Dog sneezing is very common in all dog breeds.
However, what causes your dog to sneeze? Should I be worried when a dog
sneeze happens? What are the signs I should look for and when should I
take my dog to the vet? These are some questions we will attempt to
answer as we explore why a dog
sneezes.
When learning what causes a
dog sneeze, there are a few things that really stand out. First off,
your dog might have an upper respiratory tract infection – this is what
we might call a cold. Often times sneezing is the only symptom a dog
displays when they have an infection or a cold virus. Just like people,
if dogs are around other dogs with a virus, it is easy for them to pick
it up. Common places where viruses are contracted would include dog
parks, boarding centers, grooming appointments, and even a trip to the
vet.
Another thing that can
cause a dog to sneeze would be if a foreign object gets into the
nostrils. If dogs are just sniffing wet grass or have their sniffer
where chemicals have been, this can cause your dog to sneeze as well.
Allergies are another cause of
sneezing in dogs. These could be either environmental or food
allergies. Food allergies in dogs can be avoided if you pay attention
and are willing to try different foods. Other signs of food allergies
could include dry skin and itching.
Infected teeth can also cause dogs to
sneeze. There are certain teeth that are close to the nasal area and if
they are infected they can cause your dog to sneeze.
Another thing that could cause
sneezing in your dog is a tumor. However, this will normally cause
drainage as well. If your dog is sneezing and blood discharges, you
probably have a problem that needs medical attention.
Most of the time
dog sneezing is no big deal
at all. However, if it persists for several days or if your dog is
having nasal discharge you should see your veterinarian.
Even though dog sneezing affects all
breeds, some breeds are more likely to have sneezing problems. These
would include Pugs, Bulldogs, and other
dog breeds with flat faces.