by Andrew Garcia
May 26, 2022
3 minute read
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Is My Dog Sneezing?
- What Should I Do if My Dog Is Sneezing?
- What Can I Give My Dog to Help His Sneezing?
- What Is Kennel Cough and How to Treat it?
- Conclusion
Pretty much all dogs sneeze at one point or another. However, if your dog is suffering from frequent sneezing
attacks or seems to be in pain or distress, you might want to call a vet.
While typically harmless, frequent, uncontrollable sneezing could be a sign that something is wrong. In this
article, we’ll take a closer at the topic to see if we can determine a doggy diagnosis.
You can also check here to learn more about Why Is My Cat Sneezing?
Why Is My Dog Sneezing?
Below, you’ll find a list of the most common reasons dogs suffer sneezing fits.
They Could Be Cleaning Their Nose
One of the big reasons people (and other animals) sneeze is to clear their nostrils of gunk, dust, and debris.
Now think of how much dogs sniff compared to us! At any given point, dogs might be smelling dirt, smelling
grass, or even sticking their nose in a big pile of dirty leaves. It should come as no surprise that any one of
these could lead to a sneeze or two.
They Might Be Reacting to Airborne Irritants
We just mentioned dust, debris, and dirt. All of these are different, yes, but they all fall into the category
of airborne irritants. That
means they can inflame the nasal passageways and cause your dog to sneeze in an effort to get them out. Other
common (and more dangerous) examples of airborne irritants include mold spores and bacteria. These are also
linked to sneezing, but can also cause serious health conditions.
Your Dog Might Have Seasonal Allergies
Beleive it or not, dogs can get seasonal allergies just like us. This
means that pollen, ragweed, and other plant matter can affect them just as much as they affect us. If your pup
is suffering from allergies and not just regular old sneezes, look for red eyes, a runny nose, or scratching. If
you see this behavior, take your dog to the vet and have them tested for allergies. If the results are positive,
they may need to go on medication at certain times of the year.
Your Dog Might Have Food Allergies
Pollen isn’t the only type of allergies dogs can have in common with humans. Food allergies are more common
than many pet owners think. To make matters worse, these types of reactions can be hard to pinpoint (and hard to
deal with). And while food allergies usually affect the dog's skin, coat, and digestive system, sneezing can be
one of the signs as well. So if you start to notice the sneezing attacks tend to happen a few hours after
mealtime, consult with your vet immediately.
Your Dog Might Just Be Expressing Feelings
This one might surprise you a bit. You see, dogs will sometimes use sneezes and snorts to communicate with you,
potential threats, or other dogs. Experts aren't 100% sure why they do this (or what exactly they're trying to
say), but it is a well-documented behavior typically associated with nervousness and excitement. So if your dog
sneezes while playing or fighting, they might just be expressing their feelings.
They Might Have Kennel Cough
Kennel
cough is considered the most common of all diseases affecting canines. It's quite similar to the common
cold we humans get now and then, and it's just as contagious. The primary symptoms? You guessed it: coughing and
sneezing. You might also notice they have a runny nose and watery or darkened eyes. As the name might imply,
kennel cough is mostly associated with dogs that have been boarded or spent time in a shelter. And while it
isn't typically dangerous, it can stick around for a while without medical intervention.
They Could Have Some Other Disease
There are more serious respiratory diseases that can cause sneezing in dogs. Distemper is a good example, and it
is often fatal. However, it's important to remember that many of these conditions come with other symptoms,
including loss of appetite, dull eyes and coats, and a cough. If you eliminate some of the more innocuous items
on this list and your dog is still sneezing, it could be time to go to the vet.
What Should I Do if My Dog Is Sneezing?
Again, the occasional sneeze or even sneezing fit is perfectly normal (and typically adorable). However, if you
notice any mucus discharge, nose scratching or rubbing, or bleeding from the nostril, you need to call your vet.
There could be something in the nasal passage, or your dog might be ill. In general, it's a good idea to keep
your vet informed of any and all changes in your pet and let them decide what is worth worrying about.
What Can I Give My Dog to Help His Sneezing?
As noted above, some examples of sneezing in dogs will require a lot more attention than others. And while you
might consider using human products like Benadryl for allergies, you should
check with your vet first. If allergies happen not to be the culprit in your dog’s sneezing fits, you might end
up causing them significant discomfort.
What Is Kennel Cough and How to Treat it?
Kennel cough is a canine respiratory illness. Like bronchitis, it causes the branches in the lungs to become
swollen. This causes a lingering, dry cough that takes a long time to abate. Kennel cough itself can be caused
by all sorts of microorganisms, including canine adenovirus, mycoplasma, and Bordetella.
Fortunately, there is a vaccination for kennel cough, which is worth considering if you're planning on putting
your dog into a daycare or boarding facility.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it's up to us dog moms and dads to take care of our four-legged little ones. Our pets
can't tell us what hurts, so we need to be vigilant when it comes to their health. If you notice sneezing that
isn't going away or any other health concerns, make a vet appointment immediately. Your decision to act fast
could make all the difference in the world.
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