Dog Sneezing: Causes, Step-by-Step Care, and Signs to Visit the Vet

RespiratorySymptomsMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

While occasional sneezing in dogs is normal, continuous sneezing, changes in nasal discharge color, or the presence of nosebleeds may signal an upper respiratory infection. We’ve outlined a symptom checklist by cause, criteria for when to seek immediate veterinary care, and step-by-step home care tips.

How to Tell if Your Dog’s Sneezing Is Normal or a Warning Sign

Sneezing in Dogs — Assessing the Urgency of Upper Respiratory Symptoms

Sneezing in dogs is a reflexive expulsion of air that occurs when the nasal mucosa is irritated by foreign particles or inflammation. Unlike coughing, which typically stems from issues in the lower airways below the throat, sneezing is primarily associated with irritation or conditions within the nose. Occasional, infrequent sneezes are usually not a cause for concern; however, the key factors to monitor are the frequency and any accompanying symptoms. If your dog sneezes more frequently than usual or exhibits additional signs such as yellow nasal discharge, eye discharge, or coughing, you should suspect an upper respiratory infection, a foreign object in the nose, or another nasal condition and closely monitor their health.

Three Levels of Sneezing Severity: Judgment Criteria

Item	Main Symptoms	Recommended Action
Mild	Only occasional sneezing, clear nasal discharge, normal appetite and energy	Observe for 1–2 days
Severe	Frequent, repeated sneezing, yellow/green nasal discharge, accompanied by coughing and eye discharge	Visit the vet soon
Emergency	Nosebleed/blood-tinged nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, lethargy and complete loss of appetite	Go to the vet immediately

If symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen rapidly, go to the vet immediately regardless of stage.

Identifying the Cause Through Accompanying Symptoms — Checklist

Sneezing alone makes it difficult to pinpoint the cause, so look for accompanying symptoms.

Clear, watery nasal discharge: This often indicates allergies or the early stages of a viral infection.

Yellow or green nasal discharge: This may signal a secondary bacterial infection.

Discharge from only one nostril: This could suggest an inhaled foreign object or a nasal polyp or tumor.

Discharge accompanied by eye crust or tearing: This is a classic sign of a viral upper respiratory infection.

Nosebleeds or blood: This may indicate a foreign object, tumor, or clotting disorder—seek veterinary care immediately.

Causes of Nasal Discharge in Dogs by Color — Check for Accompanying Sneezing Symptoms

If You See These Symptoms, Go to the Vet Immediately

If your pet is bleeding from the nose or has blood-tinged nasal discharge, take them to a veterinary clinic immediately. Other emergency signs include abnormally rapid or labored breathing, open-mouth breathing, pale or bluish gums (cyanosis), sudden weakness, or difficulty standing. These are critical signs of respiratory distress that require urgent attention—go to the vet right away. Do not attempt to block the nose or force a nasal flush at home.

Infectious Causes — When Viruses and Bacteria Are the Culprits

The most common cause of sneezing in dogs is an upper respiratory infection. Typical culprits include kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica), canine influenza virus, and canine parainfluenza virus. In the early stages of infection, symptoms often begin with clear nasal discharge that gradually progresses to yellow or green discharge. Coughing, fever, and eye discharge are also frequently observed. These infections spread easily in environments where dogs have frequent contact with one another, such as training facilities, dog cafes, and veterinary clinic waiting rooms.

A puppy receiving a respiratory check-up from a veterinarian.

Non-Infectious Causes — Allergies, Foreign Bodies, and Reverse Sneezing

Sneezing can occur even without an infection.

Allergies: Environmental allergens such as pollen and house dust, as well as irritants like perfumes and air fresheners, can trigger seasonal, recurrent sneezing.

Foreign body aspiration: Foreign objects, such as grass seeds, entering the nasal cavity can cause continuous sneezing. However, nasal foreign bodies are less common in dogs than often assumed; therefore, when nasal discharge is present from only one nostril, nasal polyps or tumors should also be considered as potential causes.

Reverse sneezing: This is a reflexive response involving rapid inhalation of air through the nose, and it is more frequently observed in dogs than in cats. It is common in brachycephalic breeds with elongated soft palates and in small-breed dogs. Episodes are typically brief and paroxysmal, but if they occur frequently, veterinary examination is necessary.

A dog sneezing due to pollen allergies — a non-infectious cause

Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches at the Veterinary Clinic

Veterinarians begin with a physical exam to assess the nasal cavity and airways, and if needed, use imaging such as nasal endoscopy or CT scans to check for foreign bodies, polyps, or tumors. However, nasal discharge culture is generally considered of limited diagnostic value; in cases of large-scale outbreaks, viral isolation and testing may be used to identify the infectious agent. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For respiratory infections like kennel cough, antibiotics are only indicated when systemic symptoms are present or pneumonia has developed, while foreign bodies are treated via endoscopic removal or flushing. The veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage and treatment schedule based on your pet’s weight and clinical signs.

Small-Breed and Senior Dogs May Deteriorate More Quickly

Small-breed and senior dogs require closer monitoring, even when the symptom is just sneezing. Older dogs are relatively more likely to have underlying conditions such as chronic bronchitis or tumors, so the cause may not be a simple infection. In small-breed dogs, structural airway issues like tracheal collapse can also worsen coughing and respiratory symptoms. Therefore, if sneezing persists for several days or your small-breed or senior dog appears to be struggling to breathe, don’t hesitate to visit the vet.

Preventing Sneezing and Home Care Tips

The key to preventing sneezing lies in managing indoor air quality and keeping vaccinations up to date.

Maintain Vaccinations: Vaccines for kennel cough (Bordetella) and parainfluenza help prevent some common causes. However, since vaccines do not guarantee complete protection and many other pathogens exist, please follow your veterinarian’s recommended vaccination schedule while also practicing daily care.

Use an Air Purifier: Reducing dust, pollen, and mold spores can help minimize allergic sneezing.

Wipe Nose and Paws After Going Out: Grass seeds and dust may stick to your pet.

Ventilation: Briefly ventilate the room twice a day to keep indoor air fresh.

Wiping Your Dog’s Nose After Outdoor Walks — Respiratory Hygiene Care

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog has sneezed more than 10 times in a row. Should I take him to the vet?

If your dog sneezes repeatedly in succession, it could be due to a foreign object lodged in the nasal passage or a sudden allergic reaction. However, nasal foreign bodies are less common in dogs than many owners assume, so other nasal conditions such as polyps or tumors should also be considered. If the sneezing persists or is accompanied by nasal discharge or bleeding, it’s best to have your veterinarian examine your dog.

It sounds like they’re making a squeaky noise while sucking in air. Is this also a sneeze?

This is reverse sneezing, a reflex where your pet rapidly inhales air when the soft palate becomes irritated. In most cases, it stops on its own within a few seconds and is harmless. However, if it happens multiple times a day or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, a veterinary examination is necessary.

Can a dog's cold be transmitted to humans?

Kennel cough and other canine respiratory infections are rarely transmitted to humans. However, they can spread among dogs in the same household, so please isolate any symptomatic dog from others and maintain a clean environment.

Why is my pet only getting a runny nose from one nostril?

If symptoms appear in only one nostril, we first suspect a foreign object (such as a grass seed or bone fragment) lodged inside the nose, or the presence of a nasal polyp or tumor. Do not attempt to remove it at home; you must take your pet to a veterinarian.

Is it okay if my pet sneezes blood?

Nosebleeds can signal mucosal damage from a foreign object, nasal tumors, platelet abnormalities, or blood clotting disorders. This is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. Do not attempt to block or flush your pet’s nose at home.

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References

[1] Nelson, R.W. & Couto, C.G., Small Animal Internal Medicine, 5th edition, Elsevier, 2014

[2] Ettinger, S.J., Feldman, E.C. & Côté, E., Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 8th edition, Elsevier, 2017

[3] Cohn, L.A., Canine Nasal Disease, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 44(1), 2014

[4] Syring, R.S. et al., The Veterinary Workbook of Small Animal Clinical Cases, Case 43: Upper Respiratory Infection, Wiley-Blackwell, 2021