Dogs sneeze for lots of reasons, and many of them are harmless. Some dogs sneeze when they’re excited, while others sneeze and snort to tell you to hurry up and throw the ball. However, if your dog’s sneezing becomes excessive or if you notice other symptoms pop up, it might be best to visit the vet.
Here are some of the most common reasons your dog may sneeze, and we’ll help you determine whether your pup’s symptoms are a cause for concern.
Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of different allergies that cause them to sneeze. There are three different types that affect pups the most.
- Environmental Allergies: If your dog is allergic to environmental allergens like pollen, plant and animal fibers, dust mites or mold spores. he’ll probably sneeze frequently.
- Flea Allergies: Many dogs are allergic to fleas, and just a couple of bites a week can make her absolutely miserable.
- Food Allergies: Like people, dogs can develop food allergies at any age. Most often, the culprit is the protein that your pup has been eating.
Dogs suffering from allergies tend to have other symptoms in addition to sneezing. These symptoms include:
- Watery eyes
- Constantly licking fur
- Skin and ear infections
- Irritated skin
- Loss of fur
PetMD offers a great resource for owners who suspect that their dog suffers from allergies. Your veterinarian can help you to determine whether your pet needs treatment to relieve his symptoms.
Respiratory Infections
Dogs can get upper respiratory infections, especially if they’ve got an infected tooth root. When this occurs, your pet will sneeze often, and he’ll likely also have bloody mucoid discharge and he won’t eat much. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to take him to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Inhalation of a Foreign Object
Sometimes dogs get items stuck inside their nasal passages. Most often, it’s objects like a tiny stick, a foxtail or even a blade of grass. It’s extremely uncomfortable for your pup, and he’ll probably sneeze excessively until the object is removed.
Nasal Tumor
Older dogs can develop nasal tumors that cause them to sneeze more frequently. If you suspect that your aging pup may have a nasal tumor, you may also notice bleeding on one side of his nose.
Nasal Mites
These tiny bugs can cause dogs to experience miserable symptoms including sneezing, inflammation, and a thick discharge from their noses. Your dog can suffer from nasal mites by digging and rubbing his nose on the ground outside.
Play Sneezing
When your pup is feeling playful, he may sneeze repeatedly. In this case, there’s nothing to worry about. He’s just really excited, and his sneezes are his way of telling you so.
What’s Normal and When to Call Your Vet
Dogs can sneeze for a variety of reasons, and many of them aren’t serious. If your pup starts sneezing excessively, it may be worth checking him out, and if his sneezes appear with additional symptoms such as nasal discharge, it’s definitely time to make an appointment.
Nasal mites, tumors and foreign objects especially cause dogs to be very miserable, and your veterinarian can provide them with relief. Look for additional symptoms like thick nasal discharge, fever, and a change in appetite, and make an appointment if he doesn’t seem well.
Dogs sneeze, and it’s perfectly normal for them to do so, but if your dog starts sneezing more frequently, or if you notice additional symptoms, give us a call. Our staff at Pine Creek Vet will take care of your pooch so he leaves our office healthy and happy.