Why Is My Dog Sneezing?

While the occasional sneeze is to be expected from your dog, you may worry if it happens frequently.

It’s vital to tell the difference between a dog’s sneezing because it’s being silly or trying to communicate with you and because it has anything more serious wrong with it.

What to do if your dog won’t stop sneezing, when to take your dog to the vet, and some frequent causes of your dog’s sneezing are provided below.

Why Do Dogs Sneeze?

You can narrow down the potential reasons of your dog’s sneezing episode by considering the following list:

Allergies

The sneezing of your dog may be a sign of environmental allergies. As with other allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes or excessive licking and scratching of the fur, sneezing may be present.

Play Sneezing

Laughing and sneezing are common behaviours among canine companions during play. This action also serves to signal to the other dog that play is being initiated. There’s probably nothing to worry about if you witness your dog sneezing during a playdate but there are no other symptoms.

Reverse Sneezing

It’s fascinating to watch a dog reverse sneeze in response to excitement, irritation, or inflammation. Dogs will make a honking noise by taking rapid, shallow breaths through their noses. When dogs reverse sneeze, it can appear as if they are having problems breathing. Petting your dog and soothing them down may sound dramatic, but it typically solves the problem.

Airborne Irritants

It’s possible for some dogs to be allergic to common household allergens like pollen and dust, which can trigger episodes of sneezing. Your dog may sneeze owing to irritation caused by the tiny particles becoming lodged in his nasal passages or pharynx. Candles, perfumes, air fresheners, cigarette smoke, and several household chemicals are also known to trigger allergic reactions.

Foreign Body

A dog’s nasal passages can become very irritated if something foreign becomes lodged there. Grass, foxtails, and sticks are all examples of such materials. Since these items are so irritating, the effects would likely include persistent itching and sneezing.

Nasal Infection

Some canine sneezes may be the result of an upper respiratory infection. These can be caused by fungi or bacteria, and they can even start at the root of a tooth. Dogs with infections often exhibit other signs, such as a bloody or mucoid discharge and a lack of appetite.

Nasal Mites

Small bugs called nasal mites can irritate a dog’s nasal passages severely. When dogs dig or rub their noses in the dirt, they frequently develop these infections. Your dog may be sneezing a lot and there may be a bloody or thick discharge coming out of his nose because of the discomfort and inflammation produced by these insects.

Nasal Tumor

Nasal tumours are a potential cause of sneeze in older dogs (often those over the age of 7). Increased sneezing frequency over time is a common symptom, and tumours can sometimes cause bleeding in one nostril.

Dog Breeds That Are Prone to Sneezing

Sneezing is more common in dogs who have a brachycephalic, or flat face, since their nasal passages are smaller. Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs top the list of brachycephalic breeds prone to breathing and sneezing problems.

Uncontrollable Sneezing in Dogs

As a pet owner, hearing your pet sneeze violently is likely to send alarm bells ringing. A nasal foreign body, nasal mites, or a nasal tumour are the most prevalent reasons of uncontrollable sneezing in dogs. Seeking emergency veterinarian care is necessary if your pet is sneezing nonstop, especially if there is nasal discharge present.

Dog Sneezing With Other Symptoms

Aside from sneezing, what other symptoms might you see in your dog? Listed here are some of the most often encountered symptoms, along with descriptions of their significance.

Dog Sneezing Blood

If your dog starts sneezing blood, it’s a clue that there’s something more serious going on with his nasal passages. Nasal tumours, foreign bodies, and bacterial or fungal infections are all possible reasons for this symptom.

Dog Sneezing and Coughing

If your dog is sneezing and coughing, it could be an indication of a more serious medical problem. Kennel cough, canine influenza, respiratory parasites, and serious bacterial or fungal infections are all potential causes of these symptoms.

Dog Sneezing and Wheezing

In addition to sneezing, wheezing could be an indication of an issue with your dog’s lungs that needs to be checked out. Several medical conditions, including asthma, can affect the respiratory system and lead to wheezing.

Dog Sneezing vs. Snorting

It’s not always clear when a dog is sneezing and when it’s snoring. In general, sneezing involves expelling air whereas snorting involves sucking air in while making a noise. While brachycephalic dogs are more likely to snore than other breeds, overweight dogs and dogs with underlying health problems also often snore.

What Can I Give My Dog for Sneezing?

There are a variety of reasons why dogs can be sneezing, and some of them do and others don’t. You may be tempted to treat your dog’s sneezing with human over-the-counter medications like Benadryl, but you should always consult your doctor to find out the real reason your dog is sneezing.

When to Take Sneezing Dogs to the Vet

In most cases, a dog’s occasional sneeze can be ignored without a trip to the clinic. While most cases of canine sneezing may be handled at home, a visit to the vet is warranted in a few. When to visit the veterinarian:

Take your dog to the vet immediately if you see indicators like thick nasal discharge/blood, nasal swelling, lethargy, fever, or decreased appetite.

Sneezing in dogs that seems to have no obvious reason may require further investigation.

Schedule a visit to the vet if your dog is sneezing and showing other severe allergy symptoms including itching, licking, and scratching.