Help! My Dog Won't Stop Sneezing

Does your dog sneeze sometimes? Most often, Fido sneezes simply because small particles of dust, dirt, grass, or other materials make their way into his nasal passages. After all, your pup uses that cute nose to explore the world. Normally, sneezing isn’t dangerous for dogs, unless they happen to bonk their heads on something in the process. However, if your dog sneezes frequently, or won’t stop sneezing, there may be more to it.

Here are some of the most common reasons that dogs sneeze:

 Play 

Fido sometimes sneezes when he’s playing. Experts believe this is his (adorable) way of showing other pups that his playful behavior is good-natured, rather than threatening. Watch out for the play-sneeze the next time your canine buddy gets riled up!

Allergies

Allergies are another common reason that dogs sneeze. Environmental allergies are the usual culprit here. Pollen, dander, mold, dust and dust mites, dirt, and other allergens can cause symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, and—you guessed it—excessive sneezing. Even food allergies can cause sneezing. Fido could be reacting to a protein source or things like soy or dairy in their diet. 

If you think your dog might be suffering from allergies, contact your vet. Allergy medication might help Fido feel better.

Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS)

Brachycephalic dogs, as you may know, are those pups with squashed faces and bulging eyes like the Pekingese, French and English Bulldog, boxers, pugs, and the Boston terrier. These guys are prone to breathing trouble, thanks to their narrow nasal passages and unique airway structures. Symptoms of Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome include wheezing, snorting, gasping, shortness of breath, and sneezing. If you have a Brachycephalic dog, ask your vet for specific care tips.

Reverse Sneezing

In addition to normal sneezes, dogs also “reverse sneeze” on occasion. This happens when a dog snorts air into their nose quickly. It can be alarming, and Fido may look confused or embarrassed when he does this, but it’s perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. It’s most common in smaller dogs, including Brachycephalic breeds.

Medical Issues

Of course, it’s possible that medical problems like kennel cough, respiratory infections, nasal mites, and much more could be the root cause of Fido’s sneezing. If you can’t determine another cause of your dog’s behavior, set up an appointment with your vet clinic. 

Contact your local vet clinic for more information on your dog’s sneezing.