As a dog owner, you might have come across an instant when your dog started sneezing all of a sudden and you may have asked, “Why is my dog sneezing so much?” There are plenty of reasons as to why your dog is sneezing more than usual. It could be due to allergies, a reaction to something in the environment, or even a sign of a health condition.
If your dog is sneezing and it seems to be accompanied by other symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, or lethargy, then it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up. In most cases, dog sneezing is nothing to worry about and can be easily resolved with some simple home remedies. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and visit the vet if your dog starts sneezing excessively.
Why Do Dogs Sneeze?
Dogs sneeze for the same reasons that humans do – to expel irritants from their noses. However, there are a few things that can trigger a dog’s sneezing reflex more than others. Here are some of the most common causes of why your dog might be sneezing:
Allergies
Just like with humans, dogs can have allergies to pollen, dust, mold, and other airborne particles. If your dog is sneezing and has other allergy symptoms like itchiness, red eyes, or runny nose, then it may be suffering from seasonal allergies.
To deal with allergies, you can try giving your dog an over-the-counter antihistamine or visit the vet for a more long-term solution. However, it’s important to note that you should never give medications to your dog unless it has been prescribed by a veterinarian. This is because some human medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be toxic to dogs.
Foreign objects
Sometimes, a dog will sneeze because there is something stuck in its nose. This is especially common in dogs who like to put their noses into everything! If you think this might be the case, then take a look inside your dog’s nostrils to see if you can spot anything.
If you do see something lodged in there, do not try to remove it yourself – this could cause further irritation or even damage the delicate tissue inside the nose. Instead, take your dog to the vet so the vet can safely remove the object.
Upper respiratory infection
An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a contagious infection that affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. It’s similar to a human cold, and it can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and fever. If your dog has a URI, then they will probably also have a reduced appetite and be less active than usual. If you think your dog might have a URI, then take it to the vet so the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Tumors
Sometimes, tumors in the nose can cause sneezing. If your dog has a tumor in its nose, then it will probably have other symptoms as well, such as a bloody nose, trouble breathing, and discharge from the eyes or nose. If you think your dog might have a tumor, then take it to the vet so the vet can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment.
Infection
If your dog is sneezing and has a fever, then it may have an infection. The most common types of infections that cause sneezing in dogs are viral or bacterial respiratory infections. These can be passed on to your dog from other animals or even humans. If you think your dog might have an infection, then you should take it to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.
Brachycephalic syndrome (in short-nosed breeds)
Brachycephalic syndrome is a condition that affects short-nosed breeds of dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs. It is caused by the dog’s anatomy, which results in obstruction of the airway. This can lead to difficulty breathing, snoring, and sneezing. If you think your dog might have a brachycephalic syndrome, then you should take it to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Nasal mites
Nasal mites are tiny parasites that live in the nose of dogs (and other animals). They can cause a lot of irritation, leading to sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. If you think your dog might have nasal mites, then you should take it to the vet for treatment.
Cancer
In some rare cases, sneezing can be a symptom of cancer in dogs. If your dog is sneezing frequently and you can’t figure out why then it’s best to take it to the vet for a check-up. Cancer in dogs is relatively rare, so don’t panic if your dog is sneezing. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get a check-up just to be sure.
Colds
Yes, dogs can get colds just like humans. If your dog is sneezing and has a runny nose, then it might have a cold. However, you should take your dog to the vet to be sure, as some other conditions can cause similar symptoms. For example, kennel cough is a respiratory infection that is common in dogs and is often mistaken for a cold.
The Common Cold in Dogs
As mentioned above, dogs can get colds, but they are less common than in humans. The symptoms of a cold in a dog are similar to those in humans: sneezing, runny nose, and sometimes a cough. However, dogs also tend to have a fever when they have a cold. If your dog has a cold, the best thing you can do is take it to the vet and follow their advice.
You can usually tell that your dog only has a cold and not something more serious by its overall energy level and appetite. If your dog is still eating and playing normally, then it’s likely just a cold. However, if your dog has no energy and won’t eat, then it may be something more serious and you should take it to the vet right away.
There are a few things you can do to help your dog feel better if it has a cold:
- Make sure it gets plenty of rest.
- Keep its sleeping area warm and cozy.
- Offer small meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal.
- Give it lots of love and attention because dogs appreciate being comforted when they’re feeling under the weather.
You can also give your dog chicken broth without onions and garlic (which can make dogs sick) or plain, unsweetened yogurt to help it get its energy back.
If your dog is still sneezing a lot after a few days and isn’t showing any improvement, then take it to the vet to make sure it doesn’t have an infection or something else that needs treatment.
What Should I Do If My Dog Starts Sneezing Excessively?
If your dog starts sneezing excessively, then you should take it to the vet. This is especially important if your dog is also showing other symptoms, such as a runny nose or difficulty breathing. Excessive sneezing can be a sign of a serious condition, so it’s best to have your dog checked out by a professional.
What Medications Are Usually Given To Dogs That Sneeze Excessively?
There are different medications that a veterinarian may prescribe for a dog that sneezes excessively. These include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and nasal sprays. Your vet will decide which medication is best for your dog based on the underlying cause of the excessive sneezing.
It’s important to remember that only veterinarians are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions in dogs. If your dog is sneezing excessively, make an appointment with your vet so they can determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.
Never assume that a home remedy or over-the-counter medication that’s safe for humans will be safe for dogs. Many human medications are toxic to dogs and can cause serious side effects.
How Do I Prevent Sneezing In Dogs?
There are some things that you can do to help prevent your dog from sneezing excessively. If your dog lives in a dusty environment, try to keep the house clean and free of dust. You may also want to invest in an air purifier.
If your dog is allergic to something in their environment such as pollen or mold, you’ll need to take steps to remove the allergens from their environment. This may involve changing your cleaning products, using a HEPA filter, and/or giving them baths more frequently.
You should also make sure that your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations can help prevent some respiratory infections that may cause excessive sneezing.
When To See A Vet?
If you’re concerned about your dog’s sneezing, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, or nasal discharge, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will be able to determine if there is a medical reason for your dog’s excessive sneezing and help you create a treatment plan.
FAQs About Sneezing in Dogs
What should I do if my dog keeps sneezing?
If your dog keeps sneezing, it’s best to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. If the sneezing is due to allergies, your vet may recommend a course of allergy shots or oral medication.
When should I be concerned about my dog sneezing?
You should be concerned about your dog sneezing if they are also showing signs of illness, such as lethargy or nasal discharge. If your dog is otherwise healthy and just seems to be sneezing a lot, it’s still important to make an appointment with your vet to rule out any medical causes.
Does dog sneezing mean anything?
Yes, dog sneezing can mean a lot of things. It can be a sign of allergies, a cold, or even something more serious like kennel cough. If your dog is sneezing a lot, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes.
Why does my dog keep having sneezing attacks?
Your dog might keep having sneezing attacks because they have allergies or a cold. However, there are instances when dog sneezing is caused by something more serious, like kennel cough. If your dog’s sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, like a runny nose or fever, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
How can you tell if your dog has a cold?
You can tell that your dog has a cold if it’s sneezing a lot and has a runny nose. However, you should note that a common cold in dogs will not cause a fever. If your dog has a fever, it’s likely that they have something more serious, like kennel cough.
How do I know if my dog has nasal mites?
You will know that your dog has nasal mites if it’s sneezing a lot and has a runny nose. However, you should note that not all dogs with nasal mites will have symptoms. If your dog does have symptoms, it may also have a fever and be lethargic.
Final Thoughts
Why is my dog sneezing so much? Sneezing is a normal bodily function for humans and dogs alike. It helps to expel irritants from the nose and keep the respiratory tract clear. However, sometimes dog sneezing can be excessive and may be indicative of an underlying problem.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s sneezing, make sure to consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to help you determine if there is an underlying cause and provide treatment accordingly.
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Author
Nicole Barnett
