How to Clear a Dog's Stuffy Nose

When a dog gets a stuffy nose he wants to blow out through his nose, much in the same way that we sneeze. A stuffy nose in a dog can be caused by any number of things. It could be a sign of a dog cold, a nasal infection, a tooth problem, allergies, a foreign object lodged in his nose, or a heart ailment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Massage the top of the dog's nose and the puffy parts of her muzzle if you notice your dog lowering her head and snorting towards the ground like she is trying to suck air in and out of her nose. This is not uncommon among dogs and is usually an indication of minor nose irritation that passes quickly. Massaging the nose helps to relieve the irritation.

2. Make a vet appointment if you dog has a stuffy nose for more than 24 hours. There is very little that you can do to help your dog with his stuffy nose, and proper diagnosis is necessary before the problem can be treated.

3. Get a cool mist vaporizer and run it near where your dog sleeps. This helps to keep her bronchial tubes moist and makes it easier for her to breathe.

4. Turn the hot water on in the shower and close the bathroom door. Do not turn the exhaust fan on, so the bathroom quickly fills with warm moist steam. Sit in the bathroom for several minutes holding your dog to help clear his nasal passages.

5. Use a baby aspirator to suck some of the mucus out of your dog's nose. Be careful to only place the very tip of the aspirator at the opening of the nostril. Do not insert anything deeply into a dog's nose.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog has a foreign object lodged in his nose, he will typically paw aggressively at his nose and does not give up. If you can see the object, go ahead and remove it. If you can not see the object, get him into a vet's office as quickly as possible.
• Some over-the-counter cold treatments sold for humans can be safely used on your dog. Never give any human medication to your dog before checking with your vet first. Choosing the right medication and giving it in the right dosage is very important.

Who Can Help Sponsored