Can dogs get stuffy noses

What Can I Give My Dog for Nasal Congestion?

Stuffy noses are no fun.

Nasal congestion can make it difficult to breathe and ruin the way your food tastes. If untreated, it may even lead to sinus infections and other problems.

Dogs can suffer from nasal congestion too. And, just like in humans, it probably makes them feel miserable.

In fact, because your dog learns more about the world through his nose than you do, it is likely that stuffy noses are even more irritating for dogs than they are for people.

Below, well talk about what you need to do when your dog has nasal congestion and discuss the use of nasal decongestants and other medications for dogs.

• Just like us, dogs can suffer from nasal problems like a runny nose or congestion. Many mild cases resolve on their own, but lingering congestion and cases that involve additional symptoms will require veterinary attention.
• There are a variety of things that can cause nasal congestion in dogs. This includes things like a virus or bacterial infection, allergic rhinitis, and objects lodged in the nose.
• There are a few medications that can help canine congestion, but youll need to discuss them with your vet first. Never give your dog any medication even an OTC option without first discussing it with your vet.
• There are also some home remedies that may help ease minor congestion. This includes things like using a nasal aspirator or letting your doggo hang out while you steam up the bathroom by turning on a hot shower.

Why Do Dogs Get Stuffy Noses?

Dogs suffer from stuffy noses for a variety of reasons, including several which can cause similar symptoms in humans.

Some of the most common causes of nasal congestion in dogs include:

• Head colds (a viral infection)
• An environmental or seasonal allergy
• A bacterial infection
• A fungal infection
• A foreign body in the nose

Less frequently, dogs may suffer from congestion as a side effect of heart disease. There are also a few ailments that seem to afflict some breeds more than others.

For example, lymphocytic-plasmacytic rhinitis a condition which causes nasal discharge and irritation most commonly afflicts dachshunds.

How Can You Tell If Your Dogs Nose Is Congested?

Some ailments are easy to recognize in dogs, but others are less obvious.

Intestinal issues, for example, are pretty apparent, but it can be hard to tell if your dog has a headache.

Nasal congestion lies somewhere in between the extremes, as there are a few signs that can indicate your dog is suffering from a stuffy snout, but you wont see your pup walking around trying to blow his nose.

Some of the symptoms that suggest your dog is suffering from a stuffy nose include:

• Sneezing
• Swelling around the nose or muzzle
• Discharge
• Unusual breathing sounds
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Depression

Do You Need to Take Your Dog to the Vet for a Stuffy Nose?

In many cases, simple things like a runny nose or a stuffy nose are not troubling enough to warrant a trip to the vet. This is especially true if the congestion resolves on its own within 24 hours or so and your dog appears healthy in most other ways (meaning that hes not displaying any other respiratory symptoms).

However, if the congestion lasts for more than a couple of days, only seems to affect one nostril, or if it is accompanied by a fever or green nasal discharge, you should take your dog in for an examination.

Additionally, if you note any neurological problems holding the head in unusual positions, loss of balance, uncoordinated movements youll want to take your dog in promptly.

Need Veterinary Help Fast?

Dont have easy access to a vet? You may want to consider getting help from JustAnswer a service that provides instant virtual-chat access to a certified vet online.

You can discuss the issue with them, and even share video or photos if need be. The online vet can help you determine what your next steps should be.

While talking with your own vet who understands the ins and outs of your dogs history is probably ideal, JustAnswer is a good backup option.

Can You Give a Dog a Decongestant?

Congestion often occurs because the blood vessels in the nose swell, reducing the amount of air that can flow through the nose and, consequently, making it difficult to breathe. So, people suffering from stuffy noses often take decongestants to feel better.

Decongestants help reduce the size of the blood vessels, which allows more air to flow through the nasal passages and allows the mucus to drain away.

Dogs can benefit from decongestants in the same manner. However, you should never give your dog a decongestant or start any other treatment option without first consulting your vet. Some decongestants are actually combination medications which contain other, potentially harmful, drugs.

Additionally, decongestants are not suitable for dogs suffering from some health conditions.

Youll also need to know the proper dosage to provide your dog. Only your vet can determine the correct dosage for your pooch, which further highlights the importance of veterinary assistance when dealing with a congested pet.

For that matter, youll also need an accurate weight, which your vet is better prepared to determine than you are.

If your dog is healthy and not on any medications, you may be able to consult a vet online through the Just Answer service, which can put you in touch with a vet over a live chat. You can even share videos or images and get an instant diagnosis from them.

How Do You Unclog a Dogs Nose? Home Remedies for Your Dogs Stuffy Nose

If your dog is only experiencing a temporary and mild case of nasal congestion, you may be able to treat the problem at home. Just be sure that you contact your vet if his symptoms worsen or the congestion doesnt go away in a day or two.

A few of the best home remedies and care strategies for congested canines include:

Gently massage your pups nose to loosen the mucus and allow it to drain. This likely feels good to your dog in the same way it often feels good to massage the bridge of your own nose when youre congested.

Use a nasal aspirator (like this one) to suck out the excess mucus. Be very gentle while doing so, and be sure that you only insert the tip of the aspirator into your pets nasal passages. Be sure to clean the aspirator thoroughly after use, and, although I really hope this neednt be said, dont use the same aspirator on your dog that you use for your child.

Have your dog lay on the bathroom floor while you take a hot shower. The steam will help moisturize his nasal passages and potentially allow the mucus to drain away. Be sure to leave the exhaust fan off so you dont end up just pumping the humid air outside.

Use a humidifier to raise the amount of moisture in the air inside your home. If you confine your dog to a small room with the humidifier, itll likely produce better results. Be especially careful to clean your humidifier regularly in the manner outlined by the manufacturer dirty air humidifiers can cause additional health problems.

Are There Any Over-the-Counter Medications You Can Give Your Dog for a Stuffy Nose?

A few common human medications may be helpful for treating your dogs nasal congestion. For example, some vets recommend oxymetazoline (Afrin) for dogs suffering from congestion.

However, other common medications humans use can be toxic to pets.

Accordingly, you should never give your dog an over-the-counter medication for nasal congestion without first consulting your vet. Then, if your vet gives you the green light, administer the medication in exactly the dosage and manner prescribed by your vet.

Acute Vs. Chronic Nasal Congestion

A short-term bout of nasal congestion is typically not a big deal. Most pups should recover on their own in a day or two. But some dogs end up suffering from long-term, chronic nasal congestion, which can seriously reduce their quality of life.

In such cases, it is not only important to work with your vet to treat the symptoms related to congestion but to also take steps to identify the cause of the problem. This isnt always possible, but it is something that you should always try to do.

Start by journaling your dogs symptoms. Write down the time and date that the congestion started, and also record when he starts being able to breathe easily again. Note any treatments you or your vet employed and document their apparent efficacy.

It may turn out that your pet is allergic to something in your home (such as smoke, dust, or even your cat), or that your pet has an environmental allergy to grass, tree pollen or polluted air. Your pet may also be suffering from a seasonal allergy, if you notice the problem occurring more commonly during a specific portion of the calendar.

In other cases, it may turn out that your dog simply has a predisposition to nasal congestion.

Worried about the new mystery canine illness?

Nasal congestion usually isnt a big deal for dogs, particularly if it only lasts a short time. But your dog will probably feel pretty rotten while hes stuffed up, so be sure to try some of the remedies described above.

Consult your vet if the stuffy nose is accompanied by other symptoms or lasts longer than a few days.

Has your dog ever suffered from nasal congestion? How did you treat it? Did you need your vets help or did the congestion resolve on its own? What do you think caused the problem? Was it something common, like a seasonal allergy or was it a rarer issue, such as nasal polyps?

Let us know your experiences in the comments below!

How to Treat and Unclog Your Dogs Stuffy Nose: Vet-Approved Methods

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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We all know how awful having a plugged-up nose is, and the last thing that you want is to watch your dog struggling with one.

If your dog has been having difficulty breathing through their nose, there could be several causes, so its important to first understand why their nose is clogged up. Is it a cold or allergies? Or is it something else?

We go over the causes and symptoms of a stuffy nose, how to treat it yourself, and when its necessary to take your dog to the vet below.

Dog Congestion Signs & Symptoms

Nasal congestion is typically a form of sinusitis, which is the inflammation of the dogs nasal passages, and rhinitis, which is an inflammation of your pups nose. If both the nasal passages and the nose are affected, it is called rhinosinusitis.

Rhinitis and sinusitis symptoms to look for include:

• Sneezing: All dogs sneeze on occasion, but this will occur more frequently.
• Reverse sneezing: This is when your dog will appear to suck in air, which pulls the mucus from their nasal passages down into their throats.
• Excess nasal discharge: It can be from one or both nostrils.
• Pawing at or rubbing face: The dog might also sit with partially closed eyes and a hanging head.
• Watery eyes: There might also be discharge on and around the eyes.
• Loss of appetite: This can include weight loss.
• Change in the face: The dog might experience facial pain or swelling.
• Difficulty breathing: The dog might breathe through an open mouth, and the breathing might be labored.
• Restlessness: This might include difficulty sleeping but can also be lethargy.
• Coughing and gagging: Your dogs breath might also be worse than usual.

There are several causes of nasal congestion in dogs, some of which are serious, but others can be treated at home.

Causes of Dog Nasal Congestion

These are common causes of sinusitis and rhinitis.

Dog Allergies

Just like humans, if your dog has nasal congestion along with itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, your pup might haveallergies. Allergies can also trigger asthma attacks. Its important to take your dog to the vet to determine if this is the cause, but treatment can be done at home with advice from your vet.

Your dog could be allergic to the same things as us humans: dust, mold, mites, and grass.

Infections in Dogs

Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can cause your dog to have a stuffy nose. Some infections can be fatal if not treated right away. Aspergillosis is a fatal fungal respiratory infection. Secondary bacterial infections tend to occur after the initial viral infection.

With an infection, the dog will usually have yellowish-green mucus, pus-like or bloody discharge from their nose, and it may affect one or both sides. Its typically accompanied by a fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing.

Your dog could also have a combination of these infections, so if you suspect that your dog has more than just a stuffed-up nose, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible!

Depending on the infection, your vet may treat it with antibiotics or anti-fungal treatment.

Dog Parasites

Botflies and nasal mites can cause many of these symptoms, including a stuffy nose.Reverse sneezingis a common symptom with nasal mites, which your vet can treat with an antiparasitic.

Botflieslay eggs that hatch into maggots, which if they become attached to your dog, can migrate to their nasal passages (in addition to other areas). Your vet will treat your pup with an anti-parasite and remove the maggots once they have finished migrating.

If you suspect maggots at all, take your dog to your vet immediately because they can cause severe neurological damage if left on your dog for too long.

Foreign Object

Unsurprisingly, hound and hunting dogs are more prone to foreign objects becoming embedded in their nasal cavities. Things like grass awns (a bristly-looking type of grass) are easily inhaled by any dog actively sniffing through long grass.

When a dog has inhaled something foreign, they often start violently sneezing and will start pawing at their nose, and they might have a nosebleed.

If you cant see the object or safely remove it with tweezers, your dog will need to be seen by your vet and possibly sedated so the foreign body can be extracted. Sometimes, surgery might be necessary.

Dog Dental Problems

Its possible that your dog might be having issues with their teeth, which can actually cause a blocked-up nose. Abscesses and infected gums can lead to an infection in your dogs sinus cavities, which will then cause sneezing and a runny nose.

Your vet will do a complete dental exam and a thorough cleaning of your dogs teeth. You should have their teeth checked every year. If you brush your dogs teeth at least once a week, this will help prevent problems.

Breed Specific Problems

Specific breeds of dogs are more susceptible to stuffy noses than others. Particularly, flat-faced dogs, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, are prone tobreathing problems, also known as brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Your vet will run tests and will recommend either surgery if its an ongoing and serious problem or keeping your dog inside on hot days and away from any allergens.

Dog Polyps and Nasal Tumors

Polyps and nasal tumors are other causes of rhinitis and sinusitis. One of the first symptoms of a nasal tumoris bleeding and discharge from the nose. The nose may become clogged, and your dog might start snoring every time theyre asleep. Senior dogs are more prone to nasal tumors.

Your vet will sedate your dog so they can have a better look inside the nasal cavities, and a CT scan might be recommended. Depending on the tumor and whether it is cancerous, your vet might perform surgery to remove it if its small enough, or radiation therapy might be in order.

Home Treatment for Dog Stuffy Nose

Depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the stuffy nose, you can use a few methods at home to help relieve the symptoms.

Humidifier

A humidifier will help increase the moisture in the surrounding environment and loosen the mucus. This does mean confining your dog to the same room as the humidifier. Using a vaporizer near where your dog sleeps is another effective method.

Give Your Dog a Shower

Run a hot shower and take your dog into the bathroom with you. This is an alternative if you dont have a humidifier. The warm and moist air from the shower will help loosen the excess mucus.

Nasal Aspirator

It might be a little gross, but using an aspirator that is designed for babies can be a quick way to clear out the excess discharge. This isnt the most effective method, however, as it wont work for that long.

Homeopathic

There are products available that are designed to be completely natural and safe for dogs. You administer the drops into your dogs food or water or directly into their mouth. However, always speak with your vet before you give your dog any kind of medication, no matter how natural it is advertised as being.

Human OTC Medicine for Dog Nasal Congestions

Its okay to give your dogBenadryl, but do speak to your vet first. It can be quite effective in treating your dogs allergic reactions, but it will make them drowsy. Some vets might recommendZyrtecif the Benadryl isnt as effective and if its safe for your particular dog.

Dog Congestion: When to See a Vet

Most mild cases of a stuffy nose should clear up within 24 hours. However, if youre seeing any of the listed symptoms in addition to the blocked nose, youll need to take your pup to the vet as soon as possible.

Many of the causes of a stuffed-up nose can be signs of serious infections and illnesses that require medical treatment.

If your pup has symptoms that last more than a few days and are accompanied by blood and/or a thick greenish-yellow discharge, do make an appointment with your vet.

Your veterinarian will run various tests to help determine the cause, and they might prescribe medication and send you home with a treatment plan.

Conclusion

While a stuffy nose, for us, usually isnt anything more than an annoying inconvenience, it can have more serious ramifications for a dog. If youre worried, dont hesitate to bring your dog to the vet. Even if it ends up being a mild case of allergies, at least youll know and can treat the problem accordingly.

Your dogs health and comfort are among the most important parts of dog ownership. We know how upsetting it can be when your dog isnt feeling well, so go with your gut instincts for treating them after all, you know your dog better than anyone.

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Featured Image Credit: RonaldPlett, Pixabay