![\"poodle](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/thirteen-j-xJsE87_f78s-unsplash-1020x1024.jpg\")
Why is my dog sneezing so much?<\/strong> 9 reasons why<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhy does my dog keep sneezing you ask? There are various reasons why your dog sneezes, ranging from an amusing quirk of canine body language <\/a>to allergies and even some medical concerns associated with sneezing in dogs. This medical condition may be caused by something up your dog’s nose, but they can also get colds and flu<\/a> just like us, leading them to sneeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. They have something up their nose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is your dog scratching at their nose and sneezing? They could be trying to get something out. Foxtails, otherwise known as grass seeds, can get in all kinds of places on dogs, commonly on their feet, causing them to lick their paws<\/a>, but yes also up their nose. Pollen can also get up your dog’s nose and cause a fit of the sneezes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Sneezing due to excitement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yep, believe it or not, sneezing can also occur from something exciting like playing with your dog, often referred to as play sneezing. Sneezing can also happen as an anticipatory response, when you pick up your dog\u2019s lead, they can get excited because they know they\u2019re about to go out for a nice stroll. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn more about dog communication by reading our puppy body language<\/a> article. There are lots to learn about those little puppy quirks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Stress-related sneezing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sneezing is a common way that dogs release a build-up of stress. Stress is an all-encompassing term and can relate to eustress and distress. Eustress typically happens when a dog is in learning mode and isn\u2019t a negative thing, so if your dog sneezes during a training session that they\u2019re enjoying, this can be why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When feeling distressed or after experiencing a stressful event, Your dog may also sneeze as a way to let go of the stress they felt. Other signs of stress include yawning and paw licking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Reverse sneezing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Technical term alert! Paroxysmal respiration to give it the official name, is where instead of sneezing air out, your dog sneezes in and pulls air in rapidly. It sounds like a backward or reverse sneeze, or a snort. They can sometimes get their breath caught and struggle to stop the reverse sneezing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chest and throat rubs help to get rid of reverse sneezing if your dog suddenly starts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Your dog is sneezing because they have a cold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dogs get colds and flu too! If your dog has a runny nose<\/a> and is sneezing as well as coughing, then they might have a cold, or kennel cough<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n6. They\u2019re allergic to something <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Environmental and seasonal allergies can often cause dogs to sneeze, yes they get hayfever too, but they can also be allergic, or at least, not like strong odors like room fresheners, or strong washing detergents used on their bedding.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Food allergies are also worth looking at, as along with other symptoms affecting their skin and coat, they can also make a dog sneeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. They have a nasal parasite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes, nose mites are a thing, yuk! Canine nasal mites will cause a dog to sneeze. There will typically be other signs like bleeding and pawing at their nose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. They have dental issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bad teeth and abscesses can contribute to your dog’s sneezing. This is due to the proximity of their teeth to the nasal passage, and the way infection will move around the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. They have a nasal tumor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your dog has a nasal tumor, it will be pretty painful up there and will cause your dog to sneeze. This is more prevalent in senior dogs, and you may see blood dripping from your dog’s nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"american](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lucas-ludwig-cjWmmMUCRhY-unsplash-1024x678.jpg\")
Photo by Lucas Ludwig<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy are allergies causing my dog to sneeze?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAllergies cause a dog to sneeze due to the build of antibodies, including histamine in the bloodstream. Allergies are typically seasonal, environmental, or food related. You\u2019ll typically see other signs of allergy like runny eyes<\/a>, paw licking<\/a> or ear scratching<\/a> too.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nSeasonal allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDogs get hay fever just like us, and seasonal allergies could be why your dog is sneezing so much. If they are sneezing when out on a walk or after they come back, then it could be seasonal allergies causing this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Food allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDogs with food allergies will probably sneeze more frequently than dogs without them. Food allergies, while more likely to impact the skin, coat, and digestive system than the respiratory system, can cause sneezing in susceptible dogs. If your dog’s sneezing appears to increase within a couple of hours of their last meal, this could be the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out our articles on puppy nutrition<\/a>, raw feeding for puppies<\/a> and homemade diets f<\/a>or more info on what to feed your puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\nEnvironmental allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDust and other allergens in your dog’s environment can cause sneezing. The allergic reaction causes histamine levels in your dog to rise, and a symptom of this is sneezing, though you might see your dog itching and scratching<\/a> too. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you think your dog has allergies and that\u2019s what\u2019s causing them to sneeze there are a few things you can do <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- First, consult your vet – they\u2019re the experts on this kind of thing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep a diary of your dog\u2019s sneezing, what they ate and what they did that day so you can pinpoint what might be causing them to sneeze.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try an elimination diet – Homemade diets<\/a> under veterinary supervision work well as elimination diets. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Invest in an air purifier. This will take dust and pollen out of your dog\u2019s environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Remove plug-in air fresheners, reed diffusers and other strong fragrances from your home<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use unscented washing and cleaning products<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid using fragranced dog shampoo when you give your dog a bath<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Is something stuck up my dog\u2019s nose making them sneeze?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nForeign bodies like foxtails, pollen or even broken pieces of toy and tiny stones can all get stuck up a dog\u2019s nose and cause sneezing. It\u2019s no surprise that you\u2019d sneeze if you had something up there, and it\u2019s the same for our dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being able to look up your dog’s nose is going to be tricky, especially if you have a dog with small nostrils like a French Bulldog<\/a> or Pug<\/a>. If you can see something poking out the end of your dog\u2019s nose, or they are pawing and scratching at it, chances are something is stuck up there. Your Vet can take a look with a special scope and remove the foreign body if it\u2019s there.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCan infections cause my dog to sneeze?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf your dog has other infections in their facial area, such as dental or nasal, then sneezing can be a symptom. Let\u2019s learn a bit more about how infections can make a dog sneeze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bacterial or viral nasal infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Generally, nasal bacterial infections come about after a dog has had a viral infection related to its nose or respiratory system. If your dog is sneezing and clear liquid comes out, it\u2019s usually a sign of a virus affecting their sinuses and nasal cavity, like Kennel Cough<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf your dog has an upper respiratory tract bacterial infection, then it can be treated with antibiotics. We suggest speaking to your vet if your dog is affected as they would be best to advise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fungal nasal infections <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your dog may be sneezing due to fungal rhinitis. Most commonly this is a type of fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus, which is present in soil and it mainly affects long-nosed dog breeds. Other symptoms of a fungal nasal infection are blood or mucus coming from the nose, discoloration to the front of the nose, and reverse sneezing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will need your vet to confirm if your dog has a fungal nose infection, and they will usually give topical cream as a treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental and tooth infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your dog has bad teeth, maybe an abscess or gum disease, then the infection can move up to the nasal cavity, causing pain and irritation and causing a dog to sneeze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might also recognize these by your dog suddenly having really bad breath, it\u2019s a sure sign of dental problems!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to brush your dog\u2019s teeth<\/a> as part of a regular grooming routine<\/a> to ensure they stay healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen should I be worried about my dog\u2019s sneezing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf your dog shows any of the following signs along with sneezing then we recommend consulting your vet <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- There is a discharge coming from your dog\u2019s nose, this might be clear yellow, or it might also be bloody<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your dog is showing other signs of ill health like itching or scratching<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your dog is not eating or drinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your dog is vomiting or coughing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The sneezing has come on rapidly and is not stopping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your dog is shaking, or struggling to breathe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Sneezing in dogs is often just a normal bodily response, but after going through our article, if you\u2019re worried about your dog\u2019s sneezing, it\u2019s best to ask your vet rather than Dr Google. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"black](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/vico-pradipta-w3b7C7lCKw8-unsplash-1024x678.jpg\")
Photo by Vico Pradipta<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested in all aspects of your dog\u2019s health, you might want to read our articles on cloudy eyes in puppies<\/a>, or bloodshot eyes<\/a>. Had enough of the gore? Alright then, how about teaching your puppy tricks<\/a>, or learning about puppy agility<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\nDownload the Zigzag puppy app<\/a> today for tonnes of other information about your puppy\u2019s health and training. We have a dedicated program set out to give you the right training lessons at the right time for your puppy’s emotional and cognitive development<\/a>. While every dog is different, we have created our puppy training programs to work best with your particular dog breed. After all, Terriers want to chase and tug, and Collies want to herd, right? Let\u2019s work with that, not against it! <\/p>\n\n\n\nWe understand that bringing up a puppy can sometimes be a lonely experience, so we have a dedicated team of puppy coaches<\/a> on hand to talk to you about your puppy 7 days a week. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
1. They have something up their nose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is your dog scratching at their nose and sneezing? They could be trying to get something out. Foxtails, otherwise known as grass seeds, can get in all kinds of places on dogs, commonly on their feet, causing them to lick their paws<\/a>, but yes also up their nose. Pollen can also get up your dog’s nose and cause a fit of the sneezes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yep, believe it or not, sneezing can also occur from something exciting like playing with your dog, often referred to as play sneezing. Sneezing can also happen as an anticipatory response, when you pick up your dog\u2019s lead, they can get excited because they know they\u2019re about to go out for a nice stroll. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about dog communication by reading our puppy body language<\/a> article. There are lots to learn about those little puppy quirks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sneezing is a common way that dogs release a build-up of stress. Stress is an all-encompassing term and can relate to eustress and distress. Eustress typically happens when a dog is in learning mode and isn\u2019t a negative thing, so if your dog sneezes during a training session that they\u2019re enjoying, this can be why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When feeling distressed or after experiencing a stressful event, Your dog may also sneeze as a way to let go of the stress they felt. Other signs of stress include yawning and paw licking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Technical term alert! Paroxysmal respiration to give it the official name, is where instead of sneezing air out, your dog sneezes in and pulls air in rapidly. It sounds like a backward or reverse sneeze, or a snort. They can sometimes get their breath caught and struggle to stop the reverse sneezing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chest and throat rubs help to get rid of reverse sneezing if your dog suddenly starts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs get colds and flu too! If your dog has a runny nose<\/a> and is sneezing as well as coughing, then they might have a cold, or kennel cough<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Environmental and seasonal allergies can often cause dogs to sneeze, yes they get hayfever too, but they can also be allergic, or at least, not like strong odors like room fresheners, or strong washing detergents used on their bedding.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food allergies are also worth looking at, as along with other symptoms affecting their skin and coat, they can also make a dog sneeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, nose mites are a thing, yuk! Canine nasal mites will cause a dog to sneeze. There will typically be other signs like bleeding and pawing at their nose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bad teeth and abscesses can contribute to your dog’s sneezing. This is due to the proximity of their teeth to the nasal passage, and the way infection will move around the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog has a nasal tumor, it will be pretty painful up there and will cause your dog to sneeze. This is more prevalent in senior dogs, and you may see blood dripping from your dog’s nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allergies cause a dog to sneeze due to the build of antibodies, including histamine in the bloodstream. Allergies are typically seasonal, environmental, or food related. You\u2019ll typically see other signs of allergy like runny eyes<\/a>, paw licking<\/a> or ear scratching<\/a> too.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seasonal allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs get hay fever just like us, and seasonal allergies could be why your dog is sneezing so much. If they are sneezing when out on a walk or after they come back, then it could be seasonal allergies causing this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Food allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs with food allergies will probably sneeze more frequently than dogs without them. Food allergies, while more likely to impact the skin, coat, and digestive system than the respiratory system, can cause sneezing in susceptible dogs. If your dog’s sneezing appears to increase within a couple of hours of their last meal, this could be the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out our articles on puppy nutrition<\/a>, raw feeding for puppies<\/a> and homemade diets f<\/a>or more info on what to feed your puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Environmental allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dust and other allergens in your dog’s environment can cause sneezing. The allergic reaction causes histamine levels in your dog to rise, and a symptom of this is sneezing, though you might see your dog itching and scratching<\/a> too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think your dog has allergies and that\u2019s what\u2019s causing them to sneeze there are a few things you can do <\/p>\n\n\n\n Foreign bodies like foxtails, pollen or even broken pieces of toy and tiny stones can all get stuck up a dog\u2019s nose and cause sneezing. It\u2019s no surprise that you\u2019d sneeze if you had something up there, and it\u2019s the same for our dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being able to look up your dog’s nose is going to be tricky, especially if you have a dog with small nostrils like a French Bulldog<\/a> or Pug<\/a>. If you can see something poking out the end of your dog\u2019s nose, or they are pawing and scratching at it, chances are something is stuck up there. Your Vet can take a look with a special scope and remove the foreign body if it\u2019s there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog has other infections in their facial area, such as dental or nasal, then sneezing can be a symptom. Let\u2019s learn a bit more about how infections can make a dog sneeze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, nasal bacterial infections come about after a dog has had a viral infection related to its nose or respiratory system. If your dog is sneezing and clear liquid comes out, it\u2019s usually a sign of a virus affecting their sinuses and nasal cavity, like Kennel Cough<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog has an upper respiratory tract bacterial infection, then it can be treated with antibiotics. We suggest speaking to your vet if your dog is affected as they would be best to advise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your dog may be sneezing due to fungal rhinitis. Most commonly this is a type of fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus, which is present in soil and it mainly affects long-nosed dog breeds. Other symptoms of a fungal nasal infection are blood or mucus coming from the nose, discoloration to the front of the nose, and reverse sneezing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You will need your vet to confirm if your dog has a fungal nose infection, and they will usually give topical cream as a treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog has bad teeth, maybe an abscess or gum disease, then the infection can move up to the nasal cavity, causing pain and irritation and causing a dog to sneeze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might also recognize these by your dog suddenly having really bad breath, it\u2019s a sure sign of dental problems!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to brush your dog\u2019s teeth<\/a> as part of a regular grooming routine<\/a> to ensure they stay healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog shows any of the following signs along with sneezing then we recommend consulting your vet <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sneezing in dogs is often just a normal bodily response, but after going through our article, if you\u2019re worried about your dog\u2019s sneezing, it\u2019s best to ask your vet rather than Dr Google. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re interested in all aspects of your dog\u2019s health, you might want to read our articles on cloudy eyes in puppies<\/a>, or bloodshot eyes<\/a>. Had enough of the gore? Alright then, how about teaching your puppy tricks<\/a>, or learning about puppy agility<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Download the Zigzag puppy app<\/a> today for tonnes of other information about your puppy\u2019s health and training. We have a dedicated program set out to give you the right training lessons at the right time for your puppy’s emotional and cognitive development<\/a>. While every dog is different, we have created our puppy training programs to work best with your particular dog breed. After all, Terriers want to chase and tug, and Collies want to herd, right? Let\u2019s work with that, not against it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n We understand that bringing up a puppy can sometimes be a lonely experience, so we have a dedicated team of puppy coaches<\/a> on hand to talk to you about your puppy 7 days a week. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"2. Sneezing due to excitement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Stress-related sneezing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Reverse sneezing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Your dog is sneezing because they have a cold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. They\u2019re allergic to something <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. They have a nasal parasite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. They have dental issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. They have a nasal tumor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why are allergies causing my dog to sneeze?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Is something stuck up my dog\u2019s nose making them sneeze?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can infections cause my dog to sneeze?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bacterial or viral nasal infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fungal nasal infections <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dental and tooth infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When should I be worried about my dog\u2019s sneezing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n