8 causes of dog sneezing

Updated 20/09/2023

Dog sneezing is caused by a whole host of conditions, viruses and even excitement levels. Here we’ll dive into why your pooch sneezes plus the additional symptoms and causes you can look out for. Some conditions can even cause reverse sneezing in dogs. Never heard of it? Not to worry - we’ve got it all covered…

Why do dogs sneeze?  

If you’ve recently been asking yourself ‘why is my dog sneezing so much’, we get how unsettling it can be to notice a new symptom in your furry best buddy. Here are a few of the reasons why your dog keeps sneezing, and below, we’ll dive into causes, treatment and prevention.

• Respiratory infections
• Seasonal allergies
• Nasal tumor
• Inhalation of a foreign object
• Canine influenza
• Kennel cough
• Normal communication
• Nasal mites

Dog sneezing caused by respiratory infections

Symptoms of a respiratory infection

If you’ve recently noticed that your dog is sneezing a lot, there’s a chance they could be suffering from a respiratory infection. Symptoms to look out for include sneezing, loss of appetite, clear, green or yellow discharge, crusting around the nostrils, decreased airflow and reverse sneezing. A respiratory infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

Treatment and prevention

If your pooch is suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s definitely worth paying your vet a visit. If an infection is present, they will prescribe medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or anti-fungal treatments. Your vet may suggest using a humidifier to help moisten mucous, increasing your pooch's comfort levels whilst they recover.

Dog sneezing caused by seasonal allergies

Symptoms of seasonal allergies

If you suspect your dog has hay fever and they’re sneezing around the time that yours picks up, you might be right. Just like their sapien sidekicks, our four-legged friends can suffer from seasonal allergies too. Other symptoms include your dog's runny nose (clear), itchy skin, recurring ear infections, swollen or red eyes and of course, frequent sneezing.

Treatment and prevention

Contact your vet and find out if allergy medication is suitable for your pooch. If your dog is also suffering from itchy skin, they may be able to make some recommendations for home remedies such as soothing oatmeal baths.

Dog sneezing caused by a nasal tumor

Symptoms of a nasal tumor

A more serious reason that your dog keeps sneezing could be that they have a nasal tumor. Along with sneezing, your pooch might also wheeze, cough, and have a runny or bloody nose. Nasal tumors can cause the shape of the nose or bridge of the nose to change so if you see any lumps in this area contact your vet to investigate further.

Treatment and prevention

If you notice these symptoms in your pooch, contact your vet. They’ll organise the correct treatment which could include surgery or radiation therapy, as well as pain relief for your pet.

Dog sneezing caused by inhalation of a foreign object

Symptoms of inhalation of a foreign object

Your pooch might have a foreign object or particle stuck in their nose which is causing the sneezing. This is simply caused by daily life - whether they’re sniffing at the park and get a grass seed stuck in their nasal passage or they’re around the house and hoover up a hair, it’s not unlikely to happen at some point. So if you notice your dog sneezing more than usual, pawing at their nose, reverse sneezing or even sneezing blood, a pesky object up their snout could be the cause.

Treatment and prevention

While there’s not much you can do to prevent your pooch sniffing up unwanted objects, you should contact your vet as soon as you suspect it. Most dogs can remove the object through sneezing within a short space of time, so sneezing for longer than a day should be investigated.

Dog sneezing caused by canine influenza

Symptoms of canine influenza

Like influenza in their sapien sidekicks, dogs can pick up canine influenza virus particles through respiratory droplets released during coughing and sneezing from other infected pooches, or through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus. If you suspect your dog might have canine influenza, look out for coughing, a runny nose, fever, reduced appetite, sneezing, lethargy and eye discharge.

Treatment and prevention

Our four-legged friends can pick up canine influenza anywhere but the virus spreads most rapidly in kennels, which is why we’d always advise finding a pet sitter to care for your pooch while you’re away. Often dogs will fight off the virus with rest and hydration, but contact your vet for advice if their symptoms persist.

Dog sneezing caused by kennel cough

Kennel cough symptoms

It’s a highly contagious ​​upper respiratory tract infection that causes a range of symptoms - the most obvious being the forceful cough which will sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat, or a goose honking. Other symptoms include eye discharge, sneezing and a runny nose, but your pooch will probably keep their normal appetite, and be quite bright in terms of energy levels.

Treatment and prevention

Vaccinating your dog annually against kennel cough will help to protect them against the disease, and reduce the clinical signs if they are unlucky enough to get it. The good news is that a week or two of rest will be enough to make a full recovery in most cases. Otherwise, contact your vet and they can prescribe medications to help your dog recover from this illness.

Dog sneezing caused by normal communication

Symptoms 

Why do dogs sneeze while playing? Well it turns out that it’s perfectly normal for your pooch to have a sneeze or two while they’re playing or excited. Otherwise known as a play sneeze, these little nuggets of communication are exactly that - they’re simply a sign of excitement!

Treatment and prevention

If your four-legged buddy is only play sneezing, there’s nothing to worry about. But, if the sneezing carries over to other tasks, it’s best to get it checked out by your vet.

Dog sneezing caused by nasal mites

Symptoms of nasal mites

If a pastime of your pooch is rubbing their snout in dirt (who doesn’t love that?!), then they might pick up nasal mites. Picking up these tiny bugs can cause reverse sneezing in dogs, as well as bloody discharge, ‘normal’ sneezing and heavy breathing.

Treatment and prevention

While picking up nasal mites isn’t all that likely, contact your vet if you suspect them. They may prescribe medication or flush out your dog’s nostrils.

Reverse sneezing in dogs  

Often mistaken for dog hiccups, reverse sneezing in dogs - otherwise known as paroxysmal respiration - is caused by the rapid pull of air into the nose. It’s distinct from pushing air out of the nose, which is a regular dog sneeze. Reverse sneezing can be triggered by stimulation of the nose, sinuses or the back of the throat due to nasal mites or foreign material like pollen, or inflammatory conditions.

Any new behavior in your beloved four-legged buddy can be unsettling. So, if you’ve noticed your dog sneezing (or even reverse sneezing), pay a visit to your vet for a diagnosis, treatment and peace of mind. A video recording of the behavior can be helpful, as not all dogs will sneeze when at the vets!

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

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