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
Boarde collie
Buddy
14 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Nose
My dog Buddy a 14 year old boarder border collie with diabetes has been sniffing for the last two weeks. I have taken him to the vet 3 times already. His one nostril is closed and eye on the same side.He is on antibiotics and they looked like they were working but then I noticed his nose closed again and his eyes had puss in them. I called the vet and he changed the medication and told me to continue. So I followed his view because he has been my vet for 3 dog and I trust him. A few days later I look at buddy and his 2nd eye lids are up. I rushed him back down and now he is on 3 different antibiotics. Eye drops and two different pill types. He is eating,Drinking and going to the bathroom. I'm asking on here just incase anyone has an idea of what is going on.
May 5, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Some causes for those signs might be a resistant infection, a fungal infection, or a growth or tumor in the nasal passages. Buddy may need further diagnostics, such as x-rays, a culture, or endoscopy to determine the cause of his problems. I'm not sure what medication he is on, but it sounds like your veterinarian is doing a good job treating for general things, and may just need your permission to do further testing at this point. I hope that all goes well for him.
May 5, 2018
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Labrador
Batman
12 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
My dog has this nasal discharge for how many days now with blood in one side of his nose. Then he loss some appetite. And puffy red eyes. And also difficult in breathing sometimes. The only medical intervention I've tried is puting icepack near his nose bridge and giving him dextrose mixed with water.
May 1, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Batman should be seen by a veterinarian to have his nose looked at try to determine what might be going on. He may have an infection, a fungal disease, or a tumor that needs attention. I hope that he is okay.
May 1, 2018
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Golden retriever/yellow lab mix
Lilly
5 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
My dog has experienced (clear) mucosal, gelatinous-consistency nasal discharges for more than two years. We had surgery performed on her nasal passages about 18 months ago. The problem went away for a short time following surgery but, over the past year, has returned and now is as bad as ever. She will paw at her nose on rare occasions but we have not noticed any other symptoms.
April 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Lily's ongoing problem may have something to do with what was found during her surgery, and if any biopsies were taken. If the problem is recurring, it would be best to follow up with her veterinarian, as they know her history and possible causes for the recurrence. I hope that she is okay.
April 25, 2018
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Cocker Spaniel
ilea
5 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Running Nose
Hello i have a 5 months old cocker she keeps on coughing sometimes gags she had diarriah acouple of days ago but t started to get better she threw up transparent liquid few times and she has a runny white boogers . But she is playful and eats very well .
April 16, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If Ilea is coughing, vomiting and having diarrhea, it would be best to have her examined by a veterinarian. There are many contagious diseases that puppies are prone to, and many of them do require treatment. I hope that all goes well for her.
April 16, 2018
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