Sneezing And Nasal Discharge In Dogs

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

• Home
• Resources
• Animal & Population Management
• Foster Programs
• Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

August 2019

Audience: Executive Leadership, Foster Caregivers, Public, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

If your dog's sneezing and/or nasal discharge is mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, it is okay to monitor him/her for the first couple of days. Keeping your dog separate from other dogs is recommended until a veterinarian gives the okay, since he/she may have a contagious upper respiratory infection.

Signs that Your Dog Needs to See a Veterinarian

• Sneezing and nasal discharge that persists for more than just a few days
• Amount of sneezing and nasal discharge increases
• Color and/or consistency of the nasal discharge changes (i.e., it goes from clear in color and a liquid consistency to yellowish/green in color and a mucous consistency)
• Rubbing the nose or pawing at the face
• Noisy or raspy breathing
• Sneezing and nasal discharge accompanied by other signs of illness (e.g., yellow/green eye discharge, coughing, decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy)

What You Can Do in the Meantime

• Keep the living area clean and free of dust particles and foreign matter that can be inhaled. This will protect your dog's nasal and throat passages from further aggravation.
• The use of a humidifier, a vaporizer, or the steam from a hot shower may help your dog breathe more easily.
• Gently wipe nasal discharge from your dog's nostrils with a soft damp towel.

Common Causes of Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

• Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease ("Kennel Cough")
• Inhaled irritants and allergens (e.g., smoke, dust, cleaning agents)
• Dental disease
• Reverse sneezing
• Blockage of the nasal passage (e.g., foreign objects like grass awns)

Treatment of Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

• Antibiotics, nasal decongestants, antihistamines, appetite stimulants and/or subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be needed.
• Diseased teeth may need extraction.
• Surgery may be required for the removal of polyps, tumors, or foreign bodies.

Helpful Links

• PetsWebMD: Dog Nose Discharge: Common Causes and Treatments
• VCA: Kennel Cough or Tracheobronchitis in Dogs

Search fieldGO

• Home

• Who We Are
  • About Maddie's Fund
  • Maddie's Story
  • Team
  • Our History
  • Media & Pressroom
  • Annual Reports
  • Logos & Guidelines
  • Fact Sheet
  • Contact Us
• Our Work
  • Grant Requirements
  • Grant Opportunities
  • Funding History
  • Awards
  • Grantee Spotlight
  • National Partnerships
  • Grant Recognition
  • Grants Portal
  • The Foster Assessment System
  • Keeping Families Together Stories
  • Fact Sheet
  • Press Releases
• Learn & Connect
  • Flash Classes
  • Feline Communication Course
  • Maddie's Candid Conversations
  • Professional Development Portals
  • On-Demand Presentations
  • Upcoming & Past Webcasts
  • Conference Recordings
  • Self-Paced Courses
  • Community Conversations
  • Maddie's Mailing List
  • Chew On This Blog
  • Maddie's Tail Wag
  • Maddie's Pet Forum
  • Maddie's University
  • Foster Care Resources
• ResourcesBy Topic
  • Access to Care
  • Admissions & Intake
  • Animal & Population Management
  • Animal Behavior, Training & Enrichment
  • Community Outreach
  • Connect with Others
  • Data & Technology
  • Foster Programs
  • Humane Law Enforcement & Laws
  • Live Outcomes
  • Organizational Management
  • Medical & Behavior Information

Weekly Poll

× See Past Polls