What is Nasal Discharge?
If your dog is showing other signs such as increased body temperature, lack of appetite, excessive sleepiness, or other abnormal behavior, you should see a veterinarian right away. In most cases, nasal discharge is found to be an allergy or upper respiratory infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Less frequently, lower respiratory issues can involve the bronchi or trachea.
Other causes such as dental disease, neoplasia, trauma, foreign bodies in the nasal passage, and fungal infection are not as common, but possible. 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.
Nasal discharge is a common condition in dogs, and may not be a condition at all. Some dogs just get runny noses once in awhile. However, if the discharge is any color besides clear or if he has other signs or has a hard time breathing, you should make an appointment for your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Nasal discharge may be caused by allergies, respiratory virus (parainfluenza, adenovirus, or distemper), parasitic infestation, or even dental problems.
Symptoms of Nasal Discharge in Dogs
The signs of nasal discharge in dogs vary depending on the cause of the discharge. Many dogs can have a runny nose for no reason whatsoever at times and you may not even notice anything except a wet nose. In that case, there is no need to contact a veterinary professional. However, you should make an appointment if your dog also has any of these signs:
- 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
Types
The type of nasal discharge can be helpful in determining the condition so you should tell the veterinarian if your dog’s runny nose looks like any of these:
- Hemorrhagic (bloody) is usually caused by trauma or dental disease
- Serous (watery, thin, clear) is usually just an allergy
- Mucous (thick) may be yellow or white and is accompanied by inflammation
- Purulent (green or yellow) is usually caused by bacterial infections
- Constant or intermittent
- Both nostrils involved or just one
Causes of Nasal Discharge in Dogs
- Allergies usually do not cause any other signs besides clear nasal discharge, runny eyes, sneezing, and coughing; this condition usually happens seasonally from allergens like pollens, grass, or mold
- Infections are usually more noticeable due to the color of the discharge (yellow or green) and the other symptoms such as malaise, fever, and general ill behavior
- Foreign bodies can include anything from a stick to a rock, or even a bug or other strange items
- Tumors usually only occur in older dogs that are over eight years of age. There is usually a bloody discharge and deformity, weight loss, and overall weakness
Diagnosis of Nasal Discharge in Dogs
To diagnose nasal discharge in dogs, your veterinarian will need to do a complete physical examination including vital signs, weight, general coat condition, palpation, and auscultation. In addition, a sample of the discharge will be taken for microscopic evaluation and cultures. The veterinarian may also use an endoscope to look into your dog’s airway through the nasal passage. Also, laboratory tests may be performed such as a urinalysis, fecal exam, and blood tests. Finally, chest x-rays might be done to check the lungs, and the veterinarian may also want to get a CT scan, ultrasound, and MRI if needed.
Treatment of Nasal Discharge in Dogs
The treatment for nasal discharge will first include oxygen therapy if your dog is having trouble breathing. Further treatment depends on the cause of the condition.
Allergies
Allergies are typically 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.
Foreign Body
Depending on the item in your dog’s nasal passage and how far it is embedded in his nose, surgical removal may be necessary.
Tumor
A tumor in a dog’s nasal passage may be benign, or malignant (cancer). The treatment might include surgical removal of the tumor.
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Recovery of Nasal Discharge in Dogs
Most cases of nasal discharge have excellent prognoses. The sooner you get treatment the better, so it is always important to see the veterinarian right away if your dog has a discharge from the nose.
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Nasal Discharge Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pit Bull
Two Years
30 found this helpful
30 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
30 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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Pug
Seven Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Clear Drainage
She started to have a lot of clear drainage from her nose to the point where she begins to choke on it.
Sept. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Pug puppies can have a very short nose, they are known for that. The discharge that you're describing might be normal for her, and her nose may grow to the point where it is not a problem as she gets older. However, since she seems to be having a problem now or she is choking on the discharge, I think it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as you can, as they will be able to examine her and see if she is okay. It may be something that she needs to grow out of, or she may have an infection or a problem that needs to be fixed. They will be able to tell you more once they see her, and let you know if any treatment needs to happen for her. I hope that all goes well for her.
Sept. 7, 2020
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Border Collie
Ten Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
Hello there,
My dog has been sick for the last year and a half now. It started with kennel cough, which went away. Ever since then she hasn't been the same dog. She's still coughing quite a bit, constant oozing nose-thick, creamy, greenish discharge, only the left eye gets super red. She has been to our vet so many times now and NOTHING works. We've tried several rounds of different antibiotics, an anti-fungal, allergy meds, and prednisone(which made things even worse). I'm at a lost, my bank account is being drained because of the lack of results. Vet also did a scan which revealed nothing.
Sept. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about all the issues that you are having with your dog. See if your vet can take a culture of this discharge to see what antibiotics will help with the infection. While this may be pricy it will help your vet figure out exactly what is causing this infection and what antibiotics your dog needs to be on to clear this infection. Upper respiratory infections can sometimes be tricky to treat. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
Sept. 2, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
7 months
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
Constant green discharge that is thicker more so than watery coming from only left nostril. Hacked up mucas 2-3 over past 24 hours. Expressing fatigue which is unusual
Aug. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I would be concerned for a fungal or bacterial infection, or a foreign body in the nostril of your dog. If this is something that is not getting better and he seems to not be feeling well as well, I think it would be best to have him seen by your veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, that you know what sort of Diagnostics might be needed, and see what treatments might be appropriate. I hope that all goes well for him and he feels better soon!
Aug. 28, 2020
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German Shepherd
Jake
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Short Of Breath
Mouth Breathing
Fast Breathing
Clear Discharge
Scratching Nose
Jake, our 3 year old 90lbs GSD has been having clear discharge from his nose, along with fast breathing, mouth breathing both while at rest, and he scratches at his nose often. Took him to the vet about this once and the vet didn’t do more than listen to his lungs. He seems like he iis short of breath often. It seems like he will sit up sometimes to catch his breath. Keep in mind this will be hours after exercise has occurred. Looking for advice on if I should be taking him to a new vet or if I’m an over worried dog parent. Thanks
Chihuahua
Ginger
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Gurgling
Clogged Sinuses
We moved within the past month, and our dog Ginger, a 5 year old chihuahua, has been having sinus issues. She constantly makes wet gurgling noises, especially when licking her paws or bathing, and one nostril is fully blocked according to our vet, causing her to breath heavily. She also sneezes occasionally, though not too frequently. She does not have any visible nasal discharge, and she is energetic and behaving normally. Based on our vet's advice, we have been giving her Benadryl daily, and she went through a course of antibiotics, but she hasn't gotten any better. Any idea what might be going on?
