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
Cocker Spaniel
Wickett
13 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging
Very Clear And Milky And Very Water
My dog is 13 yrs old. She has had her nose removed from squamous cell carcinoma.it started 1 yr ago and had it removed 8months ago. she also has Cushing's disease .vet suspected that cancer came back month ago. we started to try RSO.So far so good but she has very watery clear/milky discharge. she took antibiotics for it and no change. also she try's to clear throat like we would if we had nasal drip. She also has greenish discharge from her eye's and off and on eating and drinking. Don't think its uper respiratory infection/ and discharge only only happens after we administer the RSO Rick Simpson Oil ( Cannabis oil)then as oil wears off the drainage decreases. We are unable to get any tests to see if the cancer has returned there is no symptoms like bloody discharge or sneezing or pawing at face. We cant take to vet cause cant afforded it after 10 grand in surgery and medications.
June 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure what your question is regarding Wickett, but it sounds like the cancer may be affecting her nasal passages from your description. Some dogs do need periodic antibiotics when they are battling cancer, as the tissues can become necrotic and infected.
June 25, 2018
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English hound dog
lucky
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Yellow Snot
my new dog has sneezing,runny nose,yellow snot from nose. we just got him 5 days ago.he was also neutered 5 days ago,and given antibiotics. the sneezing started before we gave him the antibiotics.he was just sneezing up until today.now his nose is dripping,and he's not eating as much.he is getting weak.how is he sick? even though we're giving him antibiotics?
June 19, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Lucky may have larger problems than just a nasal infection, such as pneumonia or another respiratory problem, and some bacteria are resistant to some antibiotics. If he is not getting better after 5 days, it would be a good idea to have a recheck for him, as he may need further treatment.
June 19, 2018
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Pug
Sofie
9 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Arthritis, Snoring, Bad Breath
My dog has experienced clear (and sometimes not clear) mucosal, gelatinous-consistency nasal discharges. She also spends a lot a of time clearing her throat trying to get it out. The same way we do when we have a nasal drip on the back of our throats. We took her to the vet and he prescribed her antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine. It helped a bit, but not much and has not gone away. It's been 18 months and the vet has not found anything in her blood work. What are your thoughts regarding over the counter antihistamines for her?
May 29, 2018
0 Recommendations
Over the counter products like Benadryl (dosed at 1mg/lb up to three times per day) may be used if allergies are suspected; if Sofie is currently on any other medication or has had a reaction to any other medication, you should clear the use of Benadryl with your Veterinarian first. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 30, 2018
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Border Collie
Lauren
15 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Green Discharge In Nose
Lauren has Arthritis, recently diagnosed early stage Kidney disease & middle stage Dementia, Cataracts also recently diagnosed, & hyperthyroidism all these symptoms developed in very short space of time. We have tried to keep a good routine for Lauren with gentle simulated activities & she seems to be coping well, but over the last few weeks she is unhappy about going out front door for walks or to go in the car etc, she’s happier in the back garden, but over the last couple of days she has developed green mucus from one nostril & been sneezing more green mucus since last night. Lauren is too senior with the above mentioned health problems to go through evasive procedures with potential anaesthetic, but our vet (understandably) will NOT treat or diagnose without doing further tests. We are in a dilemma as tests could severely stress her (as any changes does) due to dementia, or she could pass away during any procedures etc. We love our girl with all our heart & soul, but feel that we are letting her down. Her diet is slow & iffy because of the dementia so unable to say whether this green discharge is affecting her eating. Would appreciate any advice please even if it’s reassurance. Thank you warmest regards Beth & Lauren. X
May 15, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Sometimes, with dogs in Lauren's situation, we try benign treatments to see if we can help the situation, knowing that we are making educated guesses without further testing. Lauren may have an infection or inflammation in her nostril, and it would seem reasonable to me to try antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory medications to see if they can help her. That is something that you can discuss with your veterinarian, or perhaps seek a second opinion to make sure that everything possible is being done. I hope that she is okay.
May 15, 2018
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