Is Your Dog Sneezing in Groveport, OH? Here Are 6 Possible Causes

It’s that time of year again when seasonal allergies rear their head and many of us find ourselves sneezing more than usual. We resort to different allergy medicines and stuff our pockets with tissue to help fight our way through. But what if our best friend Fido or Sparky starts sneezing? Is it just a normal occurrence or something to be concerned about?

Common Causes of Sneezing Dogs in Groveport, OH

Like us, dogs can sneeze as a reaction to irritants in the air such as pollen, but perfumes and aerosols can also be bothersome to your dog’s sensitive nose. If it’s accompanied by itchiness or a runny nose or eyes, he may be allergic to something specific and it’s best to have him checked out.

Dog Sneezing in Groveport, OH

Play Sneezing

Because dogs communicate with their entire bodies, a sneeze during playtime is used to signal that it is just that, play and that his or her behavior should not be mistaken as aggressive. You may see your dog exhibit an exaggerated version of a regular sneeze when play or roughhousing is getting particularly intense. If it only happens at play, there is no cause for concern.

Foreign Objects

Sometimes a dog will get something lodged in his nasal cavity, especially since they like to dig around outside so much. Often, a sneeze is trying to expel something as innocuous as dirt, grass, hair or even food. It’s common for a dog to exhibit a “reverse sneeze” when trying to get something out of its nose. This is done by breathing in through the nose loudly and in rapid bursts, making what some describe as a “snorting sound.” It looks much worse than it is; it’s simply a reflex and is harmless. If it seems like he is in pain or he can’t stop reverse sneezing, you can try blowing in his face or massaging his throat. However, if he still has something stuck in his nose, it is advised that you take your dog to the veterinarian to dislodge anything that the sneeze doesn’t knock loose.

Nasal Mites

According to Wag, if your dog exhibits any of the following along with sneezing, he may have a case of nasal mites:

  • Nose bleeding
  • Itchy face
  • Nasal discharge
  • Poor sense of smell
  • Head shaking
  • Trouble breathing
  • Noisy or high-pitched breathing
  • Coughing
  • Restlessness
  • Small white or tan specks in the nostrils

Nasal mites, or Pneumonyssoides Caninum, are small mites, about 1 millimeter in size, which is large enough to be seen with the naked eye, unlike many other forms of mites. These mites are found in the sinuses and nasal passages of dogs. They are usually transmitted through nose-to-nose contact with other dogs and are highly contagious. Thankfully, they can’t be spread to humans.

If you suspect your dog has nasal mites, it’s best to take him to the vet where a more thorough diagnosis can be made. A veterinarian may scope your dog’s nose or flush it out and examine the discharge for mites. In some cases, X-Rays of the dog’s mouth, teeth and sinus cavity may be done. Some vets may also do a CT scan, nasal biopsy or blood and urine analysis to search for nasal mites.

Once diagnosed, there are a couple of different treatments for nasal mites. Selamectin is a topical treatment used on dogs for other infestations as well, such as fleas and ticks. Ivermectin is an oral or injectable drug initially developed to treat internal parasites but when used properly, is very effective on nasal mites.

Nasal Infection

Another possible reason for your dog’s sneezing, if accompanied by a runny or bloody nose, discharge from the nose, pain in the nose and/or a reduced appetite, could be a nasal infection. The most common are Aspergillosis and sinusitis.

Aspergillosis can be caused by inhaling a specific type of mold spore found in dust, hay and grass. Sinusitis in dogs is treated similarly to the way it’s treated in humans, with antibiotics or an antifungal. If you suspect your dog has either, it’s best to take him to your vet for further examination.

Virus/Canine Influenza

Another possible reason for your dog’s sneezing in Groveport, OH could be the canine flu, which is very similar to human flu but luckily can’t be spread from our dog to us. For many dogs, canine flu will develop into mild symptoms, while other dogs can have severe disease. The symptoms affecting your dog could include lethargy, fever, coughing, lack of appetite, sneezing, eye discharge and nasal discharge. Coughing lasting up to three weeks is the most common symptom for most dogs.

Canine flu is contagious between dogs. About 80 percent of exposed dogs will show signs. The other 20 percent of dogs will not have symptoms and are able to shed the virus, infecting dogs around them. If a dog is carrying the virus, it can be spread to other dogs they interact with.

Although there is no cure for the dog flu, there is treatment; similar to the way we treat the flu in humans. Your vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics and suggest lots of clear fluids and rest.

Nasal Tumors or Cancer

Probably the most serious of afflictions of the nose or nasal passages is the prospect of a nasal tumor. A nasal tumor in dogs is a type of cancer, the most common being nasal adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, with this type of cancer, it has often spread too far to be successfully treated by the time it is detected. While the exact cause isn’t known, there have been links found between urban environments and secondhand smoke and nasal cancer in dogs.

Symptoms of nasal cancer include nasal discharge, coughing, loud breathing, and lethargy. If you think your dog is at risk or is showing any of these signs, it’s best to take him to the vet where more extensive tests can be done. The treatment for nasal tumors/cancer in dogs is very similar to that of humans, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Your Vet will Help Solve Your Dog’s Sneezing in Groveport, OH

So, while a sneeze might just be a sneeze, if it seems unusually frequent or is joined by any of the other symptoms we mentioned, it’s better to be safe than sorry and have him checked out your veterinarian at Groveport Canal Animal Hospital. This doesn’t mean you should panic if you see your dog sneeze, just, like always, keep an eye on him and his behavior and take him to the vet if anything seems out of character to ensure he lives a long, happy and healthy life. Call (614) 836-3222 or use our online form to book an appointment for your dog’s sneezing at Groveport Canal Animal Hospital!