to the Metal Element according the Five Phases in Chinese medicine. We are all familiar with using over-the-counter cough remedies when we have a cold or flu, but a chronic cough requires tonic herbs dosed over many months to resolve. As with most diseases and health conditions, Chinese medicine breaks down coughs in to many patterns allowing for more effective treatments and better long-term outcomes. Your dog would not have to have all of the symptoms in a specific category, but must have several of the symptoms for a pattern to become apparent.

Metal Element Lung Qi Deficient Patterndog-herbs-chronic-cough.png

  • Prolonged weak cough
  • Fatigue
  • Weak bark
  • Sadness
  • Labored breathing with exercise
  • Asthma
  • Sudden loss or separation

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Metal Element Lung Pattern combined with Water Element-Kidney Yin Deficient Pattern

  • Chronic dry cough especially at night
  • Breathing difficulty-especially with exercise
  • Dry flaky skin
  • Dry fur
  • Dry tongue
  • Evades heat

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Metal Element Lung Qi Deficient Pattern combined with Water Element-Kidney Yang Deficient Pattern

  • Chronic breathing difficulties and or cough
  • Trouble breathing in, or inhaling
  • Clear discharges and phlegm if any
  • Cold feeling ears and nose
  • Seeks out warmth
  • Pale tongue
  • Lack of thirst or interest in drinking water

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Metal Element Lung Qi Deficient Pattern combined with Earth Element Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to Dampness Pattern

  • Chronic cough
  • Clear nasal discharge or phlegm
  • Chronic heaves
  • Fatigue
  • Loose stools
  • Weak bark
  • Little thirst

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Metal Element combined with Wei Qi Immune Pattern

The Lung energetic organ system of Chinese medicine is closely related to the immune response as it is seen to be the closest organ to external pathogens and influences. 

  • Chronic colds
  • Allergies
  • Sneezing

Purchase Metal-Lung tonic herbs for dogs here!

Metal Element Lung Qi Pattern combined with Toxic Heat Pattern

  • Yellow, green or orange discharges or phlegm
  • Agitation
  • Thirst
  • Red tongue
  • Seeks coolness

These symptoms would suggest an infection; you should visit your local veterinarian.

Purchase herbs for clearing Toxic Heat here!