What is Runny Nose?
Symptoms of Runny Nose in Dogs
- Nasal discharge
- Swollen or puffy eyes
- Reduction in nasal respiration
- Trouble breathing
- Secretions on the fur of the dog’s face and/or arms
- Deterioration in dental health
- Bad breath
Types
- Mild, or common runny nose, which is not a concern.
- Severe or chronic runny nose
Causes of Runny Nose in Dogs
Severe or chronic runny nose may be an indication of one of the following:
- Allergies, an immune system reaction to your dog’s environment.
- Foreign object in your dog’s nasal passages.
- Bacterial or fungal infection of your dog’s sinuses.
- Nasal mites, a parasitic infection of your dog’s sinuses.
- Dental diseases, such as abscessed teeth, periodontitis and gingivitis, are bacterial infections that can spread into your dog’s nasal passages.
- Nasal cancer, or nasal adenocarcinoma.
Diagnosis of Runny Nose in Dogs
Proper diagnosis depends on your reporting your dog’s symptoms to a veterinarian promptly, if possible, schedule an appointment within 24 hours. The full scope of tests that may be used to diagnose the cause of your dog’s runny nose includes a rhinoscopy, which involves putting your dog under general anesthetic and examining the nasal passages through the insertion of a tube called an endoscope. This is a safe examination, and the anesthetic is used to prevent your dog from sneezing the tube out. There is a tiny camera on the end of the tube, allowing the veterinarian to actually see inside to spot abnormalities. It also features delicate surgical tools and can remove foreign bodies or take a sample of a suspicious growth.
Additional tests may include a dental exam, if dental health is deemed a potential cause. The nasal discharge may be sampled and examined for fungal and bacterial components. Your dog’s blood pressure may be recorded, as well as a test to determine your dog’s blood coagulation profile.
Treatment of Runny Nose in Dogs
Treatment of runny nose in dogs varies depending upon the diagnosis.
- Allergies require determination of the cause of the reaction: it may be seasonal, or something around your house that you can eliminate. Treatment ranges from elimination of the irritant, to antihistamines, to corticosteroids.
- The veterinarian will remove foreign objects and you will be advised on your dog’s recovery, which may involve an anti-inflammatory drug.
- A bacterial infection will be treated with a prescription of antibiotics; the veterinarian may let a fungal infection try to clear on its own or may prescribe antifungals, depending on the severity.
- Nasal mites are treated with an oral dose of the heartworm drug ivermectin.
- Dental diseases will be treated directly, through tooth cleaning and the possible removal of teeth under anesthesia.
- Nasal cancer is by far the most serious cause of runny nose in dogs. It is a slow-growing but invasive form of cancer, which doesn’t respond well to chemotherapy. Treatment may involve surgical removal of cancerous tumors, which can be very complicated due to the delicate structure of your dog’s nasal passages. Treatment may include radiation therapy if diagnosed early.
Recovery of Runny Nose in Dogs
As with causes and treatments, recovery and management of runny nose in dogs is varied. Follow through on all your veterinarian’s instructions, particularly in regards to medications, and follow up by monitoring your dog’s recovery. If discharge or sneezing continues, frequently clean your dog’s nasal passages by wiping with a soft cloth or tissue. Make sure your dog’s environment is clean, water is always available, and monitor and address your dog’s dental health regularly.
Runny Nose Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Has Symptoms
My Pekingese puppy, 9 months old
Constant runny nose, red eyes sneezes a lot, clear mucus comes out when he sneezes, his eye area is always wet and it has an odour, which isnt good
Im concerned about him, because this seems to be going on for a while now
I have taken him to the vet three times, out of deep concern, they say its allergies, he becomes irritable because of this, is there any thing else i can do, should i take him to another vet?
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A runny nose may be caused by allergies, infection, foreign bodies, dental problems or tumours; allergies usually present with itching and no odour of excretions, however you can give Benadryl at a dose of one milligram per pound for a few days, if this doesn’t help it is probably something else and you would need to return to your Veterinarian (or another Veterinarian) for another examination to determine the cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
No Recovery
Treatment Cost: $-1.00
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My 6yo toy poodle swallowed a bone last November. The bone was lodged in her esophagus and had to get it extracted through her mouth. After the surgery, she had a nose/throat infection and had yellow/green mucus discharge from her nose. The vet prescribed antibiotics. That worked for a few days to stop the mucus and it came back again soon after. The vet then prescribed another antibiotic and that worked for a few days and then the mucus discharge came back again. The vet then had her on antibiotic IV overnight and same result. We then took her to a specialist and had a panel of tests done on her nose discharge and came back with a list of antibiotics that had an effect. Also found in the tests was that there was no fungal infection. The vet prescribed several of the antibiotics on the list and those worked for a few days and then the mucus came back again. Nothing seems to be working. What she has does not look to be infectious as our other poodle hasn't contracted it. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks.
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is your dog okay now? my dog is sick too.
Thank you very much Dr Turner for your reply. When the vet did the procedure to remove the lodged bone, her esophagus did stretch and ruptured a bit. She is only about 8 lbs and so the probe relatively large as it sounds from the vet. The vet on recent examination said that her tonsils are swollen. We've gone back many times to 3 different vets and tried more than 8 types of antibiotics and still it seems to always come back. Will try the culture again. In the previous culture, it was found that is was gram-negative rods type of bacteria.
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My dog has had a really runny nose for the past week or so. The other day he literally left a pool of wetness on my bed just from his nose. It's constantly running. It'll be dripping when he's awake and when he's asleep. The fluid is coming out of both nostrils. He has the same level of energy but he does seem to sleep more. He also isn't super thrilled about eating but he does finish his food. I don't know if I should be worried or not.
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We bought a rescue Siberian Husky in February. All summer he has had a runny nose, the discharge is clear, but it is constant. It started about the same time my husbands allergies went nuts, so I have been assuming that it was allergies. As long as the discharge stays clear (like water) do I need to worry about getting him to the vet for testing, or try some Benadryl as I have seen recommended with other dogs here? Also, outside of the runny nose his behavior, energy, and what not, has not changed.
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My 18 week old Golden Retriever puppy has had a runny nose for the last day, and today I noticed that it is yellowish, like when we have a cold with a runny nose... She seems completely herself, no fever or vomiting, no coughing, just the runny nose and sneezing when excited.. should I just monitor her for a few days and see if it runs it’s course on its own, or should I see her vet? She has had kennel cough before, but these symptoms are different, so I don’t feel that it is that.
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Hello. My 9 month-old Bernedoodle has had a dry cough for a few days. The cough is now gone, but his nose is running and I can hear that he is congested when he breathes. The discharge is not clear, but a thick milky-yellow. Our vet initially thought he may have kennel cough (we asked her without the dog present), but now I am concerned it may be something more serious. Can you help?
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Hi there, my dog just turned 11 years old and has been pretty much fine health-wise his whole life. As of the past month or two, he has been sneezing a lot with clear discharge coming out of his nose. It does not appear to be an issue, it just makes quite the mess. He was brought to the vet and they put him on antibiotics to no avail. Then within the past week he has developed this dry cough. It happens sporadically and it doesn’t seem to matter what the situation is, it just occurs randomly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
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I have a 6 week old pitt puppy. The people i got her from gave her away at 4 weeks old she has a running nose with green snort. She acts just fine eat drinks and plays. She sneezes every once in a while and we wipe her nose for her. Its not like our running nose only notice when she sneezes.
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3 months ago was sneezing, reverse sneezing, licking lips. Took to vet given doxy. Didn't help. Then temeril p along with another med. this helped the reverse sneeze. Symptoms continued. Bigger sneezes more discharge from R nostril. Endoscope was done with culture and histo. Results showed chronic rhinitis. Doxy/peroxicam was prescribed. Tried 2-3 weeks and condition got worse and nose became discolored and was whining after sneezing. Vet said continue current meds to give them chance to work. Eventually went to specialist. Started having bloody nose after sneezing. With whining. Then had ct scan. Fungal was suspected. L nose also started drippy discharge. Turbinates missing from R nostril according to CT. Some fungus in Frontal sinus. Trephination was done. 4 days later still discharge from both nostrils and bubbly snot especially at night. Not interested in drinking water so giving through syringe. Appetitive just fine. Been on tramadol, axithromyacine, and rimidil since procedure). Nasal mites would've been caught through Endo (done in early nov) or the ct (Jan 2018) right? Just seeking out all possibilities and waiting to see results from trephination procedure.
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Have you found any help for Shadow? This is exactly what my Shepard is going through. My heart aches because even the specialist said there wasn't much that can be done. Have you found any help? Thanks!
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I noticed my dog has been sneezing a lot and has a bit of a runny nose she is not acting strange she is still very playful as always it’s just the sneezing. Could this be allergies? If so what can I give her?
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Nasal discharge, red eyes watery, still eating and drinking normal, just very loud breathing nad sounds very conjested. Could this be allergies or should I consult a vet? Can I give him Benadryl
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My dog is having a nasal discharge or runny nose for 1 week, she is very weak but still manage to eat and drink , what over the counter medicine can i give her? Thanks
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A runny nose (if clear discharge) may be caused by allergies or some irritation; you could try giving Bubsie some Benadryl at a dose of 1mg/lb to see if it clears up. If the discharge is thick, yellow, green or anything other than clear; visit your Veterinarian for an examination and some antibiotics. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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New dog, runny nose.. I adopted my dog a few days ago, she is 7 months old. Perfect health all around ( from a vet ). Her nose is wet and I just noticed that it is a tiny bit different than clear? A little tiny yellow? Is there anything I can do? Is it normal? Nervousness? Allergies?
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There are a few different possible causes including infection (the yellow discharge may be indicative of infection), allergies (new environment), chemical irritation (cleaning products etc…), foreign bodies etc… Keep an eye on Harley and if it continues I would visit a Veterinarian to determine the cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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Medication Used
I rescued a 5 month old black shepherd. He came from California with two other puppies. All three puppies got sick with pneumonia soon after they arrive. My dog was antibiotic for 6 weeks. He continues to have thick nasal discharge that needs to be cleaned often in order for him to breathe. I have taken him to my vet and also a veterinary internist. He had a nasal culture. No fungal infection only bacteria mrsp. I can't be treated with antibiotics because it's resistant to them and the vet does not think it is the cause for the discharge. He looks and acts perfectly healthy except for his nose
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Nasal discharge may be caused by a few different causes, most commonly bacterial infection; other causes may be due to allergies, foreign matter, nasal mites, dental problems (which extend up to the nasal cavity) and tumours (which Kato is probably too young for). MRSP can be difficult to eliminate and is common in dogs. Unfortunately, I cannot think of anything to add; an x-ray of the nasal cavity or rhinoscopy may be useful. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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Macci has sneezed a lot like multiple times in a row usually at night and her nose is kind of runny nothing to crazy but it's always wet. The vet said it didn't seem to be an issue because discharge is clear and was probably allergies I notice once and awhile her eye seems lazy I don't know if it's related at all just observation. Sometimes she looks sad but that has been more so since we got another dog and he's getting the attention sometimes that she was always used to getting at all times. She licks the pillow a lot and always leaves a super wet spot.
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Clear nasal discharge may be attributable to allergies, try giving Benadryl at 1mg/lb two to three times per day to see if there is a reduction in discharge. Clear nasal discharge may also occur due to chemical irritation from cleaning products or other products, if you have any new supplies in your home try to not use them for a while to see if they are the cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
My poor old SHI tzu has a runny nose constantly. Our house is over 200 years old, cluttery, and plenty full of dust. We can't keep up with the dust it's always around. My dog has an awful cough then a gag like she's going to spit I wonder if the vet that told me that her cough was due to lung disease or if she's getting a mouthful of dust from sticking her face in the fan or AC. Her nose is always runny ( clear) she coughs and sometimes it'll turn into a sneeze. She isn't a big snore dog just seems to easily lose her breath when anxious and after a walk halfway around the block. I wonder could giving her some bennedryl for a few days be a more helpful antihistamine than what the vet has had her on for weeks. I'm going to give it a try but she's 12 and can barely walk or. Deaths well so I'll give the bene at night for a few nights. Praying that it'll help her cough and runny nose
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I got my puppy a couple days ago and she started sneezing a lot and has a runny nose it’s clear and watery I believe. She’s only 2 months and was in a shelter i dont know if it’s allergies or something else.
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Hi-I'm part of a dog rescue and my new rescue dog (chihuahua) is having sneezing and you can hear the mucous in her nose when she breathes and just got spayed on Friday and had to have her uterus removed because it was full of pus. What should I do? And I have one other rescue dog and my own dog and I don't want them to get sick. What should I do? She is on an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic already.
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The cause of mucus accumulation in the nose may be caused by a few different things: infection, foreign bodies, irritants, allergies, cancer or dental disease (extending into the nasal cavity). After the treatment with antibiotics, if Lola still has mucus bubbling in her nose, I would visit your Veterinarian to examine and possibly take a swab for culture to determine the cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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My dog has had a runny nose for 6 months - help???
Taken to vet numerous times - done a nasal flush, antibiotics, steroids, allergy meds
Nothing is helping. What do I try next - he seems so miserable
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My 9 month old pit bull has had a runny nose for a few days but is progressively getting worse. The mucus itself has sort of a yellow orange color to it. He used to have a dry cough but that seems to be gone. Not sure if it’s just because of the weather changing or some virus. Should I take him to the vet?
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We have a Weimaraner with chronic nasal discharge. It started about 3 years ago when he was 6 years old. He is constantly sneezing and blowing the discharge around. It clearly effects his breathing some. We have had x-rays, nasal scopes and multiple vet visits without any answer. It often turns green into an infection and he's had a lot of ear infections as well that we treat quickly. Do you have any recommendations, we are at an impasse and it's definitely frustrating for us and him.
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There are many different causes for nasal discharge in dogs; however the serious causes would normally be detected using x-ray or rhinoscopy. Some causes that may not be easily evident are allergies - do you remember changing cleaning products or anything else three years ago? it may seem simple and trivial but you would be surprised the number of times that is the cause; small foreign bodies – very small foreign bodies can cause long term problems and can be impossible to see depending on their location; nasal mites – nasal parasites less than 1mm long, but would normally be diagnosed by now. You may need to flush Hobbes’s nose and analyse the fluid or have a biopsy taken for further testing. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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Our dog has sneezed for years and has always had food allergies. In the last 6 months he developed a thick discharge out of one nasal. He has been on an doxycycline and an antibiotic for several months. We got him completely controlled until I ran out of his medication on a Friday night. By Monday he was back to chronic discharge. He had one episode of a bloody nose after two weeks of Benadryl and a nasal wash. He hasn't had blood since that time. I was instructed to wash his nose out with sterile saline when it occurred.
Condition ranges from moderate to severe. He seems much better outside in the cold weather.
It seems to have gotten much worse when I bought the wrong food for him. Since that time we can not get control. He is on prescription food Iams ID.
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Chronic conditions can always flare up in severity for numerous reasons; has your Veterinarian ever taken a sample for culture and sensitivity to see if there is a more suitable antibiotic or other medication available? the current treatment regimen may only suppress but not treat the primary cause. Also, have you performed allergy testing to see if there is anything in the environment which he is sensitive too. You would need to start again with the medication that was stopped last week and may be try having a sample taken to determine the cause and the sensitivity to some medications. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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We adopted a 3 month old black mouth cur mix from the shelter last week and he was neutured last week as well. we have now noticed that he has a runny nose the last couple of days and today it has a slight yellow color to it. He is acting normal and eating okay.
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Zeus
German Shepherd
2 Months
Australian Shepherd
1 Year
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