For many dog owners, the constant sneezing from their beloved pets can be quite concerning. If your pooch is exhibiting these symptoms, you may be wondering why and likely looking for answers.
There are several possible causes of sneezing in dogs, including allergies, upper respiratory infections, foreign objects, dental problems, nasal tumors, irritants, and even overexcitement. If your dog is experiencing chronic or severe sneezing, it is best to seek veterinary care.
Fortunately, our article “Why Can’t My Dog Stop Sneezing” investigates seven possible causes of a sniffly pup. This guide will provide insight into what could be going on with your furry friend and how to treat it. With easy-to-understand language and plenty of veterinary advice, you’ll soon have the information you need to get them feeling better and back to barking happily in no time!
1. Allergies
If your pup’s incessant sneezing has you worried, allergies could be the culprit. Allergies are a very common problem in dogs and can be caused by many things, from environmental allergens such as pollen or dust to food allergies. Common signs of allergies in dogs include skin irritation, itching, sneezing, coughing, and/or runny eyes or nose.
If your pup continues to sneeze, it is best to take them to the vet and have them identify the cause of the allergy so that they can receive appropriate treatment and feel better again.
2. Upper Respiratory Infections
If you’ve noticed your pup has been sneezing a lot and wonder why it can’t stop, it could be due to an upper respiratory infection. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) in pets can develop from the same causes of colds or the flu in humans – environmental pollutants, contact with other infected animals, or airborne viruses. Additionally, allergies may also cause sneezing in dogs. These URIs can create symptoms that range in severity depending on the age, breed, and pre-existing health conditions of your pet.
Symptoms of a URI typically include coughing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, fever, and increased thirst. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remedy a URI if it is caused by a nasal polyp; however much of the time antibiotics are prescribed to clear out any foreign debris that is causing the infection. Regardless of what’s causing all those sneezes, it’s always best to consult a professional veterinarian who can properly diagnose and treat your pup accordingly.
3. Foreign Objects
When it comes to sneezing, the most common cause may surprise you – foreign objects! While various allergies or infections can also cause prolonged bouts of sneezing in your pup, odds are at least once in your dog’s life some kind of small objects like a blade of grass or a twig has made its way into their sensitive nasal passage.
Whether they were trying to catch it for a game of fetch and whiffed it up by accident, or simply took an ill-advised snoop around the garden in search of something interesting, the result is usually a few hours of panic from you and an intensely uncomfortable feeling for your pooch.
Regardless of where the tiny invader came from, make sure you keep an eye out when walking outside or playing interior games with your pet as foreign intrusions could very well be the underlying cause behind their sneezing spells.
4. Dental Problems
Dental problems are often an overlooked reason why your dog can’t stop sneezing. If you leave a mild dental issue unchecked, it can cause sore and inflamed mouth tissue, resulting in vomiting, pawing at the mouth area, coughing, and of course – sneezing.
Look out for bad breath or irregular chewing as signs that could be caused by dental pain and infection.
Examining the condition of your pup’s teeth regularly is an important part of looking after their health – and preventing future respiratory issues.
5. Nasal Tumors
Nasal tumors can be a cause of sneezing in dogs, especially as dog’s age. Nasal tumors can occur for a variety of reasons, such as an underlying genetic disposition to develop certain cancers, overexposure to chemicals or toxins, and previous trauma in the area of the nose. If your dog has experienced any kind of head trauma or is advanced in age, you may want to consider nasal tumors as a potential cause for their sneezing.
Symptoms of nasal tumors include more frequent sneezing than usual and bloody discharge coming from the nose. Seek immediate veterinary assistance to ascertain diagnosis and ensure proper treatment plans are put into effect if your pet is displaying any of these symptoms.
6. Irritants
When it comes to your pup sneezing continually, it may have something to do with irritants. Common household items like dust mites, cigarette smoke, cleaning products, mold or mildew spores, grasses, and pollens can all cause sneezing or other signs of allergies in dogs. People often forget that dogs can be just as sensitive to environmental elements as humans are!
Nowadays there are a plethora of medications on the market to help alleviate these allergies in pets, however, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to irritants. It is best where possible to remove any potential allergens from your pooch’s environment such as burning scented candles or using plants that shed pollen around the home. Another effective way to reduce allergic reactions in your pet is to groom him or her frequently and thoroughly. This will prevent their fur and skin from becoming irritated by things like dust mites and fungi.
7. Overexcitement
When it comes to the strange, seemingly inexplicable phases or behaviors that our beloved dogs might endure, overexcitement can be one of the most common causes. Overexcitement can be caused by simply too much enthusiasm such as during playtime or when being greeted by familiar faces! If your pup is sneezing frequently and in a very active excited manner then overexcitement may be the culprit.
Watch out for signs of overjoyed behavior in your pup and find ways to decrease their excitability or provide them with proper outlets to release their energy. This will help you avoid any further concerns regarding your pup’s sudden bursts of excitement.
In conclusion
By recognizing some of the causes of sneezing in dogs, such as allergies, infections, foreign bodies or irritants, or even mite infestations, pet owners can get a better understanding of their beloved pup’s health and how to best address it. If sneezing persists despite removing the potential irritants and taking other measures, it’s important to take the dog to a veterinarian for diagnostics.
Veterinarians can identify the cause behind chronic sneezing in your pet much better and prescribe the ideal treatment for their condition. Taking care of our beloved dogs is an essential part of keeping them safe and healthy, so if your pup is still sneezing after considering these common possible causes then don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your vet.
