A vet can tell you if there’s something else going on with your dog, like a fungal infection or something stuck in their nose. Whatever you do, do not try to flush out your dog’s nose or give them medication without talking to your vet first. Does Your Dog Have a Stuffy Nose? By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces Like people, dogs can get stuffy noses from colds, allergies, and other conditions. Unfortunately, your furry companion cannot blow their nose or spray nasal decongestant into their sinuses. So they need your help to feel better. Below, we will review signs of your companion having a stuffy nose, why they get congested, and things you can do to help them.
Symptoms of a stuffy nose in dogs Common signs of a stuffy nose in dogs: Discharge - if you notice gunk coming out of your dog’s nose, something is wrong. This discharge may be yellow, green, clear, white, or brown in color. Mouth breathing - if your dog is stuffed up, they may breathe through their mouth because they are not getting enough air through their nose. Snorting or sneezing - if your dog snorts or sneezes, it could be a sign of a cold or allergies. Pawing - a dog with a stuffy nose may paw at their face because they feel pain or discomfort. Eye inflammation - if your dog is congested, their eye area may look puffy and swollen, and they may shed tears. When to see a vet for your dog’s stuffy nose Stuffiness is common in dogs and usually not cause for concern. More than likely, a cold or seasonal allergy is what is causing your dog’s stuffy nose. You should only worry if their symptoms do not clear up in a couple of days or if they show signs of something wrong. If there are any other changes, such as decreased appetite or lethargy, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away. You should also go to the vet if any of the following happens:
How to treat congestion in dogs. If your dog’s stuffy nose does not improve, take them to the vet. A vet can diagnose the underlying cause of their nasal congestion. The best treatment for your dog will depend on the cause of their symptoms. Congestion can be due to a virus, bacterium, or other etiologies, such as immune-mediated disease, foreign bodies, or nasal tumors. Your veterinarian may recommend treating your dog’s stuffy nose with medication. It can help with underlying infections or inflammation that can cause a stuffy nose. Examples of medications your vet may prescribe include:
Are there at-home remedies to help your dog with congestion? In addition to following your vet’s instructions, there are several things you can do to make your dog more comfortable when they have a stuffy nose. There are also things you should not do.
What causes a stuffy nose for dogs? Rhinitis and sinusitis are two of dogs' most common causes of stuffiness. Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. Sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. Sometimes, rhinitis and sinusitis come on suddenly. It often happens with a viral infection such as distemper, adenovirus type 1 and type 2, and parainfluenza. These viruses usually cause a bacterial infection to develop. Other reasons your dog may have sudden stuffiness include:
Causes for long-term stuffiness include:
Certain breeds are at higher risk for nasal diseases that can cause congestion. For example:
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