Why is my dog sneezing so much? When Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Sneezing? It’s sneeze season in the human world. This time of year, you’re probably suffering from sinus problems, but what about your closest friend? What’s the source of your dog’s sneezing? It may be allergies, a sickness, or simply playing if your dog is sneezing a lot.
Continue reading to learn more about what causes dogs to sneeze, the many sorts of dog sneezes, and when to be worried.
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Dog Sneezing at Play
You’ve undoubtedly seen a play sneeze in action if you’ve ever played with a dog or seen them play with other dogs. Many dogs sneeze a lot when they’re playing, especially when things get a little too intense.
This sort of sneeze, according to canine behavior experts, is a form of communication that is likely used to indicate to the playmate that the roughhousing is only for fun or to defuse a tense situation. Dogs communicate with their entire bodies, and the sneeze is only one of their many tools.
If you observe your dog sneezing just when they’re playing, it’s probable that their sneezes aren’t a cause for concern. However, if they continue to sneeze incessantly or you see signs of blood, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out anything untoward.
Is There Something In Your Dog’s Nose?
There may be something stuck in your dog’s nose if you see them sneezing frequently, pawing at it, wiping it on the ground (more often or forcefully than usual), or sneezing blood. A blade of grass, a hair, a food particle, or a foxtail burr are the most common culprits.
Foxtails are a plant family that resembles weeds and has a sharp, barbed seed. Prickly burrs are abundant, and they may be highly hazardous to animals who come into contact with them.
Foxtail burrs can get caught in a dog’s snout, eyes, mouth, genitals, or other parts of the body, and once there, they migrate, causing lasting harm or even death,
If you believe something is trapped in your pet’s nose, call your veterinarian right away. They’ll examine the situation and see if there’s any way to keep it from lodged deeper in the nasal canal.
Dog Allergies
Allergies are another major cause of excessive sneezing and coughing in dogs. Dust, pollen, mold, a flea bite, a meal, or an irritant that is in the air or has been sniffed up by an overactive snout can cause an allergic reaction in dogs, just like it can in humans.
If you find your pet is unusually itchy (either all over the body or in one specific place), has runny discharge from their eyes or nose, or is coughing and wheezing, it might be allergies.
Consult your veterinarian if you believe your dog’s sneeze fits are caused by allergies. They can help you identify particular allergies and develop a treatment and management strategy.
The Reverse Sneeze in Dogs
If your dog suddenly produces a gasping or choking sound, you’re likely to be concerned. The reverse sneeze, on the other hand, is a common cause of that scary sounds.
When your dog inhales forcefully through their nose in spasms that sound like choking or gagging, this is known as a reverse sneeze. This frequent and bizarre reaction is considered to be a response to discomfort or inflammation, and it may assist your dog to eliminate foreign items, allergies, or irritants, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Reverse sneezes are generally safe. If your pet appears to be in a lot of pain or can’t stop reversing sneezing, gently stroking their throat or lightly blowing in their face may be able to assist. This should cause the swallowing reflex to activate, which will assist to relieve the spasms. Getting your pet some fresh air may also be beneficial.
It’s rare that you’ll need to give your dog medicine for reverse sneezing, but if the reverse sneezing is caused by allergies or gets more acute, your veterinarian may recommend antihistamines.
Signs of Trouble
If your dog makes a honking sound (rather than the typical snork sound of a reverse sneeze) and seems unable to breathe, has a sudden aversion to activity, or has a blue tint to its gums, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
This might be an indication of tracheal collapse, which is more common in smaller breeds and can be fatal.
My Dog Is Constantly Sneezing
Your dog may have caught the canine influenza virus if they are sneezing incessantly or have other symptoms such as a hacking cough, sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, a lot of discharge from the eyes or nose, or a high temperature.
If you believe your dog has the flu, contact your veterinarian straight once. If not treated appropriately, canine influenza can develop into pneumonia or another severe illness.
Because dogs with the flu are very infectious, the AKC recommends informing your veterinarian about the possibility of a flu case before bringing your dog in for a checkup; they may have a system in place to control or minimize the virus’s transmission.
Flu symptoms should disappear in two to three weeks if appropriately managed. To avoid transmission, keep your dog separated from other dogs (and cats) for roughly thirty days following the beginning of symptoms.
Dogs, like people, are susceptible to common cold viruses that can cause sneezing fits. If your dog exhibits other symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, watery eyes, or a general lack of activity, he or she is most likely suffering from a bug.
Most dog colds are generally safe and should go away on their own, according to the AKC, but it’s still a good idea to see your doctor as soon as your dog starts to show symptoms (particularly if your dog is very young, very old, or has a compromised immune system). Your veterinarian will be able to determine whether or not you have a more serious infection that requires extra treatment.
After your dog has been to the vet, look through our list of natural dog cold cures to see how you may help them feel better at home.
Gesundheit!
Though your dog’s sneezing may be concerning, learning more about the many types of dog sneezes can help you determine when you can assist and whether the sneeze is a symptom of a more serious problem.
However, you are the greatest judge of your dog, so if something doesn’t seem right, a quick call to the vet is always a smart idea.
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