Sneezing is a common symptom of several conditions in dogs, and understanding why your dog is sneezing can be difficult.
Is it allergies?
Or something more serious?
In this article, we’ll explore some possible causes and treatments for excessive sneezing in dogs so you can help your pup feel better soon.
What is dog sneezing’a reason
Sneezing is a normal reflex in dogs, just as it is in humans. It’s a way for the body to expel irritants from the nasal passage, and typically happens when something foreign enters the nose or when allergies are triggered.
In some cases, however, sneezing can be excessive and become concerning. If your pup is sneezing more than usual, it’s important to understand why and take the appropriate steps to treat the condition.
Importance of understanding why your dog is sneezing excessively
Excessive sneezing in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as allergies or infection. It’s important to understand why your dog is sneezing excessively so you can take appropriate steps to treat the condition and help your pup feel better.
Allergies, for example, can be treated with medications or lifestyle changes, while infections require antibiotics. Knowing the cause of the sneezing will help you choose the right treatment for your pup.
Common Causes of Excessive Dog Sneezing
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Allergens such as pollen, grass, and dust mites can trigger allergic reactions in dogs, causing them to sneeze more often than usual. Dogs may also develop allergies to certain foods or environmental elements like smoke or perfume.
If your dog is exhibiting other signs of allergies such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and frequent scratching, it’s likely allergies are the cause of the sneezing.
Environmental allergies
If allergies are the cause of your dog’s excessive sneezing, there are several things you can do to help treat the condition. You can try to reduce your dog’s exposure to allergens by using a quality air filter in their home and trying to feed them a food that is low in allergens.
If these measures don’t work, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.
Food allergies
If your dog has environmental allergies, you can try to reduce their exposure to allergens by using a quality air filter in their home and trying to feed them a food that is low in allergens. If these measures don’t work, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.
Nasal Irritants
In addition to allergies, nasal irritants can also cause excessive sneezing in dogs. These irritants can include plants, dust, smoke, and even human perfumes.
If your dog is exposed to an irritant, it may trigger a sneezing reaction as the body tries to expel the foreign substance from the nasal cavity.
To help reduce your pup’s exposure to irritants, be sure to keep their environment clean and free of dust and other potential irritants.
Dust or pollen
Dust and pollen are common environmental allergens that can cause excessive sneezing in dogs.
Dust mites, which are microscopic creatures that live on dust particles, can also trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Dogs may also be sensitive to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. If your pup is allergic to dust or pollen, it’s important to try to reduce their exposure to these allergens as much as possible.
You can use a quality air filter in their home and try to feed them a food that is low in allergens. If these measures don’t work, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.
Household cleaners or strong scents
Household cleaners or strong scents can also be a source of nasal irritation for dogs, causing them to sneeze excessively.
Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so even a small amount of household cleaner or strong scent can cause irritation in the nasal cavity.
To reduce your pup’s exposure to these irritants, be sure to use non-toxic, natural cleaners and limit the amount of strong scents used in your home.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections can also be a cause of excessive sneezing in dogs. These infections, which are caused by viruses or bacteria, can lead to inflammation and irritation in the nasal cavity.
Signs of respiratory infections include coughing, discharge from the nose or eyes, and fever. If your dog is sneezing excessively and exhibiting other signs of infection, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for an examination and treatment.
Canine influenza
Canine influenza, commonly known as the “dog flu,” is a contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs.
It is caused by two different strains of the Influenza A virus: H3N8 and H3N2.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and reduced appetite.
In some cases, canine influenza can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. If your pup is exhibiting signs of canine influenza, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for an examination and treatment.
Kennel cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria.
It can cause symptoms such as a dry, hacking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Kennel cough is especially common in dogs that have been recently boarded at a kennel or exposed to other animals at dog parks or dog shows.
To help reduce the risk of your pup catching kennel cough, be sure to keep them vaccinated against the virus and keep their environment clean. If these measures don’t work, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects can also be a cause of excessive sneezing in dogs.
If your pup has recently been outside or around other animals, they may have inhaled something that is now stuck in their nasal cavity. Common foreign objects include grass awns, plant awns, and small sticks or pebbles.
If your pup is sneezing excessively and you suspect they may have inhaled an object, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for examination and treatment.
Grass seeds or plant material
Grass seeds or plant material can also cause excessive sneezing in dogs. Grass and plant awns, which are small, sharp pieces of grass or other vegetation, can get lodged in the nasal cavity and lead to irritation.
If your pup has been playing outside or exploring tall grasses, it is important to check their nose for any foreign objects that may be stuck. Spraying your pup with a water bottle may also help to dislodge any grass or plant awns that are stuck in their nose.
Inhaled particles
Inhaled particles can also be a cause of excessive sneezing in dogs. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to inhaling small particles such as dust, pollen, and other allergens that can get stuck in their nasal cavities.
If your pup has been around any of these particles, they could be the cause of their excessive sneezing. To reduce your pup’s exposure to these particles, be sure to keep their environment clean and free of dust and allergens.
If necessary, your vet may prescribe an antihistamine or other medication to help reduce your pup’s symptoms.
Evaluating Potential Health Issues
Observing other symptoms
Observing other symptoms is important when trying to determine why your dog is sneezing excessively.
If your pup is also exhibiting signs of respiratory infection, such as coughing, discharge from the nose or eyes, and fever, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for an examination and treatment.
Additionally, if your pup has recently been outside or around other animals, it’s important to monitor them for any signs of parasites, such as fleas or ticks. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your pup to the vet for an evaluation and treatment.
Coughing
Coughing can also be a symptom of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Coughing is the body’s attempt to expel foreign materials and irritants from the respiratory tract, so it is important to pay attention if your pup is coughing in addition to sneezing.
Causes of canine coughing include kennel cough, heart disease, bronchitis, lung cancer, asthma, and allergies. If your pup is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation and treatment.
Runny nose or discharge
Runny nose or discharge can also be a symptom of excessive sneezing in dogs.
If your pup’s nose is running and they have a thick, yellowish-green nasal discharge, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation and treatment.
This type of discharge is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection such as kennel cough, but it can also be caused by allergies or environmental irritants. It’s important to have your pup evaluated and treated to prevent the spread of infection or further irritation.
Labored breathing
Labored breathing can also be a symptom of excessive sneezing in dogs.
If your pup is having difficulty breathing or their breaths are shallow and labored, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation and treatment.
Labored breathing can be caused by pneumonia, heart disease, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases or infections. It’s important to have your pup evaluated and treated to prevent further complications.
Consulting a veterinarian
If your dog is exhibiting excessive sneezing, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation and treatment.
Your veterinarian will be able to provide a diagnosis and determine the best course of action for treating your pup’s condition. Your vet may prescribe medication or suggest lifestyle changes to reduce your pup’s symptoms.
Additionally, they may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment if necessary.
Importance of professional evaluation
It is important to have your pup evaluated and treated by a professional veterinarian if they are exhibiting signs of excessive sneezing.
While some causes of sneezing may be harmless, others can point to more serious underlying health issues that require immediate attention.
A professional veterinarian will be able to evaluate your pup’s symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis as well as the best course of treatment for their condition.
Diagnostic tests and examinations
Diagnostic tests and examinations are important for determining the cause of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Your veterinarian may recommend a number of diagnostic tests and examinations to help them accurately diagnose your pup’s condition, including blood work, X-rays, imaging scans, urine analysis, and biopsies.
These tests can help your vet determine whether the sneezing is due to an infection, allergies, or another underlying health condition.
Possible underlying conditions
Possible underlying conditions that may cause excessive sneezing in dogs include allergies, respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, and cancer.
Allergies are the most common cause of excessive sneezing in dogs, and can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors such as dust mites, pollen, mold spores, grasses, and food allergens.
Respiratory infections such as kennel cough or canine influenza can also cause sneezing. Asthma, heart disease, and cancer can also cause excessive sneezing in dogs.
Upper respiratory infection
Upper respiratory infections can also cause excessive sneezing in dogs.
These infections are typically caused by viruses or bacteria and can cause a range of symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment for upper respiratory infections often includes antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat the underlying infection, as well as supportive care such as rest and fluids. In more serious cases, hospitalization and oxygen therapy may be necessary.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a condition that can cause excessive sneezing in dogs. It is characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are small cavities located within the bones of the skull.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Treatment for chronic sinusitis may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and topical steroids. Surgery may be necessary in more severe cases.
Management and Treatment Options
Allergy management
Allergy management is an important part of treating excessive sneezing in dogs.
If your vet suspects that allergies are the cause of your pup’s sneezing, they may recommend a number of different treatments and lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate your pup’s symptoms.
These treatments can include antihistamines, allergy shots, steroid medications, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding known allergens.
Identifying and removing allergens
Identifying and removing allergens is an important step to reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs
. Allergens are substances that trigger allergic reactions and can include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and food allergens.
If your veterinarian suspects that allergies are the cause of your pup’s excessive sneezing, they may recommend identifying and removing any potential allergens from your pup’s environment.
Prescription medications or allergy shots
Prescription medications or allergy shots may be recommended by your vet to help reduce or eliminate symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Prescription medications such as antihistamines can help reduce itching and sneezing caused by allergies, while steroid medications can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may also be recommended by your veterinarian if they suspect that your pup’s excessive sneezing is due to allergies.
Allergy shots involve introducing small amounts of allergens into your pup’s body over time, which can help them build up a tolerance to these substances and reduce their symptoms.
Nasal Irritant prevention
Nasal irritants are substances that can cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages and lead to excessive sneezing in dogs.
To help prevent nasal irritation, it is important to identify and remove any potential irritants from your pup’s environment. Common nasal irritants include cigarette smoke, aerosol sprays, perfumes, cleaning products, dust mites, and mold spores.
Minimizing exposure to irritants
Minimizing exposure to irritants is an important step in reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Common irritants that can cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages include cigarette smoke, aerosol sprays, perfumes, cleaning products, dust mites, and mold spores.
To help minimize your pup’s exposure to these irritants, it is important to keep their sleeping area clean and free of dust, vacuum regularly, and avoid using aerosol sprays or perfumes around your pup.
Using pet-safe cleaning products
Using pet-safe cleaning products is an important step to reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs. Pet-safe cleaning products are designed to be gentle on your pup’s sensitive skin and coat, while still providing effective cleaning power.
It is important to read the labels on all cleaning products you use around your pup and choose those that are labeled as “pet safe ” or “pet friendly.”
Treatment for respiratory infections
Respiratory infections can be a common cause of excessive sneezing in dogs. If your vet suspects that your pup’s excessive sneezing is caused by a respiratory infection, they may recommend a course of antibiotics to treat the infection.
Antibiotics help to eliminate bacteria from the body and reduce symptoms of the infection, such as sneezing. In addition to antibiotics, your vet may also recommend an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and throat.
Antibiotics or antiviral medications
Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be recommended by your veterinarian to help reduce or eliminate symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and can help reduce the number of bacteria in the body, making it difficult for them to cause infection.
Antiviral medications, on the other hand, are used to treat viral infections and can prevent viruses from replicating, which can help reduce symptoms of the infection.
Proper rest and hydration
Proper rest and hydration are important for reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs. Adequate rest can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, while proper hydration can help thin mucus secretions and minimize irritation.
To ensure your pup is getting enough rest, create a comfortable sleeping area and limit activities that may cause fatigue or stress. It is also important to provide your pup with plenty of fresh, clean water at all times to ensure they remain properly hydrated.
Removing foreign objects
Removing foreign objects is an important step to reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs. Foreign objects can become lodged in the nasal passages and cause irritation, inflammation, and sneezing.
To help identify any potential foreign objects that may be present, it is important to gently examine your pup’s nose with a flashlight and use tweezers to remove any visible items. If you are unable to remove the foreign object on your own, it is important to take your pup to the vet for further evaluation and treatment.
Seeking veterinary assistance for safe removal
Seeking veterinary assistance for safe removal is an important step to reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs.
If you are unable to remove a foreign object from your pup’s nose on your own, it is important to take your pup to the vet for further evaluation and treatment. Vets have the necessary tools and skills needed to safely remove foreign objects without causing additional irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
In some cases, your vet may also recommend medication to reduce inflammation and irritation caused by the foreign object.
Preventive Measures
Regular veterinary check-ups
Regular veterinary check-ups are an important step to reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Veterinary check-ups allow your vet to evaluate your pup’s overall health and look for potential causes of excessive sneezing, such as respiratory infections or allergies. It is important to schedule regular visits with your vet to ensure any underlying medical conditions are treated promptly and effectively.
Vaccinations and preventative medications
Vaccinations and preventative medications are important for reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Vaccines help to protect against common respiratory illnesses, such as canine parainfluenza virus, which can cause sneezing and other symptoms. In addition to vaccines, preventative medications can also be used to reduce the risk of infection and help control allergy-related symptoms.
When used in combination with proper hygiene and regular vet visits, vaccinations and preventative medications can help keep your pup healthy and minimize the risk of excessive sneezing.
Keeping the environment clean and free of potential nasal irritants
Keeping the environment clean and free of potential nasal irritants is an important step to reducing or eliminating symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs.
Common nasal irritants such as dust, pollen, and other allergens can trigger sneezing and cause additional irritation in the nasal passages. To help reduce exposure to these potential irritants, it is important to keep your home clean and vacuum regularly to remove dust and other allergens. In addition, try to keep your pup away from areas with high levels of pollen and other irritants, such as fields or parks with heavy vegetation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many potential causes of excessive sneezing in dogs, and it is important to identify and address the underlying cause in order to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Proper rest and hydration can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages.
Removing foreign objects is an important step to reducing or eliminating symptoms, but seeking veterinary assistance for safe removal is recommended if you are unable to remove the object on your own. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, preventative medications, and keeping the environment clean and free of potential nasal irritants can all help reduce symptoms of excessive sneezing in dogs.
