Have you noticed your dog sneezing a bit extra these days? Wondering if it’s something to be concerned about?
Why Do Dogs Sneeze?
Does your dog sneeze a lot? Have you ever wondered why they’re sneezing? There could be several reasons from mild and common, to concerning and severe. One of the most common reasons that a dog sneezes is to get something out of their nose, just like we do.
Maybe they sniffed up a little dust or pollen. And now they need to get it out. Your pup might even have something stuck up their nose like a little dirt, some grass, or a leaf.
Sometimes dogs will even sneeze out of playfulness or excitement. Have you ever been playing with your pup, and as they get all wound up, they start jumping around and sneezing? This isn’t anything to be worried about. Just a sign of playfulness—like howling, barking, or wagging their tail.
And sometimes dogs will do something called a “reverse sneeze.” It’s nothing to be concerned about either. It just happens when a dog sniffs air into their nose too quickly, and it sounds like a sneeze. This is most common in smaller dogs—especially the “flat faced” breeds.
Should I Be Worried If My Dog is Sneezing?
There are some cases when sneezing becomes excessive and concerning. “[Some] things that could be causing your dog to sneeze include allergies to airborne allergens or certain foods, nasal infections and nasal mites. Excessive sneezing can also be a sign of something serious like a tumor but this is more rare.” In addition to that, excessive sneezing could also be from medical problems like kennel cough or respiratory infections.
Nasal Infection
Nasal infections or upper respiratory infections can cause excessive sneezing in dogs. “These can be fungal or bacterial in nature, and sometimes they can even originate from an infected tooth root.” If your pup has a nasal infection, you may also see bloody or mucousy discharge.
Nasal Mites
Nasal mites are actually tiny bugs that can get into your dog’s nose and cause severe irritation. They get into your dog’s nose when your pup digs or rubs their face into the dirt. You may see bloody or thick discharge from your dog’s nose in this situation because of the irritation and inflammation caused by the nasal mites.
Nasal Tumor
Hopefully your dog doesn’t have a tumor. And as we stated above, this is only in rare cases. But some older dogs can get nasal tumors. You’ll usually notice symptoms like increased sneezing over a period of time, or bleeding out of one side of your dog’s nose.
What Should I Do If My Dog Keeps Sneezing?
If you do notice your dog excessively sneezing, increased sneezing over time, or having any kind of bloody or mucousy discharge from their nose, it’s definitely time to call the vet. Hopefully it’s just from some kind of allergies, infection, or irritation. Whether it’s one of those, or something more serious, your veterinarian will be able to diagnose it and prescribe a solution to help your dog heal and feel better.
What Can I Give My Dog for Sneezing?
Some causes of sneezing are very mild, while others are quite serious. And you may be wanting to give your pup some allergy meds like Benadryl to solve their problem. And though Benadryl is ok for dogs on occasion, and in dog-sized doses for specific situations, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian first.
Benadryl may not be the right solution for your dog. And since the cause of their excessive sneezing could be serious, it’s better to bring your pup in sooner rather than later.
Home Remedies for Sneezing Dog
However, if your dog only has minor sneezing that occurs occasionally or seasonally, it could just be typical allergies. And you can try out some of these “home remedies” to help with the stuffiness.
• Humidifier
Using a humidifier can help put some moisture back in the air. If your dog has some seasonal mucous, this can help loosen it up. Or if your dog’s nose is too dry, humidifiers will help with that too.
• Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can sometimes help with things like stuffy noses and colds, even in dogs. Use a diffuser and pick one that helps with stuffy and runny noses.
• Clean up
Your dog may be sneezing because of allergens like pollen and dust. Give the house a good deep clean. Dust regularly. And make sure to wash all of your pup’s toys, blankets, and their bed.
• Extra rest and sleep
If your dog has a minor cold or allergies, they might need some extra rest and sleep to help their body heal and feel better. Just keep notice to make sure they aren’t sleeping excessively or acting overly lethargic. Those could be signs of a bigger problem.
• Plenty of water
Hydration is key to healing and feeling better! We know that we’re supposed to drink extra fluids when we’re sick. And the same goes for dogs. Remember—a hydrated dog is a healthy dog.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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