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
Maltipoo
One Year
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Clear Liquid From Nose
Our 1 year old maltipoo looked like he picked something off the floor when I went to see what he had I was sweeping his mouth looking and clear liquid started coming out of his nose. It was continuous like if a person were to drink something and it came out their nose. It lasted 3-5 seconds and scared us. It has currently stopped and he seems ok but we’re kinda freaked out wondering if it was what he found on the floor or a reaction to me trying to get it out of his mouth.
July 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It sounds like he may have had a reaction to something that he sniffed up his nose, and if he has returned to normal, you should be fine to monitor him. If the problem continues, it would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian,
I hope that all goes well with him.
July 11, 2020
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Husky pomeranian
Eva
11 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Cough
Thick Yellow Snot
I have an 11 month husky (75%) pomarain (25%) mix. We adopted her in March. She's had think yellow mucus since the previous owners had her. A month or so after we got her she started coughing (over 5 months now). She did have pneumonia but now her lungs are clear and x rays look good and her pneumonia is gone. She still has a cough that sounds like she's trying to hack something up or clear her throat but doesn't normally throw anything up. She usually has thick yellow snot once a day. She just has a nasal sample culture and there was no growth or bacteria found . She's had blood tests and a traceal wash and multiple rounds of x rays. We have spent over $3000 and still don't know how to treat her. She also doesn't have any sign of fungus or parasites. Heart failure and trachea collapse can also be rulled out. She hasn't been tested for heart worms but I was told they take like 8 months to run a cycle so she wouldn't have symptoms early, around 6 or 7 months old. Could it be allergy - if so would apoquel help? What else could it be? We're running out of tests to do. She doesn't have any other symptoms. Eats normal and has tons of energy. Her snot and cough has pretty much been the same for 5 months. Sometimes a little better or worse but mostly just the same.
Sept. 8, 2018
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American Pit Bull Terrier
Sparta
13 Weeks
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1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Nasal Discharge
Runny Nose
Sparta had her ear cropped about 2 weeks ago,she was on antibiotic for 10 days. She recently been having nasal discharges with white yellowish mucus. I also have a 8years old teacup yorkie, she also have similar symptoms with reverse sneezing. I'm not sure if Sparta got it from Nano or its allergies or it has to do something with her surgery.
Thank you in advance.
Aug. 22, 2018
1 Recommendations
We won’t cover the ethics of ear cropping as it has been made illegal in some countries around the world. However if Sparta and Nano have a yellow nasal discharge, it sounds more like an upper respiratory tract infection than anything else and I would recommend returning to your Veterinarian to confirm and to receive treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 23, 2018
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Boston Terrier
Sampson
10 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Tired
Running Nose
Hello, I have a 10 month old Boston Terrier. I noticed last night that his nose was stuffy and this morning had discharge coming out. He is also acting more tired today. He is up to date on all of his vaccinations and is usually very healthy and active. He did eat this morning and I didn't notice anything different about his stool.
Aug. 6, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is possible that Sampson has picked up a small respiratory tract infection which isn’t uncommon, you should however visit your Veterinarian to confirm the cause and to receive treatment if necessary. In the meantime keep an eye on him and ensure that he remains hydrated. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 7, 2018
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