Why Do Dogs Sneeze? 7 Simple Explanations | Purina

Maybe your like

Home
Pet Care Articles and Advice
Expert Dog Care
Dog Health
Dog Respiratory Advice
Why Do Dogs Sneeze?

Dog Respiratory Advice Why Do Dogs Sneeze?

Purina Editorial Team March 19, 2025 5 min read Why Do Dogs SneezeTEASER

Related topics Dog HealthExpert Dog CarePet Care Articles and Advice Abby and Hettie

Abby & Hettie are here to help Our experts are here to help Get in touch with us directly any time, any way. Message us dog looking up at food being put down

Discover our range of dog food Buy Now

Dogs sneezing can be a common occurrence, but sometimes you may notice your dog sneezing during unusual times or more than usual. In this article we investigate the causes of sneezing in dogs and what it could mean for your dog.

A dog sneezing is common, normal and can even be really cute to watch! But why do dogs sneeze and what does it mean?

When it comes to sneezing in dogs, it doesn’t tend mean that your dog has a cold, in the same way sneezing usually means in humans. In fact, dogs sneeze for a many reasons. It can be due to something minor like a reaction to dust, or it could be more serious. Or it might be a “play sneeze” – more on that later. It all depends on how often your dog is sneezing, and what colour the discharge, if any, is.

In most instances, your dog will be sneezing in response to an irritant in the upper airway of the dog’s nose. The dog then sneezes to expel the irritant, much like humans do! There can be many other reasons why your dog is sneezing though, so we’ve made this guide so you can find out why do dogs sneeze?

In This Article

Why do dogs sneeze?
Why do dogs sneeze when playing?
Can dogs get nasal infections?
Other reasons why your dog may be sneezing:
When is a sneeze, not a sneeze?

Why do dogs sneeze?

There are loads of reasons why your dog is sneezing. It could be an irritant in their nose like dust, household products, perfume or even pollen. Sneezing in dogs can also be due to something stuck in their nose, such as dirt from digging or something they’ve sniffed over enthusiastically!

If your dog is sneezing a lot, it may be a reaction to something in the atmosphere – such as air fresheners. Be careful when spraying items around your pet as it may irritate their nose.

Dogs that snuffle in the undergrowth can also get lots of unusual things stuck up their nose like fragments of twigs and leaves. If your dog likes to wander nose-first through the undergrowth, be sure to be on the lookout for this.

Usually sneezing helps the dog to expel the item on its own, but if their nose is bleeding or they keep pawing at their nose and sneezing, consult your vet as they may need to remove the object.

Why do dogs sneeze when playing?

Previous Next several dogs running after each other

Many dog owners notice that dogs often sneeze when they are playing or excited by something. This is called “play sneezing” and it’s normal and harmless. It just means that your dog is having loads of fun!

Dogs may sneeze when playing or when excited as a signal that their behaviour is only play, and that they’re enjoying themselves. Sneezing when playing is particularly common in small breeds but many dogs do it. If your dog is sneezing when you’re playing together, there’s usually no need to worry.

Can dogs get nasal infections?

Usually, the reason why your dog is sneezing is a one-off reaction to the something in the air or a play sneeze. However, if your pup is sneezing regularly, it could be a nasal infection. Generally, dogs that have upper respiratory tract infections are more likely to cough rather than sneeze, but it’s still worth consulting your vet if symptoms persist.

Aspergillus fungus is a common nasal infection caused by inhalation of a fungus from dust, hay or bits of grass. Symptoms include sneezing, nose pain, nosebleeds, discharge and visible swelling. If your dog demonstrates any of these symptoms you should take them to a vet as soon as possible.

On rare occasions, persistent sneezing in dogs can also be caused by nasal mites. These tiny bugs get inside your dog’s nasal passages and are commonly picked up from digging in the dirt with their noses. Nasal mites are incredibly irritating for dogs and can cause nosebleeds and excess discharge from your dog’s nose. If you suspect your dog may have nasal mites, take them to the vet for treatment.

Other reasons why your dog may be sneezing:

Previous Next older labrador sneezing while lying down

Infected tooth. The third upper premolar has roots that are really close to the nasal passages, so if this tooth or any near to it are infected, it may cause your dog to sneeze.

Tumours. Very occasionally, persistent sneezing in dogs can be a sign of something serious, like a tumour. Second hand smoke is the main cause of tumours in dogs’ nasal passages and is more common in longer-nosed breeds. If you think your dog is unwell, take them to the vet for a diagnosis.
If your dog is a brachycephalic breed. These dog breeds such as the Boston Terrier, Bulldog and Pug have compressed nasal passages, so they’re much more likely to sneeze than other dogs.

When is a sneeze, not a sneeze?

A sneeze isn’t always actually a sneeze in dogs. Sometimes your dog may be snorting, which if you have a healthy dog is usually a sign of an upper airway obstruction, so you should take your dog to a vet to have it looked at. Snorting is also common if your dog is overweight as the excess weight can make it harder for them to breathe.

Your dog may also be experiencing a reverse sneeze. This is most common in small breed dogs and brachycephalic breeds. When experiencing a reverse sneeze, air is pulled quickly and loudly in through the nose, resulting in a sudden loud noise like a honk. In fact, some owners think it sounds like the dog is laughing. Your dog will also stand with their elbows apart, head forwards or back before making the sound. Reverse sneezing rarely requires treatment, so you don’t usually need to worry if your dog does this.

Your dog's sneezes could be kennel cough. If the dog sneezes are intense and paired with a cough, make sure to look into the possibility of kennel cough. Contact your vet if you are concerned.

Help us make Purina betterWas this article helpful? Feedback sentThank you for helping us improve the Purina experience.

Tell us a little more

Check all that apply:

I have not found an answer to my question Information is confusing or unclear These indications have not helped me Another issue Leave this field blank

Written by Purina Editorial Team Our Editorial Team, made up of Purina pet industry experts, writers, and veterinarians, offers useful guidance to support pet owners in helping their pets live healthy, happy lives, covering topics like nutrition, training, daily care, and more.

Explore our dog brands:

c_brand_discovery (cat) Brand (field_product_brand) (entityreference filter)

Adventuros Turn mealtime into an adventure, with Adventuros range. s

Treats

ADVENTUROS® Wild Chew Small Venison Dog Treats

4.7 (72) Check out this product

Treats

ADVENTUROS® Wild Chew Medium Venison Dog Treats

4.6 (260) Check out this product

Treats

ADVENTUROS® Wild Chew Large Venison Dog Treats

4.5 (56) Check out this product

Treats

ADVENTUROS® Nuggets Boar Dog Treats

4.7 (841) Check out this product

Treats

ADVENTUROS® Strips Venison Dog Treats

4.7 (343) Check out this product

Treats

ADVENTUROS® Sticks Buffalo Dog Treats

4.7 (395) Check out this product PreviousNext

Black dog sitting in a field of dandelions.

Common Dog Symptoms of Illness

Hay Fever in Dogs

5 min read dog standing against a kennel fence

Dog Respiratory Advice

Kennel Cough in Dogs – What It Is & How to Treat It

5 min read Small dog wrapped in a blue and white blanket

Dog Respiratory Advice

Can Dogs Get Colds or Flu?

8 min read Dog laying on wooden deck

Common Dog Symptoms of Illness

Is My Dog Ill? Unusual Symptoms to Watch Out For

6 min read Paw Dog Mobile

Newsletter

Sign up to our free pet-parenting newsletters!

We believe people and pets are 'Better Together'. Our programme promises to support you through every stage of your journey.

Advice and articles tailored to your pet's needs. Free access to our in-house team of vets, behaviourists and advisors. Discounts and offers from our brands. Join our newsletter Sign me up Purina