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Sneezing in Dogs
What is Sneezing?
A sneeze in people and animals is the sudden expulsion of air from the nose and mouth caused by an irritation to the lining of the nasal cavity. Dogs do not usually sneeze a lot. If your dog is excessively sneezing it may be from:
- Allergies
- Infections
- Foreign body
- Inhaled irritant
- Mites
- Tumor
If your dog is sneezing more than usual it may be a good idea to either crate him or put him in a small room where you can observe him. This way you can see if there are any other symptoms (coughing, nasal discharge, pawing at his face) and how long it takes for the sneezing to subside. If your dog keeps sneezing; he should be seen as soon as possible by a veterinarian. In case that the sneezing is occurring after hours, there are 24 hour emergency hospitals available.
Why Sneezing Occurs in Dogs
Brachycephalic dog breeds are more susceptible to developing respiratory problems due to their compressed faces and short muzzles. Brachycephalic breeds include the Bulldog, Pekingese, Pug, Boston Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
The reason your dog is sneezing may be:
Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to antigens such as tree, weed or grass pollen, mold spores, mildew, and dust mites. Allergies to pollen are seasonal but other inhalant allergies are year round. In addition to sneezing other symptoms may include watery eyes, itching and/or chewing at his skin.
Infections
Infections can be bacterial, viral and/or chronic. The dog may have a sinus infection or an infected tooth draining into the nasal cavity.
Foreign Bodies
Your pet may have something lodged inside his nasal cavity. Items such as a twigs, dead bugs, tinsel, string, paper clips, rocks and awns have been recovered from the noses of dogs by veterinarians. The foxtail awns are extremely dangerous because they are barbed and razor sharp, and can also work their way deep into tissue.
Inhaled Irritants
Dogs have very sensitive noses and a keen sense of smell. Inhalants such as lawn fertilizer, cleaning supplies, tobacco smoke, paint, and pesticides can be irritating and toxic to your pet. Additionally, the smell of newly installed carpet, which contains adhesives and stain protectors can cause sneezing and even death if for example, the adhesive fumes are strong.
Nasal Mite Infection
Nasal mites are parasites which can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, nose bleeds, and facial itchiness. An infected dog can transmit the mites to other animals. Nasal mites are not zoonotic, which means that the dog cannot transmit the mites to people.
Nasal Tumors
A nasal tumor is a tissue mass, which can be benign or malignant. Nasal tumors can cause sneezing with droplets of blood. Long nosed dogs are more commonly affected by nasal tumors.
What to do if your Dog is Sneezing
A dog that is excessively sneezing should be seen by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will be able to determine what is causing the condition. The veterinarian will look inside the dog’s nose and mouth, check the teeth, and palpate for facial swelling. Depending what other symptoms your dog may be experiencing, the doctor may recommend x-rays, and bloodwork. He may also take a skin scrape of the nasal mucosa to be examined under a microscope. If the veterinarian suspects allergies he may also recommend allergy testing.
Allergies may be treated with daily allergy shots. Dogs with infections will be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Foreign bodies in the nasal cavity will need to be removed. The dog will need to be anesthetized, so that veterinarian may retrieve the lodged object. Patients exposed to irritating inhalants may need oxygen therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and rest. If nasal mites were found, a topical parasite medication and an oral anti-parasite drug may be administered. Malignant tumors may need to be surgically removed, followed by radiation treatment and chemotherapy. Sneezing in dogs may be a symptom of an underlying serious condition.
Prevention of Sneezing
Allergy shots will help prevent the effects of the allergens, which the dog is allergic to. Small objects should not be left out where curious noses can inhale them. The dog’s yard should be free of small rocks, awns and twigs. Dogs should not be exposed to irritating inhalants.
There are natural cleaning solutions that are not as strong smelling as bleach or ammonia. Other irritating inhalants should be avoided around your pet such as second hand tobacco smoke, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. These dangerous inhalants can not only cause sneezing they can cause respiratory distress and may lead to cancerous tumors. Some conditions or diseases cannot be prevented but they can be diagnosed in the early stages with yearly wellness check. Early diagnosis of a condition usually has a better recovery prognosis.
Cost of Sneezing
Treatment cost for this symptom will vary depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s sneezing. For example, the treatment of a nasal mite infestation can cost around $500 and the cost of treating malignant nasal tumors can be up to $12,000.
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Sneezing Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador Retriever
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
We just got a new puppy, but she does not have any symptoms that my one year old does. My lab wakes up and has a fit of sneezing. She sneezes roughly 10 times when she has a sneezing fit. She does not sneeze often, mainly just when she wakes up. I have also noticed that she has a yellowish eye discharge. I’m hoping it’s just allergies, but the eye discharge worries me. But her nasal discharge is clear.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
If your dog is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 18, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
One Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing And Yellowish Eye Discharge
We just got a new puppy, but she does not have any symptoms that my one year old does. My lab wakes up and has a fit of sneezing. She sneezes roughly 10 times when she has a sneezing fit. She does not sneeze often, mainly just when she wakes up. I have also noticed that she has a yellowish eye discharge. I’m hoping it’s just allergies, but the eye discharge worries me.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
If your dog is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 18, 2020
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American Pit Bull Terrier
Lucy
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
I have recently brought a foster dog home. My current dog has suddenly begun sneezing excessively, the foster dog is also sneezing. I was wondering if this could be something the foster has transmitted to my dog, or perhaps they both have allergies. The foster has eye discharge, sometimes green sometimes clear. My dog will occasionally have discharge but not often. They sneeze much more when they are sniffing around out side. My current dog is on Apoquel right now due to something irritating her skin. What could the sneezing be from?
July 31, 2018
1 Recommendations
The sneezing could be from almost anything which may include infections (especially if there is a green discharge), parasites, foreign objects (unlikely both have something in their nose), chemical irritants, allergies among other causes; I would get the foster dog checked to be on the safe side since there is sneezing and eye discharge and see what the Veterinarian finds. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 31, 2018
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Chihuahua
Daisy
9 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Discharge Of Fluids
My chihuahua keeps sneezing and she has for quite a while is it normal for water or some other wet substance to come out when they sneeze I don’t have money right now to visit a vet it may be because of her poor dental care or allergies is there anything I can do at home for her
April 9, 2018
3 Recommendations
There may be some mucus or discharge when sneezing, just like with humans sneezing; possible causes may be due to allergies, infections, dental disorders, foreign objects, tumours among other causes. Without an examination I cannot say for certain, but you should try to think if there are any new cleaning products, pieces of furniture or anything else which may be irritating Daisy’s nose leading to sneezing. If a cause cannot be found, you should visit your Veterinarian regardless; you can even try to find a charity clinic in your area. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 9, 2018
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American Bulldog
Jenny
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
My American bulldog sneezes all the time. Can I giver her benadryl to help or is it not safe for dogs? I cant afford to go to a vet if i can just treat her at home.
Feb. 19, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. There can be many reasons for Jenny to be sneezing, including allergies, a local irritant, conformational issues that she may have as a bulldog, or infectious diseases. It would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, just to make sure that you know what you are dealing with. May clinics offer a 'free first exam' that you may be able to use to have her seen, and they can give you any recommendations that might be appropriate, if needed. I hope that everything goes well for her.
Feb. 19, 2018
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Pomeranian
Blue
14 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
My puppy is about 14 weeks old. He played in the snow for a little bit and it was cold outside. I took him inside and the next day he started sneezing. He’s eating normally, playing and full of energy. He’s just sneezing. He’s drinking normally and going potty normally.
Golden Retriever
Parker Mae
18 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Sneezing , Eye Boogers
18 week old golden retriever is up to date on all vaccinations and also got kennel cough vaccine, but this past week has begun sneezing a lot and has a little bit of yellow/brown eye booger. She is still her happy spunky self and has a big appetite, I feel like it’s allergies but not sure if I should be concerned?
Shih Tzu
Bella
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Nose
Watery Eyes
Reverse Sneezing,
I have a shih tzu mix. And here's the issue, she isnt up to date this year on her bordetella shot ect, she went to the groomers.... first few days she was fine. She slowly started to do a reverse sneeze maybe one or twice a day for 2 days, then sneezing started followed with clear runny nose. She sounds congested. Now almost every time she walks well you guessed it she reverse sneezes. Mind you she got groomed because we moved and wanted to eliminate fleas. So shes also in a new enviorment. Shes never once reversed sneeze untill after the move, and after the groomers. My wild guess is she got kennel cough from the groomers. But when I see videos the symptoms dont match up!
