Should I be concerned if my dog is sneezing a lot

Is your dog sneezing all the time? Vet lays out possible causes and when to be concerned

Dog sneezing now and then is generally nothing to worry about. So when should you be concerned about your dog sneezing? This will be determined by how often its happening and if your pup has any other symptoms.

Frequent or chronic sneezing can sometimes be a sign of something more serious going on. For example, if your dog is sneezing due to allergies, it may be worth investing in the best dog food for allergies.

If dog sneezing has you worried, keep reading. Vet Catherine Barnette lays out four possible reasons your dog is sneezing, and the last one surprised us!

Causes of dog sneezing

Allergies

In the case of allergies, your vet will first identify the cause of your dogs allergies.

There are four common allergies in dogs: grain/dust mite allergy, inhalant allergy, flea allergy, and food allergy. Food trials are typically used to rule out common food allergies in pets, while allergy testing can assess your pets response to mites and environmental triggers.

Based on these tests, your vet will characterize your dogs allergies and recommend an appropriate treatment. Allergies are managed, not cured. Your dog will likely require long-term use of a hypoallergenic diet, oral medications such as apoquel for dogs, and/or other lifestyle changes to control allergies.

Dental problems

Canine dental diseases are best addressed with a comprehensive dental cleaning, performed under general anesthesia. Your veterinarian will examine your dog's teeth closely and take radiographs (x-rays) of each tooth.

Diseased teeth will be extracted, and your dog will likely be treated with antibiotics. In many dogs, addressing dental disease alleviates recurrent sneezing.

Nasal problems

A nasal foreign body, in contrast, is typically addressed surgically. Your vet will sedate your dog, and then attempt to flush or extract any foreign material from the nose. Removal of a nasal foreign body is curative; no further treatment is usually needed, once the object has been removed from the nose.

Nasal tumors are relatively uncommon, but they do occur. Treatment may require a combination of therapies. Depending on the tumor and its location, your vet may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Sneezing can also be due to excitement

While some sneezing has a medical cause, this isn't always the case. Dogs also use sneezing to communicate with other dogs and their human companions.

Sneezing is often associated with excitement, indicating a desire to play or interact. In fact, many dogs use sneezing to get their owners' attention. Sneezing may be used as a sign of submission in some contexts, or it may be used as a way to de-escalate rough play. Behavioral sneezing usually does not indicate an underlying medical problem.

If you found this article helpful, you may want to check out What causes reverse sneezing in dogs? Vet explains

Catherine Barnette DVM

Dr. Barnette is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she received both her B.S. in Zoology and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She has 15 years of clinical experience as a small animal veterinarian, treating dogs, cats, and occasional exotic patients. She now works as a freelance veterinary writer, creating educational content for veterinarians, veterinary team members, and dedicated pet owners.

Why is My Dog Sneezing So Much? 7 Possible Causes

If you wonder why your dog keeps sneezing so much, youve come to the right place. There are a variety of reasons why your furry friend might be sneezing more than usual. Common causes of dog sneezing can be as simple as seasonal allergies, but they can also indicate more serious health problems.

Regardless of the cause, if your dog is sneezing a lot its best to have them evaluated by a qualified veterinarian.

Luckily, BetterVet's mobile veterinarians can help with allergy testing and treatment, and outline treatment plans for dogs with more complex issues.

Based on my practice as a veterinarian, these are the common causes of sneezing in dogs:

1. Communication

Dog sneezing doesnt necessarily mean anything is wrong. Sometimes dogs can sneeze because theyre happy, excited, or in complete relaxation.

If your dogs sneezing is accompanied by a wagging tail and excitable behavior, your pups sneezing may be their sign of playful communication.

Sometimes when dogs are really excited, they will do whats called reverse sneezing, which sounds like snorting or a sharp inhale. Reverse sneezing is usually harmless, but if it persists for more than a few minutes or your pup seems uncomfortable, consult with your veterinarian to make sure that nothing is wrong.

2. Allergies

Dogs can suffer from allergies just like humans do. These can include allergies to specific environmental factors like dust or cleaning products causing nasal irritation. Dogs may also suffer from seasonal allergies such as pollen or mold allergies.

If your dog is sneezing a lot and also seems to have itchy skin, watery eyes, or a rash, theres a good chance they are suffering from some type of allergy.

Allergies in dogs are fairly common and can be diagnosed by your veterinarian. If your pup is showing these symptoms, schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible to diagnose your pet, get prompt treatment, and resolve their discomfort.

3. Foreign Objects

Dogs love to sniff around, and occasionally, they can inhale an object that can get stuck in their nasal passage.

Dogs may accidentally inhale things like grass, leaves, seeds, other plant materials, food particles, and even small objects.

Signs of a foreign object obstruction can include excessive sneezing accompanied by your pup pawing at their nose or rubbing it on the ground.

Note: Do not attempt to remove the object yourself as you may risk harming your dog. If you suspect they have inhaled a foreign object, take them to the emergency veterinarian as soon as possible to identify where the object is lodged and have it removed.

4. Fungal Infections

If your dog is sneezing a lot and you also notice yellow discharge or bleeding coming from their nose, or they seem like theyre in pain or irritated, they may have developed a fungal infection. If your pup enjoys sniffing around in dirt they may be more prone to this type of infection.

5. Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a common illness in dogs, and while its usually accompanied by coughing or other cold-like symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing can be also a standard symptom.

Its a good idea to have your pup evaluated for kennel cough if theyre exhibiting several of these symptoms, as it is both contagious to other dogs and might spread to other pups you have, but most dogs respond well to treatment and will have a full recovery.

6. Dental Issues

Dental issues in dogs can often spread to the nasal passages. Tooth infections, abscesses, or other dental problems can easily cause sinus infections, which can cause sneezing, runny nose, and other sinus symptoms. Aside from discomfort caused by sneezing or stuffy nose, untreated dental problems can cause serious health complications for your pup.

Any suspected dental symptoms including foul-smelling breath, teeth that look rotten or damaged, or your dog showing signs of mouth discomfort can indicate that theyre suffering from a dental problem thats causing their sneezing. These symptoms need to be addressed immediately with a veterinarian, as allowing infections to progress can have lasting consequences on your pets health.

By conducting a dental examination, your veterinarian can recommend a dental treatment plan that may include a dental clearing, treatment with antibiotics, or, in some cases, dental surgery.

7. Nasal Tumors

Nasal tumors in dogs are the most serious cause of excessive sneezing in dogs. If your dog develops a sneeze that doesnt go away with time or gets progressively worse, they may be suffering from a growing tumor obstructing their airway. Other signs of a nasal tumor can include congestion, a runny nose, and nose bleeds.

If your pup is suffering from worsening upper respiratory symptoms, they may be dealing with a nasal tumor. If you suspect your pup may have a tumor, or youre worried about excessive sneezing, schedule a consultation with a veterinarian immediately to determine a course of treatment.

How Can I Relieve Dog Sneezing

Many medications that are standard treatment for human sneezing can be extremely dangerous for pups, so dont give them any medication without consulting a veterinarian first.

Scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out allergies or other health problems is the best way to ensure that your pup receives the treatment they need.

Proactively addressing dog sneezing as best as possible can also reduce symptoms in many dogs. Regular cleaning and vacuuming of bedding and common areas can help eliminate dust, pollen, or other irritants that might be making your dogs symptoms worse.

When to Seek Guidance From a Vet

You should seek advice from a veterinarian if your dogs sneezing continues for an extended period of time, seems excessive, or is accompanied by nasal discharge or congestion.

If their sneezing isnt accompanied by social, excitable behavior, that indicates they are sneezing out of excitement, there may be another issue causing their symptoms.

While most causes of sneezing can be easily resolved, sneezing can also be a sign of health issues that may require immediate treatment. Your pup should be immediately evaluated to rule out allergies, nasal obstructions, or more serious health problems as soon as possible.

Some additional signs that should prompt a veterinary visit include sneezing accompanied by:

Conclusion

If your dog is sneezing excessively, its best to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out allergies or more serious health problems. Staying on top of your pups health will help you avoid exposing them to foods or environmental factors that are causing them irritation or making them uncomfortable.

Schedule a consultation with one of our qualified veterinarians for testing and a thorough health exam!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my dog keeps sneezing?

The best thing to do if your dog wont stop sneezing is to schedule an appointment with a vet. Well be able to rule out any allergies, figure out whats wrong, and provide you with treatment options.

Do dogs get over colds on their own?

Dogs with colds may get better on their own, but its still best to have them checked out by a veterinarian. If your dogs sneezing hasnt gotten better within a few days, or is getting worse, schedule a consultation as soon as possible to rule out more serious causes.

Do dogs know they are unwell?

Dogs know when they arent feeling well and communicate with us with their behavior. Even if your pup isnt showing it, they still may be uncomfortable. Your veterinarian will help identify if your pup is uncomfortable and help them find relief.

Why is my dog sneezing so much?

Dogs sneeze for many of the same reasons humans do, from underlying respiratory infections to the presence of environmental irritants like detergents and cleaning products. However, dogs also use some forms of sneezing to communicate with others.

Other common causes of dog sneezing include:

Allergies

Like humans, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, and other things in their environment. This type of sneezing is usually accompanied by other allergy symptoms like watery eyes and itchy skin, which itself leads to scratching and licking of the fur.

Dogs who suffer from environmental allergies can benefit from regular bathing to keep their coats free of potential irritants. Some dogs may also experience sneezing as a result of food allergies. Your vet may recommend medicine depending on severity.

Airborne irritants

Even without allergies, some dogs may sneeze because theyre sensitive to particles in their environment. Dust, pollen, and other particles from smoke, cleaning products, and perfumes can all get trapped in a dogs nasal passages, resulting in sneezing.

Upper respiratory infection

Dogs get viruses too. Although dogs dont contract the same viruses as humans do (think cold and flu), upper respiratory infections still happen. These infections can be viral, bacterial, or fungal, and are highly contagious.

Look for symptoms that mirror a cold like an eye and nose discharge, coughing, sneezing, and lethargy. Call your veterinarian right away to avoid complications.

Check for signs of kennel cough if your dog is sneezing and theyve recently been around other dogs.

Dental problems

Dogs upper teeth have roots that run very close to the nasal passages. Dental infections, abscesses on the gums, tooth damageTrusted SourceCornell University College of Veterinary MedicineVeterinary school.Go to source and decay, and tumors of the mouth or gums have all been linked to sneezing and nasal discharge in dogs, especially when theyre left untreated.

Its sometimes possible to see dental problems by looking inside your dogs mouth, but we recommend having a licensed vet conduct a proper dental examination.

Nasal mites

The problem of microscopic mites living in a dogs noseTrusted SourceThe Merck Veterinary ManualTrusted provider of veterinary medicine.Go to source and sinuses is widespread. Some dogs will be unaffected, while others will experience significant issues. Youll need a vets diagnosis to confirm if your dog carries nasal mites, but be on the lookout for symptoms including sneezing, nose bleeds, and facial itching. Ask your vet if antiparasitic meds or nasal flushing can help.

Playing

Ever heard your dog let out a quick, snort-like sneeze? It might seem like cause for concern, but snorting is actually a sign that your dog is having a great time. They do this to people to let them know theyre happy and excited during playtime, and to other dogs as a way of showing submission. This particular sneeze is just part of the way dogs communicate, and its totally harmless.