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Why Is My Dog Sneezing So Much? 9 Common Causes and Some Remedies
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It is every pet parent's joy to see their furry friend leading a healthy and enjoyable life. From providing a balanced diet, a comfortable home, and treats for dogs, you couldn't have done better. Then fate decides to throw a bitter pill for you to swallow. What! Your pup is suddenly sneezing! A bunch of questions flood your mind. What to do? Where to start? Do you call the vet? Can you give it a little of your human antihistamines?
"Why is my dog sneezing so much?" I hear you asking. Well, various factors can make a dog sneeze. Occasional sneezing may be nothing for you to worry about, it can be a normal response to clear irritants along your dog's nasal cavity and throat membranes. However, frequent sneezing may signify an underlying problem requiring vet intervention.
Below are the possible reasons why your dog is sneezing so much and an explanation to help you determine when to seek treatment.
Table of Content
Common Causes of Sneezing in Dogs 1. Allergies 2. Foreign objects 3. Infections (Bacterial, Viral, Fungal) 4. Nasal mites 5. Irritants in the environment 6. Excitement or playfulness 7. Dental problems 8. Tumors or polyps 9. Breed-specific anatomy Diagnosing the Cause of Your Dog's Sneezing When to see a veterinarian Veterinary tests for persistent sneezing Ruling out seasonal or environmental allergies Remedies and Treatments for Dog Sneezing Removing environmental triggers Treating allergies Natural remedies for mild irritation Medications for infections or mites Surgical options for tumors or polyps Preventative Tips for Reducing Sneezing Episodes Limit exposure to irritants Regular grooming and bathing Dental health care Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s Is it normal for dogs to sneeze when they play? Can I give my dog human allergy medication for sneezing? How can I tell if my dog has nasal mites? So, Why is My Dog Sneezing So Much? What's the Conclusion? Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
Common Causes of Sneezing in Dogs
There are various factors behind dog sneezing, the most common causes include the following:
1. Allergies
Dogs with seasonal allergies develop acute reactions to changes in environmental elements across the year. Your furry friend could be allergic to environmental elements such as dust, pollen, mold, or smoke. These allergens irritate your dog's nasal passages, intensifying sneezing upon exposure and shortly after.
Some dogs are also allergic to different types of food showing a response a few minutes after feeding. Nevertheless, environmental substances are the most common causes of sneezing so much in dogs, while food allergies are less common.
2. Foreign objects
Dogs explore their environment and new items through sniffing. Foreign bodies such as grass, foxtails, or other small objects may be sniffed and get stuck in your dog's nasal passages, triggering sneezing as your dog tries to push them out.
3. Infections (Bacterial, Viral, Fungal)
A dog sneezing so much can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Such infections include:
Kennel cough
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex, is an endemic respiratory syndrome caused by numerous pathogens. It is characterized by strong coughing, lethargy, anorexia, sneezing, and a runny nose. Symptoms of kennel cough warrant your furry friend to go for a veterinary visit.
Canine influenza
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. It is characterized by coughing, fever, lethargy, sneezing, runny eyes, and nasal discharge.
Fungal infections
In certain regions of the country, spores of an opportunistic pathogen, Aspergillus fungi, are shed in the environment. The fungi grow on decaying vegetation, compost piles, and stored grains. Its spores are light in density, easily inhaled, and cause acute nasal irritation.
Healthy dogs usually sneeze the spores out but those with compromised immune systems are often affected. The spores trigger allergic reactions or infections (nasal aspergillosis) in susceptible dogs. Compromised immune systems can predispose your dog to other respiratory infections such as canine pneumonia.
4. Nasal mites
Canine nasal mites are parasites that penetrate and inhabit dogs' nasal passages. They cause nasal infections characterized by intense itching and excessive scratching. Other symptoms include frequent, intense sneezing, facial itching, reverse sneezing, nose bleeds, and frequent head shaking.
5. Irritants in the environment
The saturation of the environment with smoke and pollen can trigger sneezing in your dog. Other airborne irritants are strong scents from air fresheners, perfume, cleaning products, and scented candles. Your dog will react to these substances whether it is allergic to them or not.
6. Excitement or playfulness
As a first-time pet parent, you might not have realized that sometimes your dog sneezes to communicate with you or another dog. Also known as "play sneezing", this form of sneezing is accompanied by happiness or excitement.
7. Dental problems
Dental problems can be an underlying cause of your dog's sneezing. Rotting or broken teeth, abscesses, and gum inflammation or infection can cause sneezing. These factors cause inflammation that occupies significant space in the interior of the dog's mouth inducing involuntary sneezing to clear the airway.
If you see your dog sneezing blood, then there could be some raw dental injuries and you should contact an emergency vet immediately.
8. Tumors or polyps
Nasal tumors or polyps are a rare cause of dog sneezing. Nasal polyps have been detected in middle-aged pooches, while nasal tumors (neoplasia) are mostly observed in older dogs.
These abnormal growths occupy the nasal cavity and other free spaces including the periodontal space. They are one possible reason affected dogs sneeze persistently.
Nosebleeds, sneezing blood, and other nasal discharges may be observed depending on the severity of the tumors.
9. Breed-specific anatomy
Flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic dogs) are often preferred for aesthetic purposes. Due to their narrowed airways, these dogs are usually susceptible to a severe syndrome (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome), where the soft tissues block their airways.
Diagnosing the Cause of Your Dog's Sneezing
A dog sneezing so much is one of the most common issues you can experience with your furry friend. Knowing when to seek veterinary assistance can save your pooch from severe disease conditions.
When to see a veterinarian
If your pup shows the following signs, it's essential to make a veterinary visit for accurate diagnoses.
- Nasal discharge (especially if it’s green, yellow, or bloody)
- Coughing, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
- Facial swelling or noticeable discomfort
Excessive sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy
Bloody nasal discharge and sneezing can be signs of fungal infection
Frequent sudden cough, sneezing, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and other signs may indicate underlying respiratory infections.
Veterinary tests for persistent sneezing
Your veterinarian will use various diagnostic methods to determine why your dog is sneezing so much. These include:
Nasal swabs to detect canine influenza virus or other respiratory infection.
X-rays to view dental abscesses and destruction of nasal turbinates associated with tumors or aspergillous.
Rhinoscopy is used to look for FBs, tumors, orAspergillus plaques.
Blood tests may be used for Aspergillus alongside culture or visualization of plaques with rhinoscopy.
CT scan – often much better at picking up abnormalities than X-rays.
Ruling out seasonal or environmental allergies
Exposure to pollen, dust, and mold triggers a response where your dog's upper airway becomes inflamed, making breathing difficult. If your dog is sneezing so much, your veterinarian will analyze the possibility of seasonal allergies before getting to the root of the problem.
Remedies and Treatments for Dog Sneezing
Removing environmental triggers
Most dogs are sensitive to environmental elements. Thus, there's a need to keep your furry friend in a well-aerated environment free from pollen, dust, perfumes, and disinfectants. Clean your home and dog's house regularly and use air purifiers to improve air circulation.
Treating allergies
Seek your vet's approval before giving antihistamines to your pup. This is because some antihistamines can make your dog drowsy or hyperactive while others may contain substances that aren't safe for it.
If you suspect that your dog has food allergies, collaborate with your vet to formulate a hypoallergenic diet.
Natural remedies for mild irritation
Home remedies for mild irritation include:
Allowing your pup to inhale steam for a few minutes to ease respiratory congestion.
Supplementation with Happy-Furever™ CBD Oil to ease inflammation.
Giving foods rich in vitamin C to support the immune system.
Providing enough fluids for hydration.
Medications for infections or mites
You should only use medications prescribed by your vet. It is not advisable to use over-the-counter antibiotics, viral treatment options, or nasal mite relief options without your vet's approval.
Surgical options for tumors or polyps
In the case of a tumor or polyp, your vet will update you on the required treatment options.
Preventative Tips for Reducing Sneezing Episodes
Limit exposure to irritants
Limiting your pup's exposure to irritants like pollen, dust, and strong scents can keep it healthier and happier.
Regular grooming and bathing
Grooming your pooch regularly can reduce allergens and improve overall hygiene.
Dental health care
Poor dental hygiene can provide breeding grounds for tooth-damaging bacteria. Taking control of your pup's dental hygiene can help you combat dog dental diseases and keep them healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s
Is it normal for dogs to sneeze when they play?
It is completely normal for dogs to sneeze when playing. "Play sneezing", is a way for your pup to bond with other dogs and communicate with you.
Can I give my dog human allergy medication for sneezing?
You shouldn't give human allergy medication to your dog because it may contain decongestants which aren't safe for dogs. Consult your vet before administering any medication to your pup.
How can I tell if my dog has nasal mites?
Dog owners shouldn't diagnose their pets. Consult your vet for accurate diagnosis and prescriptive treatment.
So, Why is My Dog Sneezing So Much? What's the Conclusion?
Dog sneezing is a common dog habit witnessed by pet owners. However, a dog sneezing so much that it worries you can be caused by the presence of a foreign object in a dog's nose, a nasal tumor, a bacterial infection, a nasal infection, an allergic reaction, a nasal mite, reverse sneezing, or play sneezing.
Uncontrollable sneezing and other symptoms can indicate serious underlying health conditions requiring emergency veterinarian intervention.
It is essential to observe all the symptoms accompanying dog sneezing and see a veterinarian immediately if your dog has a bloody discharge, trouble breathing, or other severe signs.
Keeping your furry friend in a clean environment, free from environmental irritants, and providing proper care can stop a dog from sneezing too much. Hopefully, you now feel more informed about the causes of excessive sneezing in dogs and what to do about it.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
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Veterinary Guidance:
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Administration and Dosage:
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