Sneezing in dogs is characterized by a reflex to expel air through the nose and mouth when the nasal mucosa is irritated. This symptom can have various origins but should not be confused with reverse sneezing, which is such a common symptom, but different. Reverse sneezing occurs when the dog lengthens its neck and inhales hard through the nose while keeping its mouth closed. This behavior indicates irritation of the nose and pharynx.
Whether sneezing or reverse sneezing, the severity depends on the frequency of the symptom. Just like you, your dog can sneeze briefly from dust or a cold! But sometimes, this symptom can alert a more severe problem. Find out the reasons that make your dog sneeze!
1. Something tickles his nostril
Often, the dog sneezes because a foreign body has entered through its nostrils (blade of grass, dust, grain of sand). In this case, the sneeze is brief and harmless. It simply serves to expel the annoying element from the airways.
However, if your dog is restless in a sneezing attack, something more important may be bothering him when he is breathing. In this case, it is essential to get in touch with your veterinarian quickly to avoid any risk of infection or suffocation.
2. He caught a cold
The common cold is a more dangerous disease in animals than in humans. Indeed, it can very quickly turn into bronchitis or pneumonia. That is why you have to be very careful that the disease does not get worse. To do this, pay attention to your companion’s behavior: is he trying to isolate himself? Does it hydrate? Is he eating properly?
In case of a cold, it is essential to keep your dog warm and to avoid contact with another animal because of the risk of transmission. But also because animals carry germs that could be fatal to your animal. Indeed, his immune defenses are already feeble.
3. Air irritates his mucous membranes
Sometimes dogs sneeze when the air is too cold or loaded with irritating particles, such as smoke or pollution. Poor air quality creates irritation of the nasal mucous membranes. It is then necessary to protect your companion from this inconvenience so that the offense does not increase.
4. He is allergic
Allergy is a primarily abnormal reaction of the immune system against an element (s) foreign (s) to the body (called then as an allergen). Usually, respiratory allergy is sneezing with a runny nose and eye discharge.
Some dogs are allergic to dust, pollen, perfumes (synthetic perfumes are particularly allergenic products). Depending on the importance of the allergy, treatments can relieve your friend.
5. He shows you his joy!
Have you ever noticed that state of euphoria full of sneezes when your companion finds you after a few hours of absence? Because indeed, sneezing in dogs can also be a bodily message to express their joy. Pet essentials is passionate about dog welfare and helping dogs live happier lives. Trusted information about dog behaviors and health.
These exciting sneezes are then brief and repeated. Unlike sneezing associated with illness, nasal expulsion is made up mainly of air. There is, therefore, little liquid, and it seems “clean.”
6. It is the symptom of a more severe illness
Some illnesses (such as a nasal tumor, distemper, kennel cough, etc.) may have sneezing symptoms. However, sneezing is usually accompanied by other physical symptoms (pain, runny nose, itching) or behavioral (loss of appetite, need to isolate, need to sleep, moans).
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