What Are Causes And Treatments Of Dogs’ Runny Nose?
When a canine has a runny nose, it is likely due to allergies, but it is also possible they have some form of illness. The presence of a runny nose in an otherwise healthy puppy is often not causing serious concern.
Your dog may have an allergy to pollen, dander, or mold, causing his nose to drip. They might also object to the scent of the perfume you wear, the candles you burn, or the cleaning supplies you employ.
If such is the case, there is a simple solution that can benefit your dog. Reduce the amount of irritants your dog is exposed to as much as possible.
Keep on reading if you are interested in learning more about the reason why your dog’s nose is dripping.
What Common Causes Attest To The Discharge From Dog’s Nose?
It may be tough to establish why your puppy’s nose is running, but this may be the case. If your dog’s nose is running, it may be because there are allergens or other irritants stuck in their nasal passages.
Having said that, there might be further issues going on as well. There could be some other reasons why your dog has a runny nose, including the
Some of them include the following:
Allergies
Dogs who suffer from seasonal allergies will frequently have nasal discharge. Your dog may suffer from seasonal allergies if they have a runny nose from time to time. Puppies are susceptible to a wide variety of allergies, including the following:
- Dander
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Foods
- Prescription drugs
- Chemicals
- Spores
- Pollens
If your dog suffers from allergies, he or she may also have other symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, itching, occasionally eye discharge or watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Depending on what irritates, a dog may be in pain all year long or only during certain times of the year. The nasal discharge will likely be noticeable if allergies are the source of a runny nose.
Rash and hives are the normal symptoms that manifest when a person has an allergy triggered by food. If it is now the time of year when allergies are prevalent, you should minimize your dog’s time spent outside as much as possible.
This will be the safest way to assist your dog in preventing these allergies and is also the most effective. Antihistamines are another option for treating your dog’s allergies.
Environmental Irritants
Some things can irritate your dog’s nose and cause nasal discharge, including the following:
- Candles
- Incense
- Dust
- Perfumes
- Cleaning products
- Cigarette smoke
Inhaling dirt or particles when your dog was outside can also produce nasal discharge, so keep an eye out for that.
Reducing one’s exposure to environmental irritants is the most effective form of treatment for those irritants. To treat this condition, your veterinarian may recommend antihistamines.
Sweat
Sweat is the most common and least significant cause of a dog’s runny nose and the most common trigger. This condition arises because dogs cannot regulate their body temperature through their skin the same way people can.
They cool themselves by sweating through the pads of their paws and their nostrils. This particular kind of runny nose is the kind that clears up on its own.
Foreign Bodies
Something foreign may be causing your dog’s nose to run because it has something lodged or stuck in it that shouldn’t be there. Inhaling something sufficiently small to enter the nasal cavity might result in the presence of a foreign body.
Examples of such things include:
- Small insect
- Grass blade
- Gravel pieces
- A part of a flower
When a foreign body gets lodged in a dog’s nasal tube, the dog may exhibit symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing, head shaking, pawing at the nose, or nosebleeds.
Other symptoms may include an inability to breathe through the affected nostril. If the foreign object lodged in your dog’s nose is visible to the naked eye, you might be able to extract it using tweezers carefully.
If you believe that you cannot complete this task in a risk-free manner, you should take your dog to the veterinarian so that they can remove the obstruction.
If the foreign object cannot be removed with scoping, it may be necessary to perform a surgical surgery to remove it.
Infection
There are many different kinds of illnesses that a dog can get:
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Fungal Nasal
- Mites
An unpleasant odor, a bloody nose, coughing, or choking on mucus are some of the symptoms that an infection might cause.
Kennel cough, which is remarkably similar to the common cold in humans, can cause viral and bacterial infections. In humans, the common cold is caused by the rhinovirus.
If your canine companion is exhibiting the symptoms of kennel cough, it is imperative that they not come into contact with any other canines. If you observe or suspect your dog has kennel cough, you should take them to the veterinarian to get a diagnosis.
Inflammation Of The Nose And Sinus
Rhinitis is an infection of the nose, whereas sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses. Sneezing, nasal discharge, and choking on mucus are uncomfortable symptoms that either of these illnesses can bring.
These conditions could be brought on by various factors, such as cigarette smoke, mold, dust in the home, or even air fresheners themselves.
The following symptoms typically characterize inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses:
- Bloody nose
- Odors
- Coughing
- Fever
In most cases, the treatment will be determined by the underlying cause of the inflammation. To prevent further damage to your dog’s respiratory tract, you should take your puppy to the veterinarian as soon as you see any of these symptoms in him.
Periodontal Disease
When gingivitis is left untreated in dogs, it can lead to periodontal disease.
Tartar and plaque accumulated on the teeth and gums are to blame for this condition, which can result in major health problems. Possible complications from periodontal disease could lead to persistent nasal discharge and infections.
The nasal discharge resulting from these problems is frequently persistent, purulent, and limited to one nostril. Your dog may have periodontal disease if you’ve noticed that they have a poor appetite and that eating causes them pain.
Another symptom of periodontal disease is a runny nose. Take your dog to the veterinarian if they display any of these symptoms as soon as possible.
Biology
Because of their heredity, certain dog breeds are predisposed to having constant runny noses. Because of how their airways are structured, certain dog breeds with flat faces can have difficulty breathing.
When the cartilage in a dog’s nasal tube gets weak, some breeds of dogs, such as boxers and pugs, may have symptoms of a runny nose.
Surgery is the most effective treatment for these issues; however, many dogs can live for years with a mildly runny nose without experiencing any other severe health issues.
Nasal cancer
A dog may experience a runny nose as one of the symptoms of a nasal tumor. In addition, patients may experience bleeding from the nose, facial deformities, and neurological problems.
Even though nasal tumors only account for 1% of all cancers that can be found in dogs — and affect older animals more frequently than younger ones — it is still essential to take the appropriate precautions if you observe that your dog has a runny nose if you want to prevent your dog from developing nasal tumors.
Before performing a CT scan to identify a nasal tumor, your veterinarian may first request one to determine the full extent of the condition. After that, a tissue biopsy might be performed, during which they would remove tissue from the region around the nose.
A few different therapies can be explored if nasal cancer is detected. In the fight against cancer, many treatments, such as definitive radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT), may be utilized.
However, if the disease has already progressed to the bones, a treatment that could save the patient’s life may no longer be an option.
Temperature Regulation
Dogs do not possess the capacity to regulate their body temperature the same way humans do. Dogs do not sweat evenly throughout their bodies; rather, they perspire primarily through the pads of their feet and occasionally through their nostrils.
As a result, a runny nose in a dog may be an indication that the dog’s body is attempting to cool down.
In most cases, the nasal discharge that is produced by a dog that is overheated will be watery and transparent in appearance.
Moving your dog to a cooler place is the quickest solution to relieve your dog’s runny nose if he or she is having trouble maintaining a healthy body temperature.
Nasal Mites (A parasitic infection)
Canine nasal mites are parasites that live in dogs’ sinuses and nasal passages. Canine nasal mites can cause irritation and infection.
Dogs may experience runny noses due to the irritation they cause to their nasal passages. These mites can infect any dog, regardless of breed, sex, or age.
In addition to the discharge from the nose, other symptoms of nasal mites include sneezing, nosebleeds, an impaired sense of smell, itching around the face, laborious or noisy breathing, and shaking of the head.
To arrive at a diagnosis, a veterinarian would often inspect the nasal channel of your dog using an endoscope or a device that extracts fluid from the nasal tube known as a nasal irrigation device.
Suppose it is determined that nasal mites are what is causing your dog to have a runny nose. In that case, your veterinarian may recommend antiparasitic medication to treat the condition to alleviate the symptoms.
Nasal Aspergillosis (Fungal Infection)
Certain fungi can cause nasal infections in your dog, which can lead to other health problems and a runny nose. One type of fungal illness known as nasal aspergillosis affects various animals, including domesticated and wild species.
There are several species of Aspergillus that are recognized as agents that might cause respiratory infections in animals.
In most instances, the infection will be confined to a dog’s nasal cavity or sinuses; however, in unusual instances, it may extend to other areas of the dog’s head, including the eyes and the skull.
Sneezing, nosebleeds, lethargy, sore nose, and ulcers around the dog’s nostrils are common signs of canine upper respiratory infections.
The veterinarian may use an endoscope to inspect your dog’s nose to arrive at a diagnosis. Alternatively, the veterinarian may request x-rays, CT scans, or other lab tests.
Antifungal medicine is commonly prescribed for the treatment of nasal aspergillosis. Depending on the patient’s preference, this drug can be taken orally or through the nose.
The Particular Type Of Canine
Some dog breeds are more likely to suffer a runny nose than others. Flat-faced breeds are more likely to suffer from persistent and persistent nasal discharge:
- English bulldogs
- French bulldogs
- Boxers
- Pugs
Because of the shape of their nostrils, some of these breeds may have difficulty breathing due to their anatomy.
Because young puppies are continually required to take deep breaths, the cartilage in their noses may weaken over time, which could result in a runny nose.
Because of the constant proximity of their muzzles to the ground, hunting dogs also have a greater propensity to suffer from runny noses.
When To See A Doctor And When To Treat At Home By Yourself
Home remedies can be used to cure a runny nose caused by a variety of conditions, including seasonal allergies. Other severe conditions necessitate the attention of a veterinarian. This is a fast rundown of what you can do in your home.
In general, you should be able to treat your dog’s symptoms at home if they consist of a little runny nose with clear nasal discharge. Adjust your lifestyle to lessen your dog’s contact with allergens if you suspect that seasonal allergies are the reason for his runny nose.
Walk throughout the middle of the day to avoid being exposed to high pollen concentrations in the morning and evening. If your dog is sensitive to grass, it is best to stroll on unpaved or dirt walks, take him to the beach, and steer clear of dog parks.
You also can take your dog to run and play on fields made of artificial turf if he is allergic to dust or grass. You may remove irritants from your pet’s fur with pet wipes, and you can remove potential allergies like perfumes from the air in your home with air filters.
Try giving your dog an antihistamine or an allergy relief chew to help. These are both options. Chews that promote the immune system can also help maintain a healthy immune system and relieve seasonal allergic reactions.
Try a diet with limited ingredients for canines that experience food sensitivities (LID). These diets eliminate the foods responsible for most allergic reactions, such as poultry, beef, and dairy.
You can determine which foods or dietary components are causing the problem by gradually reintroducing them one at a time.
Steer clear of companies that boast that their dog food is hypoallergenic. Since it is possible, in theory, for humans and dogs alike to be sensitive to anything, no food is genuinely hypoallergenic.
If a foreign object is the cause of your dog’s runny nose, you should try to remove the thing using a pair of small pliers or tweezers. Monitor your dog even if you are certain that you have eliminated the complete barrier from his path.
Only if other symptoms appear will it be necessary for you to consult the veterinarian. Visit your local veterinarian if you need clarification on what your dog inhaled or how much it clogs the nasal passages.
Maintain your dog’s comfort and work toward reducing his anxiety by providing him with his favorite toys and tasty chews. They should return to normal within a few days to a few weeks. If you have any additional inquiries, please consult your veterinarian.
Determine the underlying reasons for the nasal discharge, then move on to the next step. It’s possible that something is stuck in your dog’s nose, he has a bacterial or viral infection, or he has seasonal allergies. All of these things could be to blame for his symptoms.
There is also the possibility that more serious factors cause the health problems your dog is experiencing. Knowing whether to treat at home versus when to take an animal to the veterinarian can make all the difference in the world.
Some ailments, like seasonal allergies, can be addressed at home, while other issues require the attention of a trained specialist.
Because you are now aware of what to keep an eye out for, you will be able to make an educated decision the next time your canine companion gets a runny nose.
Questions People Also Ask: (FAQs)
Q: What are the common causes of a runny nose in dogs?
A: Common causes of a runny nose in dogs include infections (such as bacterial, viral, or fungal), allergies, foreign objects stuck in the nasal passages, tumors, and tooth or sinus problems.
Q: How can I tell if my dog’s runny nose is caused by an infection or allergies?
A: An infection will often cause other symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue, while allergies may cause itchy skin and eyes in addition to a runny nose. A veterinarian will be able to determine the cause of a runny nose through a physical examination and lab tests.
Q: What are some ways to treat a dog’s runny nose?
A: Treatment for a runny nose in dogs will depend on the underlying cause. Infections may be treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medication, while allergies may be treated with antihistamines or other medications to reduce inflammation.
Foreign objects may need to be removed surgically, and tumors may require surgery or other forms of treatment. In cases of tooth or sinus problems, treatment may involve dental work or surgery.
Q: Can a runny nose in a dog be a symptom of something serious?
A: Yes, a runny nose can be a symptom of a serious underlying condition such as a tumor or a severe infection, so it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate course of treatment.
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