Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 01/14/2016Updated: 06/03/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Nose and Sinus Inflammation?
The coughing, sneezing, and stuffy sensation that humans suffer from with sinuses mirror that of what a dog experiences. Sometimes, these problems may clear up on their own if it is an allergy or irritant that is causing the problem. However, in certain instances, sinus irritations and infections can be more serious.  
Bacterial infections in the nasal passages commonly incur when there has been a series of prolonged inflammation. Pet owners might notice a mucus discharge as well as prolonged sneezing episodes. During the in-office examination, the veterinarian will reference rhinitis and sinusitis, which refer to the inflammation of the nose and nasal passages.
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From 27 quotes ranging from $800 - $6,500
Average Cost
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Symptoms of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Sinus signs in dogs may be one of the easiest to recognize for humans, primarily because the signs for both groups are a lot alike. The signs include:
  • Coughing
  • Eyes and nose discharge
  • Fever
  • Gagging
  • Lack of an appetite
  • Loss of energy
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sneezing
Types
An infection within the sinus cavities, nose, and sinus inflammation may come as a result of bacteria entering into the nasal cavities in the head. Because there is nothing to protect the open pockets in a dog's sinus, it makes a dog especially susceptible to two types of infections - viral infections and bacterial infections - that enter through the nose.
Causes of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Although sinus problems are a possibility for pets without these signs, pets who already suffer from allergies, asthma or a weak immune system may be more likely linked to nose and sinus inflammation. In certain instances, foxtails that can be found in rural areas may be the cause of what appear to be sinus-like systems but are often a very serious problem.
Diagnosis of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Nose and sinus inflammation in dogs can be tricky, primarily due to the fact that the original signs might appear minor.  While these signs may clear up in a couple of days, if pet owners notice nose bleeding, or discharge that is an unusual color, gray and cloudy, or thick and green, the dog needs to see a veterinarian.
Pet owners should immediately take their dogs to the veterinarian for nosebleeds, as this is may be a more serious issue for dogs, specifically, if discharge also comes out of the nose. Discharge could be related to a dental abscess, fungal infections or tumors. Foxtail grass, which can be linked to fatalities in dogs, can be ingested in the ears, eyes, genitals, nose, and feet. Foxtail may also be linked to pus in the chest cavity of dogs. Nasal mites (bugs) could also be found.
Veterinarians will perform a complete exam of the dog's eyes, nose, and breathing habits. X-rays and an endoscope may be used to examine the dog's sinus cavities and get a better look at the discharge from nosebleeds, eyes and anywhere else.
Treatment of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Timely diagnosis is the key to how well or how soon treatment can work. Nasal mites may be the cause of a dog's problems. These bugs, which enter through the nose, can be killed by a drug prescription.
Tooth infections connected to the nasal area may be treated by either removing the infected tooth or by a veterinarian providing a proper teeth cleaning.
Tumors inside of the nose cannot be treated due to the structure of the nose. Tumors cannot be surgically removed, so radiation therapy is the only other option to either get rid of or slow down the growth. 
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Recovery of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Assuming a dog has a sinus infection rather than a foreign body or tumor, medication, including antibiotics, may be prescribed to get rid of the sinus infection.  The infection should only last for a week or two unless there are bigger health-related issues.  Foreign bodies, foxtails, or tumors will likely require further therapy or diagnostics.  
Avoid over-the-counter medication or any type of antibiotics not specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. Pet owners should also keep their dogs in warm, dry areas. Setting up a vaporizer to clear the air could expedite the healing process as well.
Nose and Sinus Inflammation Average Cost
From 27 quotes ranging from $800 - $6,500
Average Cost
$1,500
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Nose and Sinus Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Dalmatian
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Chica
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12 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Sneezing
Mucous
Rhinitis
My dog is 12 - Dalmation cross. As a young dog she often had contact dermatitis, ear infections, and food allergies, however after much trial and error (and vet visits) I found out from a site much like this that one Benadryl at the onset of symptoms would "cure her". She hasn't had these symptoms in years, but I'm relaying them in case they are relevant. Four months ago, she started to sneeze a lot and produce mucous out of both nostrils - long and ropey. She also had extreme wheezing attacks about 3-4 times a day where she stands and she breathes severely with her abdomen. She went on Benadryl for a week - no change. She went on an antibiotic (I don't remember the name) for two weeks - no change. She had an ultrasound with a nose flush six weeks ago (no tumour, no mechanical issues, no growth of bacteria/fungal) and went on 125 mg of Doxycyclin every 12 hours. It seemed to help a little bit, but not very much. 2 weeks ago, she had a dental, 2 teeth extracted, x-rays (clean), and another nasal flush. And went back on the Doxy. No change. My vet is now suggesting Prednisone, but I'm wondering about testing allergy medications and I also see ephedrine could be used. Should I just start going through the list of different drugs to see which one (hopefully) will work?
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Moving through a list of medications isn’t advisable as adverse reactions and side effects make administration risky; all medication has side effects but Veterinarians (and Physicians) weigh up the benefits against the negatives before treating a patient. Allergy testing may be useful, but I would ask you to consider if you made any changes at home with laundry detergent, cleaning products or new carpets around the same time as the symptoms presented. Speak with your Veterinarian (Chica is under their duty of care) about allergy testing and the use of ephedra (but consider using ma huang if approved by your Veterinarian); otherwise a lot of diagnostic tests have already been carried out, I cannot think of anything else further. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Indian
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Lassy
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12 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Bad Breath
Occasional Bleeding
Blocked Nostril
Thick Green Mucous
My 12 years old dog had tooth abscess. The infected 2 molar teeth on left side were extracted. Afterwards she developed sinus infection in which the nostril on left side is always blocked, bad breadth and occasional bleeding. The discharge from nose is thick green mucous. As antibiotic Bioclan 300 ( Clindamycin 300mg) was given for 2 weeks, but the infection did not cleared. Then CT scan was done which confirmed that no tumour is present only left sinus is filled completely. A sample for culture is taken for bacteria culture. Please suggest what should be done.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
When an infection doesn’t respond to antibiotics, I would suggest a culture and sensitivity test to determine the best type of antibiotic which you already have done. The culture and sensitivity results will give you a better indication of treatment as Clindamycin is the normal go to antibiotic for this problem. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Yorkshire Terrier
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Booboo
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14 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Sneezing, Dried Up Nose, Lost Of Interest, Loss Of
It seemed first he has a cold. Was sneezing a lot, but still full of energy. It got better then worst. Now his nose are stuffed, he lost his energy, he sleeps all day. When he walks sometimes he tilts his had like when we humans have sinus pressure. Sharp pain which goes away in a second. Common. I put him in the bathroom with running hot water to steam up the room so his mucus can loosen up... He is on medication for cold and sinuses , but it doesnt seem to work...
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
There are many causes of sneezing and nasal blockages, it is possible that there is a foreign body, tooth root abscess, nasal tumours, allergies or inflammation. Has Booboo had his nose swabbed? Culture and sensitivity? It may be worth having rhinoscopy to see if there is something, tumour or anything else up there. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Shepard/pit mix
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Palie
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12 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Difficulty
My dog for the past month has had mucus/blood somewhat stringy or thick coming out of only one side of her nose accompanied with some inflammation which causes her to have to breath through her mouth. A few weeks back she sneezed out 2 big blood clots and after that the bleeding stopped but daily she has the mixture of the snot and blood that runs out or she sometimes is able to sneeze it out. I am unable to afford the vet right now and they won't take payment arrangements so I'm really stuck but very stressed for my dog. She is 12 years old. She's a white pit bull/German Shepard mix.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
There are a few causes for the symptoms you are describing, but unfortunately the treatment is dependent on the underlying cause which would have to be identified by your Veterinarian; these causes include infection (bacterial, fungal), abscess, tumours and polyps, dental problems (tooth root problems extending into the nasal cavity), poisoning (would normally see from both nostrils) and chemical irritation to name a few. Whilst I understand your financial situation, Palie would require a visit to his Veterinarian along with an x-ray, rhinoscopy and possibly blood tests to determine the cause and direct treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Nose and Sinus Inflammation Average Cost
From 27 quotes ranging from $800 - $6,500
Average Cost
$1,500
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