How To Help Your Dog’s Runny Nose

​Your dog’s nose can drip just like yours.  Colds or allergies are often the cause.  You can treat your dog at home according to the recommendations in this article.  But, if their nose is still running after a few days, take them to a veterinarian.  The vet can find the underlying cause of their nasal discharge and recommend treatment. 

How To Help Your Dog’s Runny Nose
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Dogs can get runny noses, just like people.  It is often a symptom of a cold, flu, or allergy.  If your pet’s nose is dripping, the following tips can help them feel better.
 
When should you be concerned about your dog’s nose dripping?
A drippy nose with clear discharge is usually nothing to worry about.  Most likely, it is a cold or seasonal allergy.  You should only be concerned if the symptoms last for a couple of days or if their discharge becomes thick and changes to yellowish green.  If you see blood coming from the nose or if there is nasal discharge in association with anorexia, vomiting, or lethargy, take your dog to a veterinarian.
 
How to treat a runny nose.
Take your dog to the vet if they do not get better.  A vet can diagnose the cause of their runny nose.  Runny noses can be due to viruses, bacteria, allergies, or other issues.  Treatment depends on the underlying cause.  A veterinarian may or may not prescribe antivirals, antibiotics, or antihistamines for treatment.
If your veterinarian recommends medication, they may prescribe one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics: doxycycline, enrofloxacin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
  

• Antifungals: itraconazole or ketoconazole
  
• Antihistamines: diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine
  
• Anti-inflammatories: prednisone, trimeprazine with prednisolone (Temaril-P), carprofen, grapiprant (Galliprant), or meloxicam
  
• Antivirals: famciclovir

 
NOTE!!
Many medications humans take, like pseudoephedrine for runny noses, are toxic for dogs.  Additionally, it would be best not to give your pet acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
 
Are there at-home remedies to help your dog with nasal discharge?
Yes, the following tips will help your pet to be as comfortable as possible while getting over a runny nose:
Keep the air clear - dogs are very sensitive to smells.  To prevent further irritation of the airways, keep your furry friend away from:

• Perfumes
• Smoke
• Dusty environments
• Strong cleaning solutions like detergents and degreasers

Prevent buildup on the nostrils - gently wipe the area with a clean, warm, moist washcloth once or twice a day.  It will help to clear germs and open the airway.  Avoid excessive wiping and wiping with dry or scented wipes, as they can cause the nose to become chapped and even more irritated.
Steam up the bathroom - run a hot shower and place your pet in the room for 5 to 10 minutes a few times a day for a few days.  Doing this may help clear the airways and provide comfort.  But do not put your pet into the shower.
Use a cool mist humidifier - use it with caution; they are safer than warm-mist humidifiers.  However, if your pet can knock it over, there remains the same risk of possible electrocution if water gets on the cord connected to the electrical outlet.
 
Why does my dog’s nose keep running?
Several common reasons for a runny nose in dogs are:
Allergies - your pet can be allergic to dust, mold, and pollen.  These allergies can cause nasal discharge.
Breed - flat-faced animals like pugs, boxers, and English bulldogs are prone to runny noses.
Environmental factors - your dog’s nose may be sensitive to scents like perfume, burning candles, or cleaning products.
Foreign bodies - something like a small toy or blade of grass can get stuck in their nose and cause nasal drip.
Infections - dogs can get sick with viral infections like colds and flu.  A viral infection may trigger a secondary bacterial infection. 
Kennel cough - a runny nose is common in pets with canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), also known as kennel cough.
Periodontal disease - infected teeth and gums can cause your dog’s nose to drip, often from one nostril only.