Does your dog sneeze a lot? While occasional sneezing is normal for dogs, just like humans, persistent sneezing can be a sign that something is wrong. If your dog won’t stop sneezing, it’s important to figure out why. Sneezing in dogs can be caused by many things, from simple irritants to more serious health issues.
Common Reasons for Dog Sneezing
1. Irritants and Environmental Factors:
Dogs have sensitive noses, and many things in their environment can tickle them. This can include dust, pollen, perfumes, cleaning products, smoke, and even strong smells from food. When these irritants get into their nasal passages, the body’s response is to sneeze them out.
- Dust and Debris: Everyday dust, especially if you’re cleaning or the air is dry, can easily irritate a dog’s nose.
- Pollen and Allergens: Just like people, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen from trees, grass, and flowers can cause a dog to sneeze. Other allergens include mold spores and dust mites.
- Strong Scents: Air fresheners, scented candles, harsh cleaning sprays, and even some human colognes can be too much for a dog’s delicate nasal lining, leading to sneezing.
- Smoke: Cigarette smoke, fireplace smoke, or even smoke from cooking can irritate a dog’s respiratory system.
2. Nasal Foreign Bodies:
Sometimes, a dog might inhale something small that gets stuck in its nose. This could be a blade of grass, a seed, a small piece of dirt, or even a tiny bug. When a foreign object is lodged in the nasal passage, it will cause immediate and often forceful sneezing as the dog tries to expel it. This is often accompanied by dog pawing at face and sometimes nosebleeds.
- What to look for: Sudden, violent sneezing fits, often with your dog shaking its head and pawing at its nose or face. There might also be dog watery eyes or a bloody dog nasal discharge.
- What to do: If you suspect a foreign body, do not try to remove it yourself as you could push it further in or cause injury. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
3. Infections:
Just like humans can catch a cold, dogs can develop infections that affect their respiratory system. These can range from mild viral infections to more serious bacterial or fungal issues.
- Canine Cold Symptoms (Viral Infections): While dogs don’t get the human “flu” or “cold” in the same way, they can get viral infections that cause similar symptoms. These can include sneezing, coughing, runny nose (clear or colored dog nasal discharge), lethargy, and sometimes fever. These are often referred to as canine cold symptoms.
- Bacterial Infections: These can occur on their own or secondary to viral infections or irritants. They can cause thick, colored nasal discharge and more persistent sneezing.
- Fungal Infections: Certain fungal infections, like aspergillosis, can affect a dog’s nasal passages. This often causes sneezing, nasal discharge (sometimes bloody), and facial pain.
4. Allergies (Dog Allergies):
Dog allergies are a very common cause of sneezing and other respiratory symptoms. These can be environmental, food-related, or even contact allergies.
- Environmental Allergies (Atopy): Similar to human hay fever, dogs can be allergic to things like pollen, mold, dust mites, and flea saliva. Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy skin, dog watery eyes, and ear infections.
- Food Allergies: While less common for respiratory symptoms alone, some dogs can develop allergies to certain ingredients in their food. This can manifest as sneezing, along with digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea, and skin problems.
- Contact Allergies: Reactions to materials like plastic food bowls, certain bedding, or chemicals can cause irritation and sneezing.
5. Dental Problems:
Surprisingly, dental issues can lead to sneezing. Infections in the upper teeth, particularly the canine teeth or premolars, can erode into the nasal passages. This can cause chronic sneezing, nasal discharge (often from one nostril), and sometimes facial swelling.
- Symptoms: Persistent sneezing, especially after eating or drinking, bad breath, dog nasal discharge, and sometimes pawing at the mouth.
6. Nasal Tumors or Polyps:
In older dogs, or even younger ones, growths within the nasal passages like tumors or polyps can cause sneezing. These growths can obstruct airflow, irritate the nasal lining, or bleed.
- Signs: Chronic sneezing, bloody nasal discharge, facial deformity, noisy breathing, and sometimes seizures if the tumor is elsewhere but causing secondary effects.
7. Reverse Sneezing:
This is a common, albeit alarming, phenomenon that can be mistaken for a serious problem. Reverse sneezing occurs when a dog inhales sharply and rapidly through its nose, often sounding like snorting, gasping, or choking. It’s thought to be caused by an irritation in the throat or palate.
- What it looks like: The dog might stand with its elbows out, head extended, and make a loud snorting or honking noise. It usually lasts only a few seconds to a minute.
- What to do: Stay calm. Most episodes resolve on their own. Gently stroking your dog’s throat or gently covering their nostrils for a moment can sometimes help them stop. If it becomes frequent or lasts a long time, consult your vet.
Deciphering the Cause: What to Observe
To help your veterinarian diagnose the problem, pay close attention to the details surrounding your dog’s sneezing episodes. The more information you can provide, the quicker and more accurate the diagnosis will be.
Key Observations to Note:
- Frequency and Duration: How often does your dog sneeze? Does it happen in short bursts or continuously for long periods? Are there specific times of day when it’s worse?
- Type of Sneezing: Is it a gentle sneeze, or is it a forceful, violent expulsion? Does it sound like reverse sneezing (snorting/gagging)?
- Nasal Discharge:
- Color: Is it clear, white, yellow, green, or bloody?
- Consistency: Is it watery, thick, or mucus-like?
- Unilateral vs. Bilateral: Does it come from one nostril or both?
- Other Symptoms:
- Dog Watery Eyes: Are your dog’s eyes also producing extra tears?
- Dog Pawing at Face: Does your dog rub or scratch at its nose or face?
- Lethargy: Does your dog seem tired or less energetic than usual (dog lethargy)?
- Coughing or Wheezing: Are there any accompanying coughs or abnormal breathing sounds like dog wheezing?
- Appetite and Thirst: Has your dog’s eating or drinking habits changed?
- Breathing: Is your dog breathing normally, or are they struggling to breathe?
- Fever: While hard to measure at home, signs like feeling warm to the touch can be indicators.
- General Behavior: Is your dog acting normally, or are they clearly uncomfortable or distressed?
Diagnosis: Visiting the Veterinarian
When you take your dog to the vet, they will start with a thorough physical examination. This includes checking your dog’s eyes, ears, mouth, throat, and listening to their lungs.
Diagnostic Tools and Procedures:
- Physical Examination: The vet will look for signs of irritation, discharge, or other abnormalities.
- Medical History: You’ll be asked about the onset of symptoms, any potential triggers, and your dog’s overall health.
- Blood Work: This can help identify signs of infection or inflammation.
- Nasal Swabs: Samples can be taken from the nasal passages to test for bacterial or fungal infections.
- Nasal Flushing: In some cases, the nasal passages may be flushed with saline to help remove irritants or foreign bodies. This is often done under sedation.
- X-rays or CT Scans: These imaging techniques can reveal issues within the nasal passages, such as tumors, polyps, or damage from infections.
- Rhinosocpy: A specialized procedure where a small camera is inserted into the nasal passages to visualize the lining and identify foreign objects or growths.
- Allergy Testing: If dog allergies are suspected, skin or blood tests can help identify specific allergens.
- Dental Radiographs: If dental disease is suspected, X-rays of the teeth and jaw will be taken.
Treatment Approaches Based on Cause
The treatment for persistent sneezing in dogs depends entirely on the underlying cause.
Treatment Options:
- Irritants:
- Solution: Remove the offending irritant from the environment. Use air purifiers, avoid scented products, and ensure good ventilation.
- Nasal Foreign Bodies:
- Solution: Removal by a veterinarian, often under sedation or anesthesia. This might involve specialized instruments or flushing.
- Infections:
- Canine Cold Symptoms (Viral): Often supportive care. Ensure rest, hydration, and good nutrition. Antiviral medications are rarely used, but antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection develops.
- Bacterial Infections: Antibiotics tailored to the specific bacteria.
- Fungal Infections: Antifungal medications, which can be administered orally, topically, or via nasal instillation. Treatment can be long and requires consistent administration.
- Allergies (Dog Allergies):
- Environmental Allergies: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunotherapy (allergy shots), or Apoquel/Cytopoint medications can help manage symptoms. Identifying and avoiding allergens is crucial.
- Food Allergies: Strict hypoallergenic diet trial with novel protein sources.
- Dental Problems:
- Solution: Professional dental cleaning, tooth extractions if necessary, and antibiotics to clear infections.
- Nasal Tumors or Polyps:
- Solution: Surgery to remove the growth, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the tumor.
- Reverse Sneezing:
- Solution: Usually no treatment is needed. If it’s very frequent or distressing, your vet might offer advice or suggest identifying triggers.
Preventing Sneezing Fits
While you can’t prevent all sneezing, you can take steps to minimize the chances of your dog experiencing these issues.
Prevention Strategies:
- Maintain a Clean Environment: Regular dusting, vacuuming (with a HEPA filter), and washing your dog’s bedding can reduce dust and allergens.
- Good Ventilation: Ensure your home is well-ventilated, especially if you use cleaning products or have pets that shed a lot.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of strong perfumes, air fresheners, scented candles, and harsh cleaning chemicals.
- Regular Dental Care: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and schedule professional dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Healthy Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality diet to support their immune system.
- Fleas Control: Implement effective flea control measures, as flea allergy dermatitis can sometimes contribute to broader allergic responses.
- Supervise Outdoor Activities: Be mindful of where your dog is sniffing, especially in grassy or wooded areas where they might inhale foreign objects.
- Know Your Dog’s Triggers: If you notice your dog sneezes more around certain things, try to limit their exposure.
When Sneezing is an Emergency
While most sneezing is not life-threatening, there are situations where you should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Emergency Signs:
- Severe Difficulty Breathing: If your dog is struggling to breathe, gasping for air, or has blue gums.
- Heavy or Bloody Nasal Discharge: Significant blood coming from the nose can indicate a serious issue.
- High Fever: A very high temperature accompanied by other symptoms.
- Severe Lethargy or Collapse: If your dog is extremely weak, unresponsive, or collapses.
- Facial Swelling or Deformity: Especially if it appeared suddenly.
- Constant, Uncontrolled Sneezing: If sneezing is so intense it’s preventing your dog from resting or eating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can my dog have allergies like humans?
A1: Yes, dogs can have allergies just like people. These dog allergies can be to environmental factors (pollen, dust mites), food ingredients, or even flea bites. Symptoms often include sneezing, itchy skin, and dog watery eyes.
Q2: My dog has a runny nose and is sneezing. Is it a dog cold?
A2: While dogs don’t get the human “cold” virus, they can develop similar symptoms from various viruses or bacteria. These canine cold symptoms often include sneezing and a runny nose (dog nasal discharge). It’s best to see a vet to rule out more serious infections.
Q3: What if my dog keeps sneezing and pawing at its face?
A3: If your dog is frequently sneezing and showing signs of dog pawing at face, it could indicate a foreign object in the nasal passage, significant irritation, or a nasal mite infestation. Contact your veterinarian for assessment.
Q4: Can my dog stop sneezing on its own?
A4: Sometimes, if the cause is a mild irritant, a dog might stop sneezing on its own once the irritant is gone. However, if sneezing persists, is accompanied by other symptoms like dog lethargy or dog wheezing, or if there’s thick nasal discharge, it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Q5: Is reverse sneezing dangerous for my dog?
A5: Reverse sneezing is usually not dangerous, though it can be frightening for owners. It’s a reflex caused by throat irritation. While most episodes are benign, if they become frequent or severe, it’s worth discussing with your vet to ensure there isn’t an underlying issue.
Q6: What are the signs of a serious dog respiratory infection?
A6: Signs of a serious dog respiratory infection include labored breathing, dog wheezing, difficulty breathing, discolored nasal discharge (yellow, green, or bloody), high fever, extreme dog lethargy, and loss of appetite. Seek veterinary care immediately if you observe these symptoms.
Q7: Can a dog sneeze from anxiety?
A7: While sneezing is primarily a physiological response to irritants or medical conditions, extreme stress or excitement can sometimes trigger mild sneezing or snorting in some dogs, similar to how people might sniffle when nervous. However, persistent sneezing is rarely due to anxiety alone.
Q8: My dog sneezes and has watery eyes. What could be wrong?
A8: Dog watery eyes along with sneezing are classic signs of allergies, irritants, or certain infections. The tear ducts and nasal passages are connected, so inflammation in one area can affect the other.
Q9: My dog has a slight cough and sneezes occasionally. Should I be worried about dog sniffles?
A9: Occasional dog sniffles and a mild cough could be minor irritations. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, or if other signs like dog lethargy appear, it’s advisable to consult your vet to rule out more significant respiratory issues.
By carefully observing your dog and working closely with your veterinarian, you can get to the bottom of why your dog won’t stop sneezing and ensure they get the care they need to breathe easy again.