Why Does My Dog Keep Sneezing?

Sneezing in dogs is a natural and often harmless reflex that serves to expel irritants from the nasal cavity. Understanding the various causes behind sneezing can help pet parents understand the difference between normal sneezing behaviour and potential underlying health issues.

Dogs use a set of communication tools called calming signals which are known to be a set of behaviours that they perform to diffuse situations, show they’re friendly or even calm themselves down. These are generally quite normal looking behaviours that are performed a little out of context which tells us when they might be a little stressed or over excited. Take a behaviour like yawning, it’s perfectly natural for your pup to yawn when they’re tired but if someone cuddles them a little too tight or a stranger touches them, they might also yawn to signal a slight rise in stress levels.

Behavioural sneezing is a calming signal. You see this most often when dogs are playing rough together and one will stop to sneeze. It acts as a small break in play to diffuse tension and calm the game back down to a comfortable level. You may also notice some sneezing when they become over-excited like when you come through the front door from work, you might be greeted by a wiggly and sneezing pup. This happens when they overwhelm themselves with excitement and is nothing to worry about.

Another common cause of sneezing in dogs is the need to expel mucus, dust, or mild irritants from the nasal passages. This type of sneezing is typically short-lived and resolves on its own. Dogs may sneeze after sniffing dusty surfaces or when encountering strong smells. It's their way of keeping their nasal passages clear and free from potential irritants. In most cases, this type of sneezing is not a cause for concern and is just like when we might sneeze in a dusty room or when the sun is too bright.

Understanding these common causes of sneezing in dogs can help pet owners differentiate between normal sneezing behaviour and signs of underlying health issues. There’s no need to panic when it comes to sneezing, that would be like worrying every time you sneezed. It’s only something that you will need to consider when it isn’t as short lived as breathing in a bit of dust. 

Although occasional sneezing fits are typically harmless, continuous or intense sneezing, particularly when coupled with symptoms like nasal discharge or lethargy, may necessitate a trip to the vet for thorough assessment and treatment.

Allergies are a common cause of sneezing in dogs, just as they are in humans. Dogs can be allergic to various indoor or outdoor triggers, including pollen, dust mites, mould, and certain foods. It’s not uncommon for your four-legged friend to suffer from allergies like hayfever. When exposed to allergens, dogs may experience symptoms such as recurring sneezing fits, a runny or congested nose, itching, redness, and runny eyes. These symptoms may come and go depending on the level of exposure to the allergen. Managing allergies in dogs often involves identifying and avoiding the allergen if possible, along with medication such as antihistamines or steroids prescribed by a veterinarian to alleviate symptoms and improve your fur baby’s quality of life.

Bacterial or viral infections can also lead to sneezing in dogs. Infections such as kennel cough, canine influenza, or upper respiratory infections can cause inflammation of the nasal passages and throat, resulting in sneezing as the body attempts to clear the airways. Along with sneezing, infected dogs may exhibit symptoms such as nasal discharge which can be green, yellow or clear in colour.

Other signs include coughing, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. Treatment for infections typically involves supportive care, such as rest and hydration, and may include antibiotics or antiviral medications prescribed by a vet. As soon as you notice symptoms you should see your vet to avoid them getting worse as infections can develop and become quite dangerous for your beloved pet.

If you’re caught thinking why does my dog keep sneezing, the solution could be as simple as looking up their nose! Sneezing can also occur when a foreign object becomes lodged in a dog's nasal passage. Common culprits include grass seeds, small rocks, or pieces of plant material. Dogs may sneeze repeatedly in an attempt to dislodge the object and alleviate discomfort. Persistent sneezing, especially if accompanied by nasal discharge or other symptoms, may indicate the presence of a foreign object like a grass seed stuck in their nose. If you regularly go walking through long grass, be sure to keep an eye out for symptoms that something may be stuck.

While relatively uncommon, nasal tumours can cause persistent sneezing in dogs, especially in older animals. These tumours may arise from the nasal cavity or nearby structures and can obstruct airflow, leading to sneezing, nasal discharge, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any growths around the nose area, take your pooch to the vet as quickly as you can as the faster you can get a diagnosis, the better the chances are of recovery.

Reverse sneezing is a peculiar phenomenon observed in some dogs, characterized by spasms of the throat and nasal passages that result in rapid and noisy inhalations. It sounds a little like a honking noise and can be alarming for pet parents. Reverse sneezing is usually triggered by irritation or inflammation of the nasal passages, such as the presence of allergens, respiratory infections, or excitement. While it may appear concerning, reverse sneezing is typically harmless and often resolves on its own without treatment.

Whatever the reason for your pooch to be sneezing, if they continue to frequently sneeze for over 24 hours then seeing a vet will help to find the cause and get them on the road to recovery. If sneezing is a symptom of illness you will often notice other symptoms like your poorly pooch seeming lethargic and not wanting to go for their normal walks. If you have an older or immune-compromised dog, it’s always best to get them checked quickly. Occasional sneezing is normal but recurrent, forceful sneezing or additional symptoms warrant a trip to the vet. With treatment, most causes of sneezing can be managed and treated quickly.

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