How to Clean a Dog's Runny Nose

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How to Clean a Dog's Runny Nose

Easy

5 - 10 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

Clear runny discharge from your dog's nose is normal as long as they don't have any other symptoms. That said, most vets recommend you keep an eye on the discharge in case there's more serious underlying cause. If there's any bloody, pussy, or discolored discharge, take your pup to a vet. Once you get the hang of cleaning your dog's nose, it should only take a few minutes to get the job done.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog's discomfort levels will change depending on the amount of mucus buildup. You may notice your dog constantly licking their nose if it's frequently runny. Large amounts of mucus buildup can interfere with your dog's breathing, increasing your pup's discomfort.

Is the hair around your dog's nose matted from a runny nose? Book a dog groomer through Wag! to keep your dog's facial fur neat and tidy.

The Steamy Shower Method

Most Recommended

2 Votes

Towel

Step

And you thought they were kidding

Everyone said it was a good idea to take a shower with your dog, but you thought they were kidding. When your dog has a crusty nose, steam is a good way to loosen it up.

Step

On with the shower

Turn on the shower, bring your pooch into the bathroom and close the door. Leave the vent fan off (you need lots of nice warm steam) and take a nice long shower. This will help loosen the mucus in their nostrils and soften the buildup.

Step

Massage

Give the top of the pup's nose a gentle massage. This will help loosen the mucus and relieve any irritation.

Step

Suction, please

Using a baby nasal suction bulb, insert the tip into their nostril and gently suck out the mucus. Repeat until the nostril is clear.

Step

Moist is good

Apply a warm, moist washcloth to any crusty build up on your pup's nose and let it sit there until the crust softens. Then use the washcloth to wipe their nose clean. Finish up by coating the area with coconut oil. This will soothe raw skin and help prevent infection.

The Soft Warm Cloth Method

Effective

0 Votes

Towel

Step

Choose a workspace

Choose a room to work in where you have access to warm running water, the bathroom typically works best.

Step

Warm and wet

Take a soft washcloth and soak it in warm water, no too hot or you can burn your pooch's nose. Wring it out, but leave it a bit on the soggy side.

Step

Apply gently

Apply the washcloth gently to your pup's nose and let it sit there for a minute or so. The idea is to loosen the crusty mess on their nose.

Step

Wipe away

Now gently wipe your dog's nose to remove as much of the mucus buildup as you can.

Step

Repeat

You may have to repeat these steps several times to remove all of the buildup. Remember to be gentle and let the warm water do its job. Never try to rip the buildup off as this can rip the tender skin on your pup's nose, causing pain and an open wound.

Caution & Considerations

When applying a warm washcloth, keep a close eye on the temperature. If it is too hot for you to handle, it could burn your dog's nose.
Never attempt to pull dried on mucus from your pup's nose. Doing this can rip tender skin, causing a painful injury.
Use a soft cloth, the skin on your dog's nose is very thin and easily damaged. A rough cloth would be like using sandpaper to do the job.
Be very careful using a suction bulb. Do not insert it more than just inside the nostril, you could cause serious injury.
Be sure to keep talking to your pup in a nice soothing voice to keep them from moving while you work.
Finally, be sure you give your pup a treat and plenty of praise. Letting you touch their nose shows your dog trusts you.

Conclusion

Go slow and let your pup get used to having their nose cleaned. Even if you have to do the job in stages, the more time you give to the task, the more your pup will learn to enjoy this kind of treatment. This is one of those jobs that is sure to help build an even stronger bond between the two of you.

Be gentle, the skin on your pup's nose is very thin and easily damaged. If you see any changes in the color or consistency of the mucus, be sure to take your dog in to the vet for a check up.

How to Clean a Dog's Runny Nose

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Steamy Shower Method

The Soft Warm Cloth Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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