As a dog owner, I take my pup’s health very seriously. So when she started sneezing more frequently than usual, I feared the worst and started worrying about her well-being.
It’s natural for a pet parent to be concerned about their furry friend’s health, but what action can you take if your dog exhibits signs of ill health? That’s why I wanted to share some information on sneezing in dogs, what might cause this symptom, and how to help them feel better.
The Causes of Sneezing in Dogs
Before we get into what steps you can take as a pet parent if your pup is exhibiting signs of sneezing, let’s first look at possible causes. These are the most common reasons behind this symptom:
- Allergies or Irritants – A canine may be allergic or have been exposed to an irritant that caused them to sneeze. Pollen and dust mites are some common triggers of allergies in dogs, while smoke or chemical fumes can also irritate the respiratory system, which leads to sneezes.
- Respiratory Infections – Bacterial or viral infections such as kennel cough (a contagious respiratory disease) may cause excessive coughing and sneezes in dogs due to inflammation in the airways leading from the nose and throat down into the lungs.
- Foreign Objects – Inhaled objects such as grass seeds can become stuck inside a dog’s nasal passage, leading to sniffles (sniffling), coughing, reverse sneezes (backward gasps), and normal sneeze fits too!
- Physical Trauma – If your pooch has suffered physical trauma such as being hit by a car or suffering any other kind of blunt force trauma, it should come as no surprise that they may start displaying signs of pain, including excessive sneezing fits due to inflammation within their nasal passages affecting their breathing capabilities too!
- Other Diseases – Various other diseases could be causing your pup’s excessive sniffles, including fungal infections like Aspergillosis, which is caused by mold spores getting stuck inside your canine companion’s nostrils, polyps, and cancerous tumors.
What To Do When You Have A Sneezing Dog? Once you determine what could be causing your pup’s snuffles, it will become easier for you to determine how best to help them feel better again! Here are some tips on helping out those pups who’ve been dealing with excessive bouts of sniffling:
- Allergy & Irritants – Depending on what type of allergen/irritant has triggered these symptoms will determine how best to deal with it, e.g., keeping windows closed during pollen season, using air filters/purifiers, and vacuuming regularly. Additionally, if these measures do not work, then speak with the vet regarding giving medication like antihistamines which should help reduce inflammation within airways, thus relieving symptoms associated with allergies/irritants accordingly! However, always check with a vet before administering any drug to ensure there aren’t any contraindications associated with taking particular medications.
- Respiratory Infections – If bacterial/viral infection is suspected, then antibiotics would need to be prescribed by a veterinarian, so make sure to bring up the topic next time you book an appointment. See doctors, therefore, and they assess the situation correctly and provide treatment plans accordingly! On top of this, lifestyle changes could also be recommended, e.g., warm steamy baths soothe inflamed passages, plus regular exercise boosts the immune system, further reducing susceptibility to developing illnesses.
- Foreign Objects & Trauma – For foreign object removal veterinarian would likely advise the use of tools designed precisely purpose; however, only attempt removal yourself if adequately trained and equipped to do so safely without putting the pet at risk of harm; otherwise, please leave job professionals hereof making sure keep an eye potential open damage caused object itself during extraction process too.
Similarly, trauma-related cases require immediate medical attention since internal bleeding death, and both severe consequences resulting from blunt force impact must be dealt with swiftly to avoid catastrophic results after that.
Lastly, depending severity case, surgery might be necessary to repair damaged tissues and restore normal functioning organ systems. Wherefore, seek professional medical advice soonest possible to ensure long-term health and safety, beloved furry friends always!
- Other Diseases – Concerning the diseases mentioned above, treatment plans vary depending diagnosis made by veterinarians. Therefore once again important seek advice soonest possible to ensure get effective treatments are placed quickly and efficiently address underlying issues successfully, therefore, letting our four-legged friends back to healthy, happy lives and complete adventures once more without worries or anxieties hindering progress along the way whatsoever.
When it comes to our beloved pets’ health, worrying is natural. However, by arming ourselves with the proper knowledge and taking appropriate steps, we can help our furry friends feel better again. Therefore, if your pup is sneezing excessively or exhibiting any other signs of ill health, please don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice as soon as possible to ensure their long-term well-being.