Why is My Dog Sneezing so Much? [what does dog sneezing mean?]

Dogs are susceptible to many of the same ailments humans are, including allergies and sicknesses that cause sneezing. An occasional sneeze is probably nothing to worry about but there are some signs that a sneeze is more than it seems.

If your dog has a tendency to sniffle and sneeze, keep reading to find out why!

An occasional sneeze here or there is unlikely to be a big issue. However, if your dog is prone to sneezing fits or excessive sneezing, you should make an appointment at a vet clinic.

What Makes a Dog Sneeze?

According to experts, dogs most often sneeze for the same reason that humans do. An irritation of their nasal cavity can trigger normal sneezes.

The cause can be as simple as a foreign body in the nose. Some common foreign objects include:

Small particles of dust
A blade of grass
Small objects – like a tiny particle of something

Why Do Dogs Sneeze?

A sneeze is the body’s way of getting rid of these common irritants. One or two sneezes are normal.

It’s when your dog starts to exhibit signs of chronic sneezing that you may have an issue such as a nasal infection.

What is Reverse Sneezing in a Dog?

According to experts at PetMD, reverse sneezing is a series of short, sharp inhalations. It often sounds like honking or snorting.

A reverse sneeze can also sound somewhat like coughing, so double-check if you’re concerned.

Infrequent reverse sneezing is usually a sign of excitement or the presence of irritants. Unlike a normal sneeze, reverse sneezing is meant to get rid of an irritation further back in your dog’s airway.

What Causes Reverse Sneezing in a Dog?

If your dog has frequent bouts of reverse sneezing, it can be a sign of allergies. If not allergies, you may need to check for foreign objects that are trapped.

Reverse sneezing rarely needs professional treatment. You can help your dog stop by encouraging it to swallow.

However, you will want to see a vet if it becomes a chronic condition.

Causes of Dog Sneezing

If your dog starts sneezing frequently, there are a few things to check before you panic.

Dog Play Sneezing

Dogs sneeze when they’re having fun. It’s one way they let canine friends know they’re just messing around. It’s a sign they’re having a good time.

If your dog is sneezing during play, check to see if there are any other issues. If there’s no wheezing or nasal discharge, it’s probably a play sneeze. No need for you to worry.

Dog Allergies

Dogs can have allergies just like you. Allergic reactions generally involve a lot of sneezing.

Dog Allergies Reactions

Common symptoms of allergic reactions include:

Watery eyes
Runny nose
Scratching due to itchiness

If your canine pal is exhibiting these symptoms, consider possible allergens. A vet can help identify any environmental allergies or seasonal allergies.

Once that’s sorted out, they can give you the proper medicine to make your dog more comfortable.

Common Causes for Dog Allergic Reactions

Pollens and plants
Household products such as candles or air fresheners
Perfumes
Food allergies

Note: Food allergies can develop at any time. Experts say they usually involve the protein source in your dog’s food, but not always.

Food allergies may also produce additional symptoms of GI distress.

Mites and Other Tiny Insects

Small insects like dust mites and canine nasal mites can also be a problem.

Dust Mites:

Dust mites are a common problem. If your dog likes to dig or play in the dirt, they might have dust mites in their nasal passages.

Canine Nasal Mites:

These can also be picked up from outdoor activities like digging in the dirt. Nasal mites often cause irritation and inflammation in a dog’s nasal passages.

Aside from sneezing, nasal mites can cause other issues. The most common is a thick nasal discharge. In severe cases, there may even be bloody discharge from your dog’s nose.

Dogs can also experience reactions to common pests like fleas. Whatever pest may be affecting your dog, a quick trip to the vet can get it cleared up with ease.

Major Dog Health Issues that Involve Sneezing

Allergies, mites, and small objects can be irritations for you and your dog. However, they’re all common causes for nasal issues, and fairly easy to treat.

Unfortunately, not all dog sneezes have such benign origins. Sometimes, sneezing can be a symptom of more serious medical issues.

Listed below are some issues that might require more extensive care. All of these can include prolonged or excessive sneezing as a symptom.

Dog Infections

Infections come in many forms. Animal experts all recommend that you don’t try to handle them on your own, due to the wide variety of possible causes.

Common subsets of infections include:

Fungal Infections:
- Not the most common of infections
- Can come from other animals or contact with damp soil.
- Sneezing can indicate a systemic fungal infection
- Treatment depends on responsible fungus
Bacterial Infections:
- More likely to cause lethargy and loss of appetite
- Usually comes from contaminated water or crowded living conditions
- Can be transmitted to humans
- Can include common bacterial issues like Salmonella
Viral Infections
- May also result in high fevers and digestive issues
- Canine distemper is a viral infection
- Generally comes from contact with a previously infected animal
Infected Teeth
- Tooth infections can spread to nasal cavities
- More likely to be bacterial in nature
Upper respiratory tract infection
- Can be caused by any other form of systemic infection
- Occurs when infection reaches dog’s nasal passages
- Often spreads to the lungs
- Frequent occurrence may indicate underlying medical condition

If your canine companion has an infection, you definitely want to get it treated quickly.

Common Signs of Dog Illness

Wheezing (trouble breathing)
Nasal Discharge
Loss of Appetite
Bloody Discharge from the Nose
Coughing
Fever
Watery Eyes

If you see any of these symptoms, get your dog to the vet right away. Catching an infection early is the best way to prevent any later medical problems.

Canine Influenza Virus

Experts, such as the American Kennel Club, say there are a couple of different strains of canine flu to watch out for.

Caution! The Canine Influenza Virus is Highly Contagious!

It often spreads from high-population areas, like veterinary clinics, dog parks, and animal shelters.

It’s important to observe recommended treatment and quarantine procedures if your dog has the canine flu.

Treatments vary according to the severity of the case, but there is no cure. If your dog has the flu, you’ll need to help them through with time, patience, and loving care.

Canine influenza has similar symptoms to other infections. It can also be similar to kennel cough.

Symptoms of Canine Influenza

That’s why you need to see your vet immediately if your dog presents any of the following symptoms:

Coughing
Nasal discharge
Lethargy – No Energy
Watery Eyes
Fever
Difficulty Breathing

Cancerous Tumors in Dogs

According to experts within the VCA, cancerous tumors tend to be more common in older dogs. If your dog is 7 years old or older, you may want to have them checked for nasal tumors.

Signs of Dog Cancerous Tumors

Increasing amounts of sneezing
Bloody discharge from one side of the nose, or both
Noisy breathing
Extreme lethargy
Loss of appetite
Possible facial deformation

Advanced tumor growth can also cause seizures if it reaches the brain. Treatments will vary according to the severity of the case.

The sooner it’s caught, the easier it’s likely to be on you and your dog.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease. It usually arises from crowded areas like shelters and dog parks.

The main symptoms, aside from sneezing, include:

Dry, hacking cough
Labored Breathing
Fever
Severe Lethargy

Symptoms can vary from a mild cough to severe pneumonia. Fortunately, there is a vaccine you can get to lessen the risk of kennel cough for your dog.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs

This is a condition suffered by some breeds of dogs. Brachycephalic dogs are also known as flat-faced dogs.

A combination of narrow nasal passages and other conditions results in difficulty breathing.

Signs of Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome

Excessive sneezing
Noisy or strained breathing
Discoloration of lips and tongue due to lack of oxygen
Exercise intolerance
Frequent gagging

If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Consult a vet or veterinary surgeon about the possibility of your dog having Brachycephalic Syndrome.

Dog Asthma

Dogs can sometimes experience asthma just like you do. If your dog has asthma, the severity of the condition will determine what steps need to be taken.

If you have concerns about asthma symptoms in your dog, consult a vet.

What Dog Breeds Are More Susceptible to Sneeze Related Issues?

Respiratory problems can affect dogs of any breed. However, there are some breeds that are more likely to have issues. In particular, those dogs from known brachycephalic breeds.

Brachycephalic dogs are also known as flat-faced dogs. Many of them have been bred for certain features, which contribute to their risk for breathing issues.

Common brachycephalic breeds listed by the AVCS.

Boston Terriers
English Bulldogs
Pekingese
Pugs
Shi Tzus

While these breeds are historically more likely to have problems, it isn’t a certainty. Many dogs have flat faces that live long and healthy lives.

Brachycephalic issues aside, there aren’t really that many differences across dog breeds. At least, not in relation to their sneezing.

Is Age a Factor in Sneeze-Related Dog Health Issues?

Age is a factor when weighing issues with your dog’s health.

Younger dogs and puppies may be hit harder by infections. In particular, things like canine influenza or kennel cough can be more dangerous to younger pups.

Older dogs are more likely to have issues like asthma. They’re also more prone to nasal tumors.

Young Dog Sneezing Causes

A younger pup is more likely to ‘play’ sneeze due to excitement. They’re also more prone to activities that result in getting foreign objects in the nose.

If you’ve got a young pup in the family, sneezing might just be a side effect of too much enthusiasm.

Old Dog Sneezing Causes

An older dog may have increased sneezing due to allergies. Allergic reactions can often be treated with simple measures, like canine allergy medications and slight alterations in the environment.

Is Size a Factor in Sneezing-Related Dog Health Issues?

Opinions are mixed as to whether size matters. Any breed of dog can suffer from a sneezing fit for a variety of reasons.

Due to this, it’s hard to say if there are size correlations to common respiratory ailments.

Small Dog Sneezing Causes

However, it is a fact that most flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds are small dogs. Some experts also say that smaller dogs have increased respiration, and therefore increased risks.

Large Dog Sneezing Causes

On the other hand, a larger dog has larger nasal passages. Which means more room for foreign irritants to cause irritation.

Based on the considerations of experts, it may not be the size of the dog overall that matters.

Rather, the size, shape, and condition of the dog’s nasal passages may be the critical factor.

So the next time you’re considering the risks of sneezing fits, you may want to look at the nose.

Conclusion

There are a lot of reasons for dogs to sneeze. Some of them can be quite serious and indicate a weakened immune system. As a dog owner, you want to be aware of the possibilities!

You also want to watch for additional signs of risk to your dog’s health.

However, a sneezing dog isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As with humans, it’s rarely a big deal. Just make sure your dog has frequent baths and regular vet visits.

That way, if your dog has the occasional sneeze, you probably don’t need to worry.