Why Is My Dog Sneezing?

Oh! Does your dog sneeze all the time? The most likely culprits behind your incessant sinus problems are allergic or then irritants in the airsuch as pollen or dust. could also have foreign Affair stuck in their nostrils, like grass or foxtails. And sometimes, sneezing can even be your dog’s natural way Express happiness during the game (how sweet?!)

Less common but more serious causes of excessive sneezing include nasal infections, canine flu, nasal mites, and nasal tumors. We spoke to Rover’s Veterinary Advisor, Dr. Rebekah Greenstein to learn how pet owners can tell the difference between more serious sneezing and sneezing that’s just a harmless (and quite adorable) nuisance.

Here are some of the The most likely causes of your dog’s constant sneezing:

• allergies: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Sneezing caused by an allergic reaction is often accompanied by other telltale signs like a runny or itchy nose.
• Airborne Irritants or Foreign Objects: Irritants such as smoke, perfume, pollen, and dust can trigger sneezing. The same applies to foreign objects (such as grass, sticks or hair) that become lodged in the nostrils.
• Luck: Dogs sometimes sneeze as a sign of joy while playing, this type of sneeze is nothing to worry about!
• Infections: Nose infections can be caused by fungi or bacteria and may require medication.
• Dog flu: Sneezing is one of the many uncomfortable symptoms of canine flu. As a rule, it is not a serious illness, but it does require veterinary care.

Let’s take a look at each of these elements in turn:

1. Sneezing from allergies

The symptoms

Just like humans, dogs can have experiences an allergic reaction Dust, pollen, mold, flea bites and certain foods. If your dog’s sneezing is caused by allergies, you’ll likely notice other symptoms as well. You may have extra itching (all over your body or in a specific spot), discharge from your eyes or nose, or coughing and wheezing.

treatment

The best way to prevent outbreaks is to avoid the allergens that seem to bother your pet. There are also allergy medications like antihistamines that can be prescribed for your dog.

2. Sneezing due to irritants in the air

The symptoms

Sometimes a sneezing fit is triggered when your dog inhales airborne irritants. Identifying this type of sneeze is as simple as examining your pet’s surroundings for common culprits like smoke, perfume, candles, cleaning products, dust, and pollen.

treatment

As long as you can remove the offending irritant, treatment is not a problem. Helps keep your home clean and dust free. Avoid smoking around your dog and keep an eye on campfires in the summer.

3. Sneezing through foreign objects

The symptoms

An overzealous muzzle often picks up troublesome irritants such as grass, hair, sticks, food, or foxtail burrs that lodge in the nostrils. These unwanted particles are extremely irritating and affected dogs are often visibly uncomfortable. The sneezing may increase with no sign of stopping until the material is removed.

If you notice your dog sneezing excessively, touching or rubbing his nose (more frequently or more aggressively than normal), or sneezing blood, he may have something stuck in his nose.

treatment

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect something is stuck in your pet’s nose. They will assess the situation and possibly prevent it from getting lodged deeper in the nasal cavity.

4. Sneezing caused by gambling

The symptoms

If you’ve played with a dog or watched him frolic with other pets, chances are you’ve seen one play sneeze in action. Many dogs will sneeze dramatically mid-game, especially when things get really exciting. This adorable sneeze usually sounds like a short cold coming out of the nose (not the lungs) during a gaming session.

According to canine behavior experts, this type of sneeze is a form of communication and is likely used to signal a playmate that the harshness is just for fun or to defuse a stressful situation. dogs use your whole body to communicate, and sneezing is another tool in his arsenal.

treatment

Play sneezing is almost always harmless. If you notice that your dog keeps sneezing during play, and only during play, his sneezing is probably nothing to worry about. However, if he continues to sneeze uncontrollably or you notice traces of blood, you should visit your vet to make sure nothing else is happening.

5. Sneezing caused by a nasal infection

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The symptoms

fungi and bacteria infections can lead to frequent sneezing. Affected dogs may also have bloody nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and coughing due to irritating postnasal drip.

treatment

Nose infections, whether fungal, bacterial or viral, warrant a trip to the vet. Antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms and clear the infection.

6. Sneezing caused by the canine flu virus

The symptoms

Canine flu is highly contagious and can be spread through airborne droplets or through contact with an infected dog or surface. Watch out for other symptoms that are common with the flu: runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy, cough, shortness of breath, and fever.

treatment

For mild cases, treatment may not be necessary. dr Greenstein informs us “We start treating things when they are having trouble breathing or when symptoms seem to be getting worse. But for the most part, cases are mild and self-limiting, with only a small percentage of cases progressing to more severe pneumonia.

7. Sneezing from nose mites

The symptoms

Although rare, dogs can catch these tiny insects by digging or rubbing their noses in dirt. Nose mites cause irritation and inflammation. In addition to frequent sneezing, watch for a thick, bloody discharge from your dog’s nose. These parasites can also cause reverse sneezing and heavy, noisy breathing.

treatment

Fortunately, nose mites are incredibly rare, confirms Dr. Greenstein. But if your dog finds them, he can be treated with general parasite medication. Your veterinarian may also rinse your dog’s nose to remove mites.

8. Sneezing caused by a nasal tumor

The symptoms

Although rare, frequent sneezing can indicate the presence of a nasal tumor. This usually occurs in older dogs and often coincides with a runny nose or blood from one or both nostrils. You may also notice noisy breathing, lack of energy, and weight loss.

treatment

Depending on the type and location of the tumor, radiation or chemotherapy can be continued to successfully stop the progression of the disease. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best treatment plan for your dog.

What is reverse sneezing in dogs?

A reverse sneeze occurs when your dog inhales loudly through his nose in spasms that may feel like gagging or choking. This common but confusing reflex is thought to be a response to irritation or inflammation and can help your dog clear foreign objects, allergens or irritants.

In general, reverse sneezing is harmless. “If it’s sporadic and occasional, for the most part, you don’t have to worry,” says Dr. Greenstein. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll need to give your dog medication for reverse sneezing, but your vet might prescribe antihistamines if reverse sneezing is the result of allergies.

What about tracheal collapse?

If you notice your dog squealing (instead of the characteristic inhaled “growl” of an inverted sneeze) and appearing unable to breathe, has a sudden intolerance to exercise, or has a bluish tinge to their gums, it’s best to bring them to home him the vet. right away. This could be a sign of a collapsed trachea (which is more likely to occur in small breeds) and can be very serious.

Although your dog’s sneezing can be a little alarming for some reason, learning about the different types of dog sneezing will help you understand when you can help and if the sneezing is a sign of a more serious problem.

But you know your dog best: if something is wrong, a quick call to the vet is always a good idea.