Constant Sneezing in Dogs

Allergies may cause sneezing in dogs.

Sneezing is nature's way of clearing unwanted material from the nasal passages. Everyone, including your dog or puppy, sneezes once in a while, and it's normally no cause for concern. But when sneezing becomes frequent, it's an indication there is a problem with which you'll need your veterinarian's help.

Allergies

Plant pollen, dust, mold, smoke and chemicals are allergens that can bother your dog just as they can bother you. If your dog sneezes constantly when exposed to an irritant such as smoke, you'll know the best way to stop the sneezing is to get rid of the irritant. If your dog sneezes frequently in conjunction with other symptoms, such as rubbing his face on the carpet, scratching his sides or chewing his feet, that also indicates an allergy. In many dogs, this occurs just once or twice a year, for a few weeks while certain plants are pollinating--it's just hay fever. Your veterinarian will probably recommend over-the-counter antihistamines.

Infection

Frequent sneezing with a bloody or pus-like discharge from the nose may indicate an infection. The infection can come from a virus, fungus or bacterium that has taken up residence in the soft membranes inside your dog's nose or sinuses, or it can also be caused by an infection in certain teeth whose roots protrude up into the nasal structures. Your veterinarian will probably prescribe antibiotics

Obstruction

Dogs use their noses to explore and can easily sniff up something that definitely does not belong. Anything from grass and sticks to small household objects like paper clips can obstruct your dog's nasal passage, which invariably causes constant sneezing and bloody discharge from the injured side of the nose until the veterinarian finds it and pulls it out. The vet uses a lighted scope or X-rays to check for foreign bodies, then a small alligator-jawed forceps to grasp the object and carefully extract it.

Tumor

Constant sneezing with bloody discharge can indicate something serious, like a tumor. This is more likely to occur in older dogs but can happen at any age. The veterinarian will likely take a sample from any suspicious mass to determine whether it is malignant. He may prescribe chemotherapy; surgery on the inside of the nose is a special challenge.

When to Take Action

If your dog sneezes frequently or if intermittent sneezing lasts a long time, take her to the veterinarian to determine the cause and the best course of action. Discharge from the nose, especially blood, is a cause for immediate concern and a good indication the problem will not go away on its own. Most causes of sneezing in dogs are fairly straightforward to diagnose and treat, so there's no need for your dog to suffer.

References

• 2nd Chance: Why Is My Dog Or Cat Sneezing? Upper Respiratory Tract Problems In Dogs And Cat
• Pet Education: Sneezing & Nasal Discharge in Dogs & Puppies
• Fetchdog: Dogs and Sneezing