Why Do Dogs Sneeze?

It’s no surprise that a dog’s biggest superpower is their keen sense of smell! They use their noses for almost everything, it’s how they interpret the world around them! And because their noses are such a huge part of how they sense things, they of course sneeze, just like us.

Dogs are extremely sensitive to smells so it’s no wonder they sneeze occasionally, even if it seems random. Pollen, cleaning products or household goods (try using pet-friendly products), perfumes, smoke, and water from baths or swimming can trigger their sharp smell and sneezing.

Common Causes of Sneezing

Not every sneeze your dog has is a sign of concern, sometimes it just happens! But if your dog has been sneezing and you notice a consistent running nose, nasal swelling, nose bleeding, or your dog pawing at their nose then it would be best advised to take your pup in for a check-up at the vet.

Plants

Most times when our furry friends are playing outside, there is a chance that they sniff up something in nature they’re not supposed to. This is no big deal, they’ll likely sneeze a few times until they can get it out of their passage and continue on! If your dog is a curious sniffer, you’re probably used to them sneezing out a stray leaf, pollen, a snip of grass, or another small object.

But it is important to watch out for areas with foxtail, a seed of dry grass that often gets lodged in the nasal passage and isn’t small enough to sneeze out. The best thing you can do is observe their behavior if you think they accidentally inhaled one, watch for blood, and take them to the vet if the plant doesn’t become dislodged quickly.

Allergies

Dogs often have seasonal allergies like us. Sneezing can increase with the presence of dust mites, grass or plant pollen, and household chemicals. It’s a good idea to set up a plan with your vet on how to handle your dog’s seasonal allergies.

Infections

When your dog is frequently sneezing, it might be a sign of infection. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause sneezing, as well as some coughing due to the respiratory system. Infections are easily treatable with a visit to a vet.

Infected gums or teeth can also cause a running nose along with sneezing in dogs.

Mites

Dogs might encounter nasal mites if they often dig their face in the dirt. If your dog contracts mites, they can become extremely irritating and require medical treatment. Treatment will most likely be topical or oral, as prescribed by the vet.

Canine Medical Issues

It is rare, but some dogs will be excessively sneezing due to a tumor in their nasal passage. Symptoms of this to look out for include: heavy or difficulty breathing, coughing, snoring, facial swelling, seizures, and bloody nose discharge.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a condition most short-muzzled breeds, like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers, have. This condition caused frequent sneezing, snorting, or snoring because of their shortened nasal passages.

Play Sneezing

Play sneezing is when your dog gets so excited, usually while playing, they sneeze! You may see this in your dog when they have the ‘zoomies’ or are interacting with other dogs to show they’re being friendly!

It’s important to know why your dog is sneezing, just to ensure that there is nothing seriously wrong with them. Dogs sneeze, it’s a part of their life, but it’s crucial to know what is irritating them (or even making them happy)!