Sneezing is a common occurrence in dogs, but you may wonder if frequent sneezing is a cause for concern in specific circumstances. Dogs sneeze for various reasons, so it's crucial to discern between joyful or communicative canine sneezing and a sign of a more serious underlying health condition.

Here are some frequent causes of sneezing in dogs and other symptoms to check for, what to do if your dog won't stop sneezing, and when to take your dog to the vet.

What causes dogs to sneeze?

Your dog might be sneezing for various reasons, but one of the most common is to clear anything from their nose that is irritating them, such as dust, aerosols, or pollen (just like humans do). Sneezing might also indicate that your dog has a blade of grass, dirt, or a leaf trapped in its nose. Allergies to airborne allergens or specific foods, as well as nasal infections and mites, might be causing your dog to sneeze. An excessive sneeze can indicate something more severe, such as a tumor, but this is an uncommon occurrence.

Causes of constant sneezing in dogs

Sneezing is natural, but if your dog is repeatedly sneezing uncontrollably or exhibiting any other symptoms such as bleeding from its nose, expelling discharge, pawing at its nose, or having a fever, you should seek medical assistance attention. Remember to call a veterinarian straight away if you suspect your dog has problems breathing. If your regular veterinarian is closed, you can find a pet emergency clinic near you here.

Is it necessary to be concerned if my dog sneezes?

In reality, it is debatable. If your dog sneezes once or twice but otherwise seem healthy, there's nothing to be concerned about. However, you know your dog better than anybody, and if you believe they are unhappy or ill, you should seek guidance from a veterinarian. There are instances when sneezing might indicate anything more severe or life-threatening, like breathing issues or something caught up in their nose. This is when you should act quickly and contact a veterinarian.

Emotional Sneezing?

Sneezing can be a sign of enthusiasm or playfulness in dogs. This "play sneeze" is another way your dog can communicate, similar to waving their tailor barking. A sneezing dog isn't always anything to be concerned about. It might just be that they are thrilled at the prospect of enjoying one of their favorite activities. If they start sneezing after you've called them for a walk, they may be signaling that they can't wait and are looking forward to it! Some dogs sneeze when playing with you or other dogs, referred to as "play sneezing." If you've just given him a nice treat, they could sneeze to show you how happy they are! It's a lot more frequent than you may imagine, especially among smaller dogs. Sneezing in dogs can be caused by several things, but it's generally nothing serious. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or notice medical signs such as a loss of appetite, a change in behavior, discharge, or bleeding.

Inhaled irritant or Allergen?

If your dog has an allergy, it will most likely manifest itself physically. Canine atopy, for example, is characterized by itching, biting, and poor coat condition due to an allergy to environmental allergens such as inhaled dust and pollens. Insensitive dogs, irritants such as home cleaners, or aerosol deodorants can cause sneezing, just as they might in people.

 What happens if my dog sneezes blood?

Always contact a veterinarian if you notice blood when your dog sneezes. Sneezing blood can indicate various issues, including damage, nasal mites, and tumors. Whatever the cause, sneezing blood isn't something you should ignore. Contact your veterinarian, who will diagnose the condition and begin treatment if required.

What can I give my dog for a runny nose and sneezing?

If your dog is sneezing and has a runny nose, do not give it human medication or use home cures. While people can self-medicate when sick, dogs do not have this option. Many human drugs are highly poisonous to dogs, and if your dog ingests them, it might be fatal. Even if the medicine isn't poisonous, there's still a chance you'll give your dog too much. Get in touch with your vet before feeding your dog anything so they can advise you on any possible treatments for your dog's symptoms.

Why does my dog make a sneezing noise?

If your dog sounds like they're sneezing, that's probably the case. On the other hand, a dog's sneeze isn't always a sneeze. Sneezing can be a sign of enthusiasm or playfulness in dogs. This "play sneeze" is another way your dog can communicate, similar to waving their tailor barking. In certain dogs, inflammation of the soft palate, throat, nose, or sinuses causes "reverse sneezing." Snorting or sneezing is a sound made by dogs when they take a deep breath. It may appear frightening to owners, but it is seldom dangerous to dogs that do not have underlying health problems. However, if you're worried, you should always seek guidance from a veterinarian.

If you suspect the "sneezing" noises are a symptom of irregular breathing, call your veterinarian immediately away. Any respiratory issues should be treated as an emergency.

When my dog gets aroused, why does he sneeze?

Some dogs "sneeze" as an indication that they want to have a good time. This "play sneeze" reaction can be a signal to you that your dog believes it's playtime or that they're happy about something, similar to how they wag their tail or display other physical signals of playfulness or enthusiasm (like walkies).

 What can I do to keep my dog from sneezing?

Because sneezing is a natural response, it is impossible to avoid it entirely. However, frequent cleaning and avoiding spraying aerosols such as deodorant or hairspray in the same room as your dog will help reduce discomfort. It's also a good idea to check your dog periodically after they've been in the long grass to make sure nothing has become lodged, such as grass seed or foxtail. Finally, frequent check-ups with your veterinarian can assist detect any problems as soon as possible.

 How can I get my dog to quit sneezing?

You can't entirely stop your dog from sneezing, just as you can't completely stop yourself from sneezing. If kids sneeze a few times now and then, it's probably a perfectly natural reaction to anything irritating their nose. If anything in the air is bothering their nose, try opening the windows to ventilate the area or, if feasible, take them outside. However, if the sneeze is severe or followed by other symptoms like wheezing or bleeding, you should see a veterinarian to handle any underlying concerns.