Dog Sneezing Guide: Why Dogs Sneeze, Allergies & More | Pupford

Dog sneezing... what's the deal with it?!

Ahh-choo! You sneeze, your dog sneezes, we all sneeze!

But... you might have some questions about it.

• Is it safe?
• Why is my dog sneezing so much?
• Are they experiencing something more?
• How many sneezes are too many sneezes?
• Can it be allergies?

In this article, we’ll explore the causes behind your dog’s sneeze including when you should smile and laugh and when you should take action!

Let's get to it ⤵️

(first, a fun compilation of pups sneezing you might enjoy 😁)

WHY DO DOGS SNEEZE?

There are different reasons why dogs sneeze, some are just normal and others can be a cause for concern.

Keep reading to understand the different reasons why your pup might be sneezing.

PLAY SNEEZES & SNEEZING WHEN PLAYING

The dramatic and adorable “play sneeze” is the most common sneeze we see with our pups. Typically, when a dog gets really excited while they're playing, they will let out of sneeze in the midst of their playtime.

According to dog behavior experts, dogs use their entire bodies to communicate with each other and with humans.

Sometimes the play sneeze will come out just for fun or during an exciting time for the dog.

Other times it can be to diffuse a stressful situation during play, like during roughhousing with another pup. (In this case, be aware of the rest of your dog's body language and act accordingly.)

These types of sneezes are likely nothing to worry about. It’s basically an indicator that your dog is having a good time and is happy with the situation!

Related Reading: Dog Eye Boogers & Discharge

IS SOMETHING STUCK IN THEIR NOSE?

Is your pup itching their nose with their paw or running it on the ground or onto furniture?

If so, there may be something stuck inside their nose! It could be some food or a blade of grass or something from the outdoors after a walk that's causing them to sneeze.

Another reason your dog may be excessively sneezing is a foxtail burr can get stuck in their nose. Foxtail burrs are a plant that has sharpened, barbed seeds.

These are prickly plants and they can get stuck in dog’s snouts, eyes and other areas of the body.

If you think something might be stuck in your dog’s nose, don’t take action yourself! Contact your vet immediately so they can take a look and take steps to remove it safely and comfortably.

Related Reading: Dog Nose Facts & How to Clean a Dog's Nose

ALLERGIES CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE SNEEZING

Just like you, your dog can experience allergies throughout certain seasons of the year.

They can also have allergic responses to mold, foods, pollen, and dust. Exposure to substances that can be sensitive to your pup’s immune system can cause sneezing and coughing.

Some of the most common allergies among dogs are:

• Mold
• Grass
• Pollen
• Trees
• Dander (fur)
• Prescription drugs
• Fleas
• Perfumes
• Cleaning products
• Shampoos (it's especially important not to use human shampoo on your dog!)
• Fabrics
• Food ingredients such as wheat, soy, corn, chicken and other proteins).

If your dog is sneezing due to allergies, you will notice other types of behaviors such as:

• Paw licking
• Scratching at their nose and eyes with their paws
• Butt scooting
• Hair loss
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swelling on feet, face, joints
• General itchiness

If these symptoms don’t clear up within a couple of days, we recommend taking your dog to the vet!

WHEN SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT MY DOG SNEEZING?

If you’re noticing that your dog is sneezing uncontrollably and excessively, this may be a sign of a bigger problem.

First, identify any other symptoms they are experiencing besides sneezing.

Are they coughing? Are they eating normally? Is there any discharge from the eyes or nose?

Check if your dog has a fever.

Sneezing can be a sign of the dog flu, or as mentioned earlier - an allergic reaction or something stuck inside your dog's nose.

Your dog could also be experiencing a common cold! Just like humans, dogs can catch a cold from other dogs or from bacteria in public spaces.

If your dog recently visited a dog park or had a playmate who was a major drooler and they are sneezing, coughing, and have watery eyes and nose, they could be dealing with a cold!

In any case, contact your vet if you believe your dog is acting abnormally.

HOW TO PREVENT YOUR DOG FROM GETTING SICK

If you are worried about your dog getting a cold or the flu, here are some tips from the experts on how to best prevent it!

• Stay up to date on vaccinations
• Keep your dog warm during the colder season and after baths or rain
• Keep the water in your dog’s water bowl fresh - change it at least once per day!
• Clean and disinfect your dog’s toys regularly
• Clean their food and water bowls thoroughly if shared with other pups
• Limit contact with sick dogs. Keep an eye out at dog parks or during playdates!
• Let your dog sleep! Dogs need a ton of sleep throughout the day and rest is very important for their health.
• Feed your dog treats and foods that are all-natural, low-calorie, and healthy for them! Check out our full line of low-calorie dog treats here!

THE REVERSE SNEEZE IN DOGS

A common condition in smaller and brachycephalic (or “flat-faced”) dogs is the “reverse sneeze”. You may recognize it as a choking or honking sound and a lot of the time it can be very concerning for dog parents!

Let’s start by saying that the reverse sneeze is harmless and almost never requires treatment. Typically, once a reverse sneezing starts you can just let it happen until the episode is over.

Reverse sneezing is common in small dogs likely due to their smaller throats and windpipes. Your dog may start honking because….

• They are excited!
• Leash pulling
• Too much exercise, out of breath
• A new smell like perfume or cologne
• A sudden change in air temperature
• Pollen, dust, mold, or other environmental irritants

It’s important that as a pup parent, you remain calm while your dog is experiencing their reverse sneezing episode. If you are panicking, it will cause your dog more excitement and anxiety and the episode will continue.

Remain calm, and try to massage their throat or cover their snout so that they start to swallow more regularly.

If your dog is sneezing or reverse sneezing more often than usual and cannot seem to stop or control it, our best advice is to take them straight to a vet to get checked out.

RECAP OF WHY DOGS SNEEZE, COMMON CAUSES

In most cases, your dog sneezing is just cute and funny.

If your dog has other symptoms, it may be a sign of other issues or illnesses. If you ever have a serious concern, talk to your vet.

As a recap, here are some main reasons dogs sneeze so much:

• Excitement from playing
• Something in their nose
• Allergies
• Dog flu
• Dog cold
• Reverse sneeze

Have questions about dog yawning, tail wagging, body posture, and more? Check out our Body Language Course.

Does your dog sneeze? Let us know in the comments below👇