It’s perfectly normal for dogs to sneeze occasionally. However, if you notice your furry friend sneezing more than usual, you might start to worry. Understanding the reasons behind excessive sneezing is key to ensuring your dog’s health and well-being.
Dogs sneeze for a variety of reasons, ranging from playful communication to indicators of underlying health issues. It’s important to discern between normal dog sneezing and sneezing that might signal a more serious problem.
Let’s explore the common causes of frequent sneezing in dogs, identify accompanying symptoms to watch for, and understand when a trip to the veterinarian is necessary.
Understanding Sneezing in Dogs
Sneezing is a reflex action in dogs, just like in humans, designed to expel irritants, foreign materials, or discharge from their upper respiratory tract.
The upper airway in dogs includes the nose, nasal passages, throat (pharynx and larynx), and trachea (windpipe).
While occasional sneezing is a normal bodily function, persistent or excessive sneezing can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
For instance, if your dog inhales pollen, a few sneezes might occur to clear the nasal passage, and this is usually a short-lived event. However, if your dog is allergic to pollen, the sneezing can become frequent and may be accompanied by other allergy symptoms.
Recognizing Uncontrollable Sneezing
As a dog owner, witnessing severe sneezing in your dog can be alarming.
Severe or excessive sneezing is often characterized by nasal discharge (which may be clear, colored, or bloody) and audible congestion.
Intense sneezing can also impact a dog’s appetite, leading to reduced or complete loss of appetite. Furthermore, repeated sneezing fits might cause your dog to become lethargic or unusually inactive.
Common culprits behind uncontrollable sneezing in dogs include foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages, nasal mites, or even nasal tumors.
If your dog is sneezing incessantly, especially if accompanied by nasal discharge, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention at an emergency clinic.
Differentiating Sneezing from Snorting
Sometimes, distinguishing between sneezing and snorting in dogs can be tricky.
A helpful way to tell the difference is to observe the direction of airflow. Sneezing is typically an outward expulsion of air, while snorting involves drawing air inward, often with a distinct sound.
Snorting is commonly observed in brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs) due to their unique airway structure, but it can also occur in overweight dogs or those with certain medical conditions.
Common Causes of Sneezing in Dogs
Several factors can contribute to increased sneezing in dogs. These are some of the most frequent causes:
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Allergies: Sneezing can be a significant indicator of environmental allergies in dogs. You might notice sneezing alongside other allergy symptoms like watery eyes and excessive scratching or licking due to skin irritation. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and certain plants.
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Play Sneezing: Dogs often sneeze during play as a signal of happiness and excitement. This “play sneeze” can also be a way for dogs to communicate their playful intentions to other dogs, indicating that their actions are meant in good fun. If your dog sneezes during playtime and shows no other symptoms, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
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Reverse Sneezing: Reverse sneezing is a peculiar phenomenon in dogs, often triggered by excitement, irritants, or inflammation in the nasal passages or throat. During a reverse sneeze, a dog will exhibit sudden, forceful inhalations through the nose, creating a characteristic honking sound. While it might sound alarming, reverse sneezing is usually harmless and can often be resolved by gently petting your dog and helping them calm down.
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Airborne Irritants: Dogs can be sensitive to various airborne irritants like pollen, dust, mold, and smoke, which can trigger sneezing. These tiny particles can become trapped in your dog’s nasal passages, causing irritation and leading to sneezing. Other common household irritants include scented candles, perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaning products.
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Nasal Foreign Body: Occasionally, a foreign object can become lodged in a dog’s nasal passages, causing significant irritation and sneezing. Common examples of such objects include grass blades, foxtails, plant awns, or small sticks. If a foreign body is the cause, you’ll likely observe persistent sneezing and signs of discomfort in your dog.
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Nasal Infections: Upper respiratory infections, whether bacterial or fungal, can be a cause of sneezing in dogs. In some cases, dental infections, particularly those affecting the tooth roots of the upper teeth, can also spread to the nasal cavity and cause sneezing. Nasal infections are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal discharge (which may be bloody or mucus-like) and decreased appetite.
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Nasal Mites: Nasal mites are microscopic parasites that can infest a dog’s nasal passages, causing intense irritation. Dogs can pick up nasal mites by digging in the dirt or rubbing their noses in soil. Infestation with nasal mites typically leads to frequent sneezing and nasal discharge, which can be thick and bloody due to the irritation and inflammation caused by these mites.
Brachycephalic breeds, with their characteristically flattened faces, are more predisposed to sneezing due to the compressed anatomy of their nasal passages. Common brachycephalic breeds prone to breathing and sneezing issues include Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs.
When Sneezing is Accompanied by Other Symptoms
If your dog’s sneezing is accompanied by additional symptoms, it’s important to pay close attention as these signs can provide valuable clues about the underlying cause. Here are some common accompanying symptoms and what they might indicate:
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Nasal Discharge: Discharge from the nose, whether clear, white, yellow, green, or bloody, is a significant symptom. Clear discharge might indicate allergies or mild irritation, while colored discharge often suggests an infection (bacterial or fungal). Bloody discharge can be a sign of injury, foreign body, infection, or more serious conditions like tumors.
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Coughing: Sneezing and coughing together can point towards a respiratory infection, such as kennel cough or canine influenza.
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Lethargy or Reduced Appetite: If your dog is sneezing excessively and also seems tired, weak, or has lost interest in food, it could indicate an infection, illness, or systemic issue.
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Facial Swelling or Pain: Swelling around the face or nose, or signs of pain when you touch their face, can be associated with dental issues, nasal infections, or even tumors.
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Reverse Sneezing: While reverse sneezing itself is usually benign, if it becomes very frequent or severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s worth investigating.
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Eye Discharge or Watery Eyes: If your dog has watery eyes or discharge from their eyes along with sneezing, allergies or upper respiratory infections are more likely.
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Scratching or Rubbing Face: If your dog is constantly pawing at their face or rubbing it on furniture while sneezing, it could be a sign of nasal mites, foreign body irritation, or allergies causing facial itching.
Home Care for Dog Sneezing
The approach to managing your dog’s sneezing depends largely on the underlying cause. While some causes of sneezing in dogs require veterinary intervention, others can be managed at home.
Although you might consider using over-the-counter human medications like Benadryl for allergies, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian to determine the actual cause of your dog’s sneezing before starting any treatment.
For dogs experiencing congestion along with sneezing, using a cool-mist humidifier in the room where they spend most of their time can be beneficial. The moist air can help to soothe irritated nasal passages.
Another helpful home remedy is steam therapy. You can take your dog into the bathroom while running a hot shower (making sure it’s not too hot and steamy for you or your dog). Allowing them to inhale the steam can help to loosen nasal secretions and provide relief from sneezing and congestion associated with upper respiratory issues.
Supporting your dog’s immune system can also be beneficial, particularly if the sneezing is related to allergies or infections. Consider adding a probiotic or immune-boosting supplement to their diet, after consulting with your vet. Allergy supplements can also be helpful for dogs with allergic sneezing, but again, veterinary guidance is recommended to choose the right supplement and dosage.
When Veterinary Care is Necessary
While occasional sneezing in dogs is usually not a cause for concern, certain situations warrant a veterinary visit. If your dog is experiencing frequent sneezing without an obvious trigger, or if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional veterinary advice.
Take your dog to the vet if:
- Sneezing is persistent and frequent.
- Sneezing is accompanied by nasal discharge, especially if it’s colored or bloody.
- Your dog shows signs of lethargy or loss of appetite.
- You notice coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
- There is facial swelling or signs of pain around the nose.
- Home remedies are not providing relief.
- You suspect a foreign body may be lodged in your dog’s nose.
- Your dog has a history of nasal issues or allergies.
- The sneezing started suddenly and is severe.
FAQs About Dog Sneezing
Why do dogs sneeze when playing?
Play sneezing is often a sign of happiness and excitement in dogs. It can be a way for them to express their joy and enthusiasm during play sessions. Lip curling, another sign of happiness in dogs, can also cause the face to wrinkle, sometimes triggering a sneeze. Additionally, a play sneeze could simply be due to a minor environmental irritant, such as dust or a feather from a toy, briefly tickling their nose during play.
Why does my dog sneeze when I kiss them?
Sneezing when you kiss your dog could be a sign of happiness or excitement, as sneezing can be a positive emotional response in dogs. It’s also possible that something from your clothing, like a loose thread, or even pollen you’ve picked up outdoors, could inadvertently enter your dog’s nose during a kiss and cause a sneeze as a way to expel the irritant.
Why is my puppy sneezing?
Occasional sneezing in puppies is generally considered normal. However, if a puppy is sneezing frequently or if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be indicative of an upper respiratory infection, commonly caused by viruses or bacteria, which are more common in young dogs with developing immune systems. If your puppy is sneezing excessively or showing other signs of illness in addition to sneezing, it’s important to have them examined by a veterinarian promptly to ensure they receive appropriate care and treatment.
Heather Hoffmann, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Heather Hoffmann is a 2018 graduate from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a certificate in…
