Occasionally your dog may let loose with a big “ah-choo!” But if your pet’s rare sneeze turns into persistent eruptions, a medical problem may be the cause.
Causes
Dogs, like people, sneeze to clear dust, strong odors, or smoke from their sensitive sniffers. Reverse sneezing, a harmless but alarming condition, occurs when dogs loudly draw in air through their nostrils, causing repeated snorting. Your dog may look like she can’t take a breath, but the episode will stop as suddenly as it starts, and your dog will go about her business wondering what all the fuss is about.
Dogs, especially those with large nasal passages, sneeze to dislodge foreign objects, such as foxtails and grass. Less common causes include tumors, polyps, or nasal mites.
What you can do at home
Occasional sneezing is normal, especially for puppies whose curious snouts find their way into flower beds and under dusty furniture. But watch for frequent sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, or bleeding from the nose, which can indicate a serious problem, such as infection or a tumor. You can relieve reverse sneezing with over-the-counter antihistamines—just ask your veterinarian for the appropriate dose.
When to call the veterinarian
Schedule an appointment with your dog’s doctor if you notice lethargy, appetite loss, or nasal or eye discharge—especially if it’s pinkish, green, or thick.
If your dog sneezes violently or paws at her nose and you suspect an obstruction, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately—obstruction is an uncomfortable and potentially serious problem.
What your veterinarian will do
The doctor will examine your dog thoroughly for other symptoms and ask you to describe your pet’s sneezing. Don’t be surprised if your dog doesn’t sneeze at the veterinary office—they rarely put on a show for such a big audience!
Eye or nose discharge or fever may indicate an infection. If your veterinarian suspects an infection or allergies, he or she will prescribe antibiotics or antihistamines to relieve your pet’s symptoms. The doctor also may anesthetize your dog to check for foreign body obstruction in the nasal passages.
Your veterinarian may use an endoscope (a small instrument for viewing hollow organs) to examine the nasal passages for mites, polyps, and tumors. He or she also may take a tissue sample from the nasal passages to check for bacterial or fungal infection or cancer. X-rays of your pet’s nose may help the doctor identify abnormalities of the nasal passages, sinuses, and related bones.
Many causes of sneezing are a breeze to treat. Put an end to your dog’s sniffling and reserve your “bless you”s for a more appreciative audience.
