Why Is My Dog Sneezing and How Can I Stop It?

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Are you concerned about your dog’s well-being because it sneezes often? While your dog is occasionally “achooing,” it might look very cute. However, if the occurrence is frequent, you must inspect its reasons.


Dog sneezing can range from classic “I sniffed something spicy” to the more concerning, “I might have a tiny uninvited guest.” However, if your pet friend is sneezing more than a comedian at a pepper festival, it might be time to consult your vet.


In this blog, we will discuss the most common reasons for your dog’s sneezing and how you can help it. Let’s discuss.

Reasons Why Dogs Sneeze

Sneezing is a natural reflex in which air suddenly bursts out through the nose and mouth. It is the most usual response to irritants in the nasal passages. Allergies, infections, mites, or simple nasal congestion can cause sneezing.


Additionally, your dog may not be actually sneezing but rather making funny sounds like snorting or choking. This is often identified as “reverse” sneezing, another involuntary action aimed to expel any foreign object your dog may have inhaled.


Let’s take a detailed look at the reasons why your dog might be sneezing:

1. Allergies/ Irritants

Similar to humans, dogs can have allergies. One prominent reason for your dog to sneeze uncontrollably is that it is allergic to something. 


Pollen, dust, or perfumes often trigger sneezes. In some cases, your dog may have molds or insect bites in their nasal canal. Either way, if your dog is sneezing because of allergies, it will show itchiness, coughing or wheezing, and discharge from the eyes and nose.

2. Nasal Blockage

A blocked nose leads your dog to sneeze. Mucus, inflammation, or tumors could be blocking its nasal passage.

Some dog breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and terriers, are more susceptible to what is called brachycephalic syndrome. These dog breeds have a flat face and short muzzles. This makes them more likely to experience nasal blockage.


3. Foreign Objects

Curiosity is one of the adorable traits of dogs. However, it can also bring them certain troubles, like sneezing. If your dog is suddenly sneezing non-stop, there’s a good chance that it has inhaled a foreign object that’s stuck inside its nose.


This is a very likely event if you have let your furry pet venture outside unsupervised, even for a few minutes. Plants like foxtails are notorious for being inhaled by dogs. As long as a foreign object is blocking your dog’s nasal passage, it will continue sneezing.

4. Infectious Diseases

Infections like canine influenza or distemper can trigger sneezing in your dog. These respiratory system diseases are contagious and bring serious consequences for your dog.


Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause such diseases. Coughing, sneezing, and eye and nasal discharge are common signs in these cases. As soon as you notice such symptoms, get your pet checked by a veterinarian immediately. Vaccinations and prompt treatment are crucial for your dog’s health.

5. Mites

Another possible cause for your dog to sneeze is it has caught mites. Mites are microscopic pests living in dogs’ noses.


These mites can be passed on through contact with infected dogs. While nasal mites are relatively rare, they can cause intense sneezing and severe discomfort. Some dogs have even suffered from bleeding nose and head shaking due to these parasites.

6. Tooth Disease

Dental issues aren’t just about bad breath. Some dogs can develop tooth root abscesses. It causes the root of the teeth to extend through the tissue separating your dog’s oral cavity from the nose.


Additionally, some dental conditions can cause nasal discharge, which can trigger intense sneezing. Therefore, you should regularly take your favorite pet for dental check-ups to prevent any unwanted health conditions.

7. Tumors

Another rare cause of your dog sneezing is a tumor in its nasal canal. Dog breeds with long noses and even older dogs can be victims of nasal tumors.

Tumors generally grow only on one side of the nose. If you see one-sided discharge or your dog’s sneezing is accompanied by bloody discharge, consult your vet immediately.



What Can You Do About Your Dog’s Non-Stop Sneezing?

Non-stop sneezing can exhaust your dog. Now that you know the reasons behind your dog’s sneezing and can detect the symptoms, here are some measures you can take:

1. Let Your Pet Get Some Rest

Dogs often get overly excited, which can initiate intense sneezing. If this is the case, let your dog take a rest. A quiet, comfortable space can help your beloved pet recover quickly. Observe if your dog’s sneezing continues or not.


If your doggy is crate-trained, you can keep it confined there as well. Hold off on long walks and intense training to effectively calm down your dog.

2. Do a Physical Checkup

If your dog is sneezing intensely discharges are coming out of your dog's eyes and nose, gently examine your dog’s nose and mouth. In this inspection, you should look for discharge or foreign objects. Use a good light source while doing this inspection.


Additionally, check your dog’s temperature. If you find anything unusual in the nasal canal or your pet has a fever, the best course of action is to take your pet to a veterinary hospital.

3. Apply First-Aid Medication

If your dog has a minor irritation and sneezes now and then, you can give it a saline nose drop. It will offer instant relief by moistening dry nasal cavities and getting rid of irritants.


If you observe mild allergy symptoms, you can try over-the-counter antihistamines. These usually come in the form of pills or liquid medicine. Always consult your vet before administering any medication. Rather allergy also can cause hiccups.

4. Take Your Dog to the Vet

If your dog is sneezing persistently with additional symptoms like coughing, fever, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or discharge, immediately take it to a vet.


Your vet will conduct a series of blood tests and, if necessary, procedures like radiography and rhinoscopy to see if there are serious respiratory issues. Don’t wait; early intervention can prevent your pet from getting more serious issues.

Final Words

It is very common for dogs to sneeze, especially if they get excited during playtime or when socializing with other dogs. However, if your furry friend is sneezing uncontrollably for no apparent reason, there might be a more serious underlying cause.


While it's tempting to play Sherlock Bones and investigate, it's best to leave the nose prodding to the professionals. So, if your pup's sneezes are more frequent than commercials during your favorite show, it's a good idea to get them checked out. After all, we want their snoots to be in tip-top shape for all the sniffing adventures yet to come!


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