Dog Sneezing A Lot

A dog is a man’s best friend and is one of the best companions to spend the day with. But if your buddy is sick, you might feel like the usual energy in the atmosphere is missing. 

For the most part, a dog sneezing is generally nothing to be worried about – unless the sneezing is rapid and intense. There may be multiple reasons why your dog is sneezing a lot, and diagnosing the proper cause is crucial before treatment. 

Usually, dogs are known for their strong sense of smell and like to sniff around things. So, there’s a high chance your dog might inhale an irritant, causing sneezing and other forms of discomfort.

Common Causes Why Your Dog is Sneezing A Lot

There are several reasons behind a dog’s excessive sneezing. Let’s explore those reasons one by one!

Allergic Reactions

Exposure to particles that cause allergies – also known as allergens – can be one of the most significant reasons why your dog is sneezing a lot. The most common allergies your dog may suffer from are pollen allergies, dust allergies, insecticides, or the presence of other pets that may be potential allergen carriers. Also, there are a few tests to detect the type of allergy your dog is suffering from. 

Allergy symptoms in your dog can include runny nose, itchy skin, runny eyes, hair loss, and sneezing, among others. Ideally, the best way to address these issues is to limit your dog’s exposure to allergens in the first place. Besides that, a vet may prescribe medications according to the intensity of the allergy.

Allergies for dogs may last up to a few days, so it is recommended that you continue to take care of your dog’s hygiene. This includes regular brushing, using a medicated shampoo to bathe your dog, and restricting out-door access. 

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues are sometimes linked to allergies. In fact, in many cases, prolonged allergies caused by harmful compounds can cause lung inflammation. These harmful compounds include chemical sprays, smoke, and even allergens like pollen.

Exposure to such harmful elements may lead to respiratory tract inflammation, further leading to intense sneezing. However, toxic compounds are not the only reason behind inflammation; certain bacteria and viruses can play their part as well. The good news is that respiratory issues are curable, but consulting a vet for advice may be necessary. 

Dental Issues

It may seem pretty odd, but dental issues can actually cause your dog to sneeze a lot as well. But how does it happen? Well, dogs who are already suffering from a tooth infection are more vulnerable to a sinus infection because the bacteria or viruses can establish a connection between the oral cavity and the nasal passage. 

This leads to inflammation of the nasal cavity, causing discomfort and ultimately leading to intense sneezing. Mostly, dental issues are accompanied by lethargy, bad breath and a snotty nose. Also, pet parents generally overlook their pet’s dental health, which ultimately contributes greatly to the pet’s overall health. 

If the symptoms are clear, it’s better to get your dog’s teeth checked thoroughly by a vet. In the meantime, it is important to brush your dog’s teeth every day using consumable toothpaste and a pet toothbrush. 

Weather Conditions

Is it cold outside? If it is, your dog might be feeling under the weather. Cold air is often dry and leads to irritation or sensitivity in your dog’s nasal passage. Sneezing often results, since it’s the body’s normal response to clear the nose. 

Sneezing due to weather is often accompanied by symptoms of flu which include runny nose, stuffy nostrils, and sometimes even fever in severe cases.

The best way to treat these symptoms caused by the weather is to keep your dog warm and indoors. It may be helpful to use a humidifier at home to keep your dog’s nose moisturized. Monitoring your dog’s sneezing frequency before and after restricting him indoors can help narrow in on the problem even better. However, a vet’s visit is still recommended. 

Presence of Other Pets

Animals can also be allergy carriers. If you have other pets around, there may be a chance that they’re carrying allergy-causing particles that may be causing symptoms in your dog. When pets play outside, their fur can catch different allergens like pollen or dust. For more information about dogs being allergic to the presence of different pets, take a look at our article discussing whether dogs can be allergic to cats.

To ensure your other pets are not a cause of your dog’s sneezing, it's important to groom your pets regularly and restrict their approach to areas where they might catch allergies. 

Conclusion

If your dog is sneezing a lot, the best practice is to take him to the vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Sneezing may be because of something harmless, but it’s also possible that there may be a more serious issue. For instance, in some rare cases, there may be abnormal growths in the nasal passage.

In some cases, the issue gets prolonged and, as a result, it turns into something harmful. For example, respiratory discomfort can lead to lung infection, which could lead to lung cancer. Therefore, to ensure your dog stays in the best of health, always monitor his habits! Also, make sure to schedule regular visits to the vet for general check-ups.