Sneezing can be a normal occurrence in dogs, but in some cases, you may wonder whether excessive sneezing is a cause for concern.
There are many reasons why dogs sneeze, so it's important to distinguish sneezing in a playful or social dog from an indicator of a more serious underlying health condition.
Here are some common reasons why your dog may be sneezing along with other signs, and when to take your dog to the veterinarian if your dog won't stop sneezing.
Why do dogs sneeze?
This list will help you narrow down the possible reasons behind episodes of your dog sneezing:
allergy
If your dog is sneezing, this can sometimes be an indicator of potential environmental allergies. In addition to sneezing you may notice other allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes, or scratching and licking due to itchiness.
sneezing
Dogs often sneeze when they are a sign of happiness. This also alerts other dogs that they are inflicting dramatic behavior. If you see your dog sneezing during playback and have no other symptoms, there's probably no need to worry!
reverse sneeze
Reversal of sneezing in dogs is an interesting phenomenon that often occurs in response to excitement, irritation, or inflammation. The dog will suddenly and repeatedly inhale through its nose, sounding like a whistle. When dogs sneeze, they seem to have trouble breathing. While this may sound dramatic, petting your dog and calming them will usually resolve this behavior.
airborne irritants
Some dogs can be sensitive to irritants, such as pollen or dust, which will cause them to sneeze. Small particles can get trapped in your dog's nasal passages or pharynx, which causes irritation. Other common irritants include perfume, air fresheners, smoke, or cleaning products.
foreign body
Occasionally, a dog will get a piece of foreign material lodged in the nasal passage, causing severe irritation. Examples of such materials include blades of grass, foxtails or sticks. These objects are very irritating, so if this is the case, you will see continuous sneezing and discomfort.
Nostril infection
An upper respiratory tract infection may cause your dog to sneeze. These can be fungal or bacterial in nature, and sometimes they can even originate from the infection at the root of the infected tooth. If your dog is infected, you'll typically see other symptoms such as bloody or mucus discharge and loss of appetite.
Nasal mites
Nasal mites are small bugs that can cause severe nasal irritation in dogs. Dogs often get them when they pick their noses or rub their noses with dirt. Due to the irritation and inflammation caused by these insects, in addition to frequent sneezing, you will usually see bleeding or a thick discharge from your dog's nose.
Nasal cavity tumors
In older dogs (usually 7 years and older), nasal tumors are a possible cause of sneezing. Symptoms are usually an increased frequency of sneezing over time, and the tumor may cause bleeding on one side of the nose.
Dog breeds prone to sneezing
Cytoskeletal or planar dogs are more prone to sneezing due to the anatomical compression of their nasal passages. The most common short-headed breeds with a tendency to breathe or sneeze are pugs, Boston terriers, and English bulldogs.
Dog sneezes uncontrollably
As a pet parent, severe sneezing can be very concerning. The most common causes of uncontrollable sneezing in dogs are nasal foreign objects, nasal mites, or nasal tumors. If your pet sneezes non-stop, especially if accompanied by a runny nose, seeking emergency veterinary care is necessary.
Dogs with other symptoms sneezing
What if your dog isn't just sneezing, but has other symptoms? Here are some of the most common symptoms and what they mean.
Dog sneezes blood
Blood from sneezing is a sign of a more serious problem that your dog's nasal passages are experiencing. Possible causes include foreign bodies, nasal tumors, and bacterial or fungal infections.
dogs sneezing and coughing
If your canine companion is both sneezing and coughing, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. Possible causes of these symptoms include a serious bacterial or fungal infection, dog cough, canine flu, or respiratory parasites.
Dog sneezing and wheezing
If your dog is wheezing in addition to sneezing, it may be a sign that your dog's lungs need further investigation. Wheezing may be caused by asthma or other breathing problems.
Dog sneezes and hums
Sometimes, dogs can have difficulty sneezing and snorting. One way to help differentiate is that a sneeze is typically the outward expulsion of air, while a snort is the drawing of air with an accompanying sound. Humming is common in brachycephalic dogs, but it can also be seen in overweight animals or those with underlying medical conditions.
What can I give my dog to sneeze?
There are many causes of sneezing in dogs; some require further treatment, others do not. While you may be tempted to reach for over-the-counter human products like Benadryl to help provide some relief, you should always have your local veterinarian determine the true cause of your dog's sneezing before starting any type of treatment.
When to Take a Sneezing Dog to the Vet
Occasional sneezing in dogs usually does not require a trip to the veterinarian. However, some instances of sneezing in dogs do require a trip to the vet to find out what the problem is. Here are some situations when you should see your veterinarian:
If you see thick nasal discharge/blood, nasal swelling, lethargy, fever, or reduced appetite, take your dog to your local veterinarian for a checkup as soon as possible.
Dogs that frequently sneeze for no clear reason may need more testing.
If your dog is experiencing severe allergies (itching, licking, scratching) in addition to sneezing, make an appointment for further care.