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Why is my dog’s nose runny?
What does it mean if a dog has a runny nose?
Ever noticed your dog sniffling like they’ve caught a cold? It might sound odd, but just like us, our furry companions can come down with a case of the sniffles too! A runny nose can be just as annoying for them as it is for you — especially if it comes with other symptoms.
Let’s take a look at some of the causes of your dog’s runny nose, and what we can do to help them. After all, we all know how miserable a runny nose can make us!
The medical name for your dog’s runny nose is nasal discharge. It can help by knowing what kind of nasal discharge you’re seeing on your dog, especially if you’re having to explain things to your vet over the phone.
So, take a good look and tell your vet if you see any of the following kinds of discharge:
Hemorrhagic (bloody discharge)
This is usually caused by a trauma or possibly some form of dental disease.
This is usually caused by a trauma or possibly some form of dental disease.
Serous
If you’re seeing thin, watery, clear mucus coming from your dog’s nose, it normally means an allergy is the culprit.
If you’re seeing thin, watery, clear mucus coming from your dog’s nose, it normally means an allergy is the culprit.
Mucus
If you see a thick substance, either yellow or white and it’s accompanied by swelling, it’s likely to be mucus.
If you see a thick substance, either yellow or white and it’s accompanied by swelling, it’s likely to be mucus.
Purulent
Normally green or yellow, purulent discharge is caused by bacterial infections.
Normally green or yellow, purulent discharge is caused by bacterial infections.
It’s always good to pay attention to the little details when figuring out what’s going on with your pup. Take note of whether their runny nose is a constant drip or if it comes and goes.
Also, check if it’s affecting both nostrils or just one — this can give clues about whether the issue is more general (like allergies) or something more localized (like a foreign object stuck in their nasal passage).
The more observations you can make, the better equipped you’ll be when chatting with your vet.
If you spot your dog’s nose looking extra runny, keep an eye out for other changes — are they feeling warmer than usual? Not eating like they normally do? Sleeping more (or less) than usual? Acting a little off? If you notice any of these red flags, it’s best to check in with a vet right away.
Sometimes, a runny nose is just a passing annoyance — but other times, it can signal something more serious. While allergies and mild infections are common culprits, there are a few other possibilities to keep in mind too, so be vigilant.
The type of dog you’ve got plays a role, too. Nasal infections and other upper respiratory infections affect brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs more than others. Some of these dogs include Shih Tzus, Pugs, French or English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pekingese.
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Symptoms of nasal discharge in dogs
The tricky thing with nasal discharge in dogs is that it can vary depending on what’s causing it. Many dogs can have a runny nose for no reason at all at times, and you may not even notice anything other than a wet nose.
The most common symptoms to look out for are sneezing, runny eyes, sweating and nasal discharge coming from either one or both of your pups nostrils. In most cases of these symptoms there’s no need to contact a vet and they should disappear relatively quickly.
When to see a vet
While most of the time it’s probably nothing to worry about, if you’re seeing more serious signs then as always follow the ‘better to be safe than sorry’ route and seek help.
You should make a vet’s appointment if your dog is displaying any of these symptoms:
- Wet, runny nose for longer than 24 hours
- Red, swollen or puffy eyes
- Loud breathing
- Panting
- Bad breath
- Rubbing or pawing at nose and face
- Head shaking
- Trouble breathing through nose
- Coughing
- Appetite loss
- Agitation
- Depression
- General malaise
What causes a dog’s nose to be runny?
So, what’s actually behind your dog’s runny nose? There are quite a few possibilities – some more serious than others – but here are the most common causes:
Allergies
If your pup has clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing, allergies might be the culprit. These usually pop up seasonally and can be triggered by things like pollen, grass, or mold.
If your pup has clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing, allergies might be the culprit. These usually pop up seasonally and can be triggered by things like pollen, grass, or mold.
Lower respiratory issues
Problems affecting the bronchi or trachea can sometimes lead to nasal discharge.
Problems affecting the bronchi or trachea can sometimes lead to nasal discharge.
Infections
If the nasal discharge is yellow or green, it’s likely a sign of an infection. Other symptoms to watch for include fever, lethargy, and overall unwell behavior. Infections can range from mild to serious, so a vet visit is a good idea.
If the nasal discharge is yellow or green, it’s likely a sign of an infection. Other symptoms to watch for include fever, lethargy, and overall unwell behavior. Infections can range from mild to serious, so a vet visit is a good idea.
Foreign bodies
Dogs love to sniff around, but sometimes, they end up with something stuck in their nose – anything from sticks and rocks to bugs or other odd objects. If the discharge is only coming from one nostril, this could be the issue.
Dogs love to sniff around, but sometimes, they end up with something stuck in their nose – anything from sticks and rocks to bugs or other odd objects. If the discharge is only coming from one nostril, this could be the issue.
Tumors
Unfortunately, tumors are more common in older dogs (usually over eight years old). Signs to look for include bloody nasal discharge, facial deformities, weight loss, and general weakness. If you spot any of these, it’s vital to get things checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, tumors are more common in older dogs (usually over eight years old). Signs to look for include bloody nasal discharge, facial deformities, weight loss, and general weakness. If you spot any of these, it’s vital to get things checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
Dental disease
Dental troubles can cause your poor pup a world of problems – just like us.
Dental troubles can cause your poor pup a world of problems – just like us.
Could your precious pooch’s runny nose be something to do with what they’re eating? Perhaps it’s time for a diet change. Check out our guide on How to choose the best food for your dog and see what a difference a good, balanced meal offering can make.
Diagnosis of a dog’s runny nose
If your vet’s going to diagnose your dog’s runny nose, they’ll need to do a complete physical examination. They will want to take a good look at the following:
- Vital signs
- Your dog’s weight
- General coat condition
- Palpitations
- Auscultation
When you take your dog to the vet for a persistent runny nose, they won’t just rely on a quick glance, they’ll likely want to dig a little deeper.
First up, they may take a sample of your pup’s nasal discharge and examine it under a microscope to check for anything suspicious, like bacteria, fungi, or unusual cells.
They might also use an endoscope – a small camera that allows them to check inside your dog’s nasal passage and airway for anything that shouldn’t be there.
Beyond that, your vet might run lab tests like a urinalysis, fecal exam, and blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions. And if they suspect something more serious, they could opt for chest X-rays to assess the lungs, or even go further with a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI for a closer look.
While it may sound like a lot, these tests help paint a clear picture of what’s going on and ensure your pup gets the right treatment.
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Treatment of a dog with a runny nose
Once your vet has a good idea of what’s causing your canine companion’s runny nose, there are several routes they can take to treat it.
Allergies
Allergies tend to be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and eliminating the allergen as much as possible. There are many options for treating allergies medically.
Allergies tend to be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and eliminating the allergen as much as possible. There are many options for treating allergies medically.
Infections
Bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics, fungal infection is treated with antifungals, and parasites are treated with anti-parasitic medication. If your dog has pneumonia or another serious lung infection, the veterinarian may decide to keep him overnight for breathing treatments and observation.
Bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics, fungal infection is treated with antifungals, and parasites are treated with anti-parasitic medication. If your dog has pneumonia or another serious lung infection, the veterinarian may decide to keep him overnight for breathing treatments and observation.
Foreign bodies
Depending on what it is in your dog’s nasal passage and how far up their nose it’s stuck, nose, surgical removal may be necessary.
Depending on what it is in your dog’s nasal passage and how far up their nose it’s stuck, nose, surgical removal may be necessary.
Tumor
A tumor in a dog’s nasal passage may be benign, or malignant (cancerous). Treatment might include surgical removal of the tumor.
A tumor in a dog’s nasal passage may be benign, or malignant (cancerous). Treatment might include surgical removal of the tumor.
Prevention of runny nose in dogs
If your dog is prone to having a runny nose, you aren’t going to be able to completely stop it on your own, but there are several things you can do to make life more comfortable for your precious pooch, including:
- Ensuring that your house is as dust-free as possible
- Keeping up-to-date with your dog’s vaccinations and parasite preventatives
- Gently cleaning any discharge around your pooch’s nose to prevent crusting and build-up
- Ensuring that your house is as dust-free as possible
- Not smoking indoors and avoiding other triggers like perfumes, incense and candles
- Using a humidifier or taking your dog into a steamy room
- Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and following other dental advice from your vet.
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How dogs recover from a runny nose
Most of the time, it’s no big deal if your dog’s nose is runny, and your pup will be back to normal in no time. But as any pet parent knows, it’s easy for us to worry when something seems off.
So, stay observant and don’t hesitate to get your furry friend checked out if anything seems out of the ordinary. Catching potential issues early is always the best move.
Nasal Discharge Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pit Bull
Two Years
31 found this helpful
31 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
Hi! I’ve noticed that my dog gets white almost foamy liquid around the corners of her nose when I walk her and she sniffs the ground. I don’t notice it any other time but I’m not sure if it’s coming from her or something she’s picking up off the grass. I’d like to gauge whether or not this is serious before I have to take her to a vet and pay the vet fee.
Dec. 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
31 Recommendations
It is possible that this is simply saliva and it is transferring to the nose when licked when out and about.
In the absence of other symptoms (such as altered breathing, mucus discharge, coughing, sneezing etc), I wouldnt be overly concerned but would keep an eye on things.
Do ensure you provide water during and after walks and avoid over exercising in the heat.
Dec. 20, 2020
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Twelve Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Random White Nose. Discharge. Watery Eyes. She Has Many Alergies And Gets Cytopoint Shots Every 6-8 Weeks
What to do. Cannot take her in. Not working due to Covid.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
With out being able to see her, I cannot say what might be going on or what might help her
Since your veterinarian has treated her in the past, if you call them, they may have some suggestions, as they know more about her situation.
Oct. 19, 2020
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