Why Is My Dog Sneezing? Causes and When to Worry

Normal Sneezing

Many dogs sneeze when they're playing or excited, as a way of communicating.^1,2 Occasional sneezes from sniffing dust or soil are also normal.¹ If your dog is bright, eating well and has no discharge, a few sneezes are rarely a worry. If your dog makes loud snorting sounds while breathing in, that's reverse sneezing, a different reflex. See reverse sneezing in dogs.

Common Causes of Sneezing

Irritants

Dust, pollen, soil, smoke, air fresheners and cleaning products can all set off sneezing.^1,5 Repeated bouts of vigorous sneezing suggest something is irritating the inside of the nose.³

Grass seeds and other foreign bodies

Grass seeds (awns or foxtails) can be sniffed up into the nose. They cause sudden bouts of sneezing, pawing at the face and, often, discharge from one nostril.^4,5,10 See a vet as soon as possible. Seeds are easier to remove the sooner they are found.¹²

Infections

Kennel cough often causes sneezing and a runny nose or eyes as well as a cough. Most mild cases clear up in 7 to 10 days.¹¹ Canine flu tends to cause a persistent cough, thick nasal discharge and fever.¹⁴ Yellow or green discharge suggests a secondary bacterial infection.^1,10 See kennel cough and dog flu.

Nasal mites

Nasal mites live in the nose and sinuses and spread between dogs. They can cause sneezing, reverse sneezing and nosebleeds. They don't pose a known risk to people, and treatment usually works well.^6,15

Fungal infection

Aspergillus, a common mold, can infect the nose. It causes long-lasting discharge, nosebleeds, nasal pain and, in advanced cases, a patchy, pink loss of color on the nose. It is most common in young to middle-aged long-nosed breeds.⁷

Tooth root abscess

The roots of the upper teeth sit just below the nasal passages, so an infected tooth can cause sneezing and nasal discharge, sometimes with swelling below the eye.^5,1 Severe gum (periodontal) disease can also wear a hole between the mouth and nose (an oronasal fistula), which causes sneezing and nasal discharge. Miniature Dachshunds appear prone to this.¹⁶

Nasal tumors

In older dogs, sneezing that comes on gradually, with discharge that contains mucus, pus or blood, can be a sign of a nasal tumor. The discharge often starts on one side but may be on both sides by the time a dog is seen.^8,13 Snoring, nosebleeds and, later, a change in the shape of the face can follow.^8,1 Long- and medium-nosed breeds are at higher risk.⁸ See dog nose bleeds.

Allergies

Allergies are a less common cause of sneezing in dogs than in people. Allergic dogs usually have itchy paws, ears, face and belly instead.^1,9 Seasonal sneezing from pollen can happen but is uncommon.^5,10 See dog allergies.

Flat-faced breeds

Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and other flat-faced breeds have narrowed airways. Their snorting is often mistaken for sneezing or reverse sneezing, and snoring and snorting can be signs of breathing obstruction.¹⁷ These dogs should be checked by a vet if they struggle with exercise, or after excitement, heat or humidity.¹⁸

How Vets Find the Cause

Your vet will ask how long the sneezing has lasted and look for discharge, swelling and dental problems.⁵ For sneezing that doesn't settle, tests may include:^3,5,10

• A CT scan or X-rays of the nose
• Rhinoscopy, a tiny camera passed into the nose under anesthesia, which can also remove grass seeds and take biopsies
• A nasal flush or biopsy
• Blood tests, including a platelet count if there is bleeding

With these tests, vets can usually find the cause.¹³

What You Can Do at Home

• Avoid smoke, strong scents and dusty cleaning products around your dog.¹
• Check your dog after walks in long grass, especially if sneezing starts suddenly.¹²
• Don't give human allergy or cold medicines unless your vet tells you to. Decongestants can cause dangerously high blood pressure in dogs.^19,2

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dog sneezing so much?

Most often an irritant or something stuck in the nose. Ongoing sneezing can also mean an infection, nasal mites, a tooth problem or, in older dogs, a tumor.

Is sneezing a sign of allergies in dogs?

Sometimes, but it's less common than in people. Allergic dogs usually have itchy skin, paws and ears.

When should I worry about my dog sneezing?

If it lasts more than a few days, or comes with blood, thick discharge, discharge from one side, facial swelling, lethargy or poor appetite.

Why is my dog sneezing blood?

Possible causes include a foreign body, injury, dental disease, a fungal infection, nasal mites, a tumor or a bleeding problem. See your vet, and see dog nose bleeds.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for sneezing?

Ask your vet first. Many human cold and allergy medicines contain ingredients that are dangerous to dogs.

Why does my dog sneeze when playing?

Play sneezing is normal and seems to be a way dogs signal they're having fun.