If you’ve ever wondered why your dog sneezes so much, you’re not alone. The problem can be caused by many factors, including airborne irritants and household cleaners. To eliminate the irritant, you’ll need to remove it from the dog’s environment.
Seasonal allergies
If your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies, you may want to consult a veterinarian. They will be able to determine what type of medication your pet needs to relieve the symptoms of their allergies. A vet will also be able to treat your dog’s allergy symptoms, such as sniffling, hives, and runny nose.
Seasonal allergies in dogs can be caused by various irritants, including dust, pollen, dander, mold, and cleaning solutions. Luckily, there are medications and supplements available that can help your dog manage their symptoms. These supplements can help your dog improve his or her immune system, which is key when it comes to managing allergies.
Nasal mites
If you notice your dog sneezing often, you should go to the vet for a checkup. This simple examination may identify underlying conditions that could be causing your pet’s sneezing. While many dogs sneeze for no apparent reason, other times the sneezes are a sign of something more serious.
One of the most common causes of dog sneezing is a foreign body in his nasal passage. This might be a blade of grass or a clump of soil that he inhaled accidentally. The sneeze will purge the foreign body from his nasal passage. Other causes include irritants and aerosols. Air fresheners and household cleaners can irritate your dog’s nose and cause it to sneeze. Make sure to keep your dog away from these sources.
Dental conditions
Your dog’s excessive sneezing may be caused by dental issues. Visiting your vet can identify these problems and provide treatment to alleviate your pet’s discomfort. Symptoms of dental disease in dogs may include bad breath, bleeding gums, or pussy gums. The vet can perform a dental exam and clean your dog’s teeth. He or she may even take x-rays to determine if your pet has an infection in the mouth.
Dental problems may also contribute to your pet’s difficulty chewing, or he or she may gulp food without chewing it. Teeth that are infected or loose can be painful and cause your pet to stop chewing. Additionally, infected gums can lead to a sinus infection and nasal discharge.
Nasal endoscopy procedures to find and remove foreign objects
The goal of nasal endoscopy is to locate and remove foreign bodies from the nasal cavity. Foreign bodies are commonly encountered in dogs under seven years of age, and in dogs weighing more than 10 kilograms. The majority of foreign objects are grass awns. In approximately half of cases, they can be removed with a simple rhinoscopy procedure.
If sneezing is frequent and unresponsive to antibiotics, the foreign body may be located in the nasal cavity and need to be removed. If the foreign object is large enough, it may require surgery. A veterinary surgeon performs this type of surgery to remove the object and prevent it from reoccurring.
Reverse sneezing
Reverse sneezing in dogs is a common condition that can be frightening. The condition results from irritation of the upper palate, triggering spasms of the pharynx muscles. The pharynx is a part of the throat behind the mouth and above the oesophagus and trachea.
While reverse sneezing does not have a single cause, it can be aggravated by many different conditions. Environmental irritants are a common cause. Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to the condition than others.
Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse is a progressive disease that affects the airways in dogs. Treatment is usually medical, with the use of medication or surgery to correct the problem. Tracheal collapse surgery typically involves placing a stent inside the trachea. This surgical procedure can be expensive and can have risks. This type of surgery is only recommended for severe collapse or when medical therapy has failed. It should be performed only by a veterinary surgeon with experience in the condition.
Tracheal collapse in dogs can be diagnosed by radiographs. These images show the inside of your dog’s trachea and may give a detailed view of your dog’s heart and lungs. In mild cases, tracheal collapse may not be visible on the x-ray. In these cases, the x-ray may not catch the collapse but instead show other possible causes of the problem.