Sneezing is a common occurrence in dogs that owners will frequently observe. However, while occasional sneezing is normal, excessive or chronic sneezing may be a sign of an underlying health issue. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the various causes of sneezing so you can determine when it may indicate a problem needing veterinary attention. This article provides an overview of the common reasons dogs sneeze and guidance on responding appropriately.
Introduction
Dog owners often find themselves wondering why dogs sneeze when they observe this behavior. Sneezing is the body’s natural mechanism for expelling irritants from the nasal cavity. Dogs sneeze for many of the same reasons as humans. However, dogs also use sneezing as a form of communication and during play. While most cases of sneezing are harmless, chronic or excessive sneezing can sometimes indicate a health issue requiring veterinary care. By understanding the common causes of sneezing in dogs, owners can better monitor their dog’s health and determine when professional advice may be needed.
This article will explore some of the most prevalent reasons for sneezing in dogs. Topics covered include:
- Play sneezing – Sneezing as a form of communication during play and excitement
- Allergies – Sneezing triggered by inhaled or ingested allergens
- Nasal infections – Infections of the nasal passages causing sneezing and discharge
- Play and excitement – Sneezing when riled up or energetic during play
- When to be concerned – Signs that indicate sneezing may reflect an underlying problem
- Remedies and prevention – Ways to manage sneezing and promote your dog’s respiratory health
Gaining an understanding of the typical causes of sneezing in dogs can help owners respond appropriately to this common behavior. By recognizing when sneezing may indicate a health issue requiring veterinary attention, dog owners can get their pets the proper treatment when needed. Monitoring your dog’s sneezing patterns and being attentive to changes is an important part of responsible pet ownership.
Play Sneezing in Dogs
One common type of sneezing in dogs is called play sneezing. Play sneezing occurs when dogs become overly excited or energetic during play. It can happen when dogs are playing together or when playing with their human companions. Sneezing is one way dogs communicate enjoyment and positive emotions.
Some key things to know about play sneezing in dogs:
- Play sneezes are short and repetitive, unlike sneezes from allergies or illness
- Dogs do not typically have other symptoms like discharge or coughing with play sneezes
- Play sneezing is more common in certain breeds like small dogs or brachycephalic breeds
- Dogs often use playful sneezes to signal a play bow or initiate play with other dogs
While play sneezing may seem concerning at first, it is perfectly natural dog behavior. These types of sneezes are neither harmful to the dog nor indicative of any health issues. Owners can rest assured that play sneezes are simply an expression of a dog’s excitement and happiness during fun activities. Play sneezing is even thought to help strengthen social bonds between dogs.
Allergies as a Cause of Dog Sneezing
In some cases, dogs may sneeze a lot due to inhaled allergens that irritate the nasal passages. These allergies can be seasonal or year-round depending on the trigger. Common allergy triggers include:
- Pollen
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
- Certain fragrances
Dogs with allergies may exhibit other symptoms in addition to sneezing, such as:
- Runny eyes and nose
- Itchy skin
- Recurring ear infections
There are a few ways owners can reduce allergy-related sneezing in dogs:
- Limit exposure to known triggers if possible
- Talk to your vet about medications to control symptoms
- Use an air purifier and vacuum frequently
- Bathe your dog regularly to remove allergens from their coat
Catching allergies early and managing them properly can help minimize uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Nasal Infections and Sneezing
Bacterial or fungal infections in a dog’s nasal passages can also lead to your sneezing a lot along with other symptoms. Some common infections that may cause sneezing include:
- Canine distemper
- Aspergillosis
- Rhinitis
Additional signs of a nasal infection typically include:
- Thick mucus discharge from the nose
- Excessive pawing at the nose
- Foul odor coming from the nose
- Nosebleeds
Veterinary care is highly recommended if you suspect your dog has a nasal infection. Left untreated, these infections can get worse and spread. Your vet will prescribe appropriate medications to clear up the infection. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove infection-causing masses in the nasal passages.
Sneezing During Play and Excitement
As mentioned previously, many dogs tend to sneeze when riled up and excited during play. Dogs may also sneeze when eagerly anticipating an activity like a walk or treat. These types of sneezes related to excitement or playful arousal are common and not a concern.
It is important to be able to differentiate this type of sneezing from other kinds of sneezing potentially related to allergies or illness. Play and excitement sneezes are often repetitive and will stop once the dog has calmed down. They are also typically accompanied by other happy behaviors like a wagging tail and play bows. Owners can observe the context around the sneezing to determine if it seems to be connected to play or enjoyment versus a potential health problem.
When to Be Concerned About Dog Sneezing
While most cases of dog sneezing are harmless, excessive or chronic sneezing can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health issue warranting veterinary attention. Some indicators to watch out for include:
- Sneezing that occurs frequently throughout the day
- Sneezing that leads to coughing or gagging
- Thick discharge coming from the nose
- Signs of pain around the nose like pawing or whimpering
- Nosebleeds
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy along with sneezing
If you notice any of these signs along with frequent sneezing, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian. They can perform a physical exam and potentially order diagnostic tests to identify any health conditions causing the sneezing. These may include:
- Foreign object lodged in the nasal cavity
- Oral health problems like an infected tooth
- Polyps or masses in the nasal passages
- Canine distemper
- Aspergillus fungus
Your vet will determine appropriate treatment options depending on the underlying cause of the sneezing. This may include medications, surgery, or other interventions. Prompt veterinary care can help prevent secondary infections and improve your dog’s wellbeing.
Remedies and Prevention
For mild, occasional sneezing, there are some basic at-home remedies and prevention methods to try:
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Keep your home clean and free of dust/debris
- Rinse your dog’s nose with saline after going outside
- Limit exposure to smoke or strong scents
- Give your dog Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
Implementing some prevention techniques and being attentive to your home environment can help reduce irritants that may cause sneezing. However, if sneezing persists or is accompanied by worrying symptoms, do not delay in making a veterinary appointment. Your vet can properly diagnose and treat any underlying respiratory issues your dog may have.
Conclusion
Sneezing is very common in dogs and not always a cause for concern. Play sneezing, reverse sneezing, and sneezing due to environmental irritants are harmless in most cases. However, chronic or severe sneezing can potentially indicate an underlying health issue requiring veterinary attention. Understanding the different contexts and characteristics of dog sneezing enables owners to make informed decisions about their pet’s health. Frequent monitoring of your dog’s behavior and being attentive to any changes is key. If your dog keeps sneezing, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian for advice. With proper care and precautionary measures, owners can keep their dogs happy and healthy as they enjoy their lives together.
