When dogs' noses are stuffy, it's usually due to allergies or a cold. Under certain circumstances, inflammation, irritants, brachycephalic syndrome and a nasal tumor can also be responsible.
Since dogs have fewer verbal means of communication, it is up to you to recognize the symptoms of a stuffy nose. Typical examples of this are:
- Dog only breathes through his mouth
- Noises when breathing through the nose
- Dog rubs his muzzle with his paws
- Thick discharge from the nose
- Dog snores more than usual [1]
A blocked nose usually occurs because either the nasal canal swells or excessive nasal mucus forms.
In the vast majority of cases, the problem resolves itself within 48 hours. If this is not the case, then the following 6 diseases can be the cause.
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#1 Allergies
Around 4 out of 10 people struggle with allergies. For dogs it is only half as many, around 20%. [2] The triggers for this are so-called “allergens”. This includes:
- Dust mites
- mold spores
- Grasses & pollen
- Flea saliva
- Hair [3]
Depending on the type and severity of the allergy, this can lead to a stuffy or even runny nose. Other classic signs of this are:
- Watery eyes
- Constant sneezing
- Severe itching
- Dog rubs his muzzle
- Coughing fits
- Sudden vomiting
- Swelling in the face [4]
Basically, dogs can be allergic to anything. To identify the allergens, an allergy test at the vet can help.
The timing often allows conclusions to be drawn about possible triggers. Especially if the symptoms only occur after walking or eating.
Since allergies are genetic, there is no cure for them. So prevention is the best option. If the symptoms are severe, medication may also be necessary.
Dogs with allergies are more likely to develop a stuffy nose when exposed to allergens. In most cases, there are also other symptoms such as itching or constant sneezing. An allergy test and preventive measures are recommended here.
#2 Nasal infection
If bacteria, fungi or allergens settle in the dog's nose, it can become inflamed. Depending on the location, doctors differentiate between two different types:
- Sinusitis = infection of the paranasal sinuses
- Rhinitis = infection of the nasal mucosa
In many cases both occur or one is triggered by the other. Dogs with a short snout are more commonly affected.
Australian Shepherds, Greyhounds, Long-haired Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies are also said to be particularly affected by this. [5]
The best way to recognize it is that the dog suddenly becomes sensitive to touch on the snout or even gets a nosebleed. Other symptoms include:
- Frequent sneezing
- Rapid breathing
- Stuffy nose
- Dog wheezes when breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Thick discharge from the nose
- Sudden cough [6]
If bacteria are behind the inflammation, antibiotics are usually recommended. In the case of fungi, special creams and nose drops are sometimes sufficient.
If allergies are the cause, the first step is to identify the allergens. These should then be prevented as much as possible in everyday life.
Dogs with sinusitis or rhinitis are also more likely to develop nasal congestion. What is noticeable about such inflammations is that affected four-legged friends often sneeze, thick mucus comes out of the nose and breathing is also more difficult.
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#3 Brachycephalic obstructive syndrome
In the past, torture breeding was common practice. This refers to the breeding of certain characteristics that are associated with physical or mental damage.
Brachycephalic breeds are the prime example of dogs. This refers to four-legged friends that have a flat face and a short snout. Examples of these are:
- pug
- Shih Tzu
- Bulldog
- German boxer
- Pekingese
- Chihuahuas [7]
The problem? Due to the flat face of many of these dogs, the nasal canals are extremely narrowed due to breeding. A stuffy nose is almost part of everyday life here.
In practice, this often leads to affected four-legged friends experiencing shortness of breath during physical activity, snoring a lot and collapsing quickly in the heat. [8]
In most cases, the nasal canals need to be surgically widened for treatment. For this reason, animal rights activists also want to ban the breeding of these breeds.
Brachycephalic dog breeds often struggle with narrowing of the nose due to breeding. In most cases it can be recognized by the fact that the dog uses his mouth almost exclusively to breathe, his nose is constantly closed and he quickly runs out of breath.
#4 Cold
If the dog's upper respiratory tract becomes inflamed due to viral infections, it is colloquially referred to as a “cold”.
The exact symptoms depend heavily on the type of virus. Dogs are usually infected through contact with sick animals. Typical signs here are:
- Loss of appetite
- Increased body temperature
- Stuffy nose
- Dog breathes laboriously
- Lack of motivation
- Dog sleeps a lot
- Increased nasal mucus
- Frequent coughing [9]
In most cases, a cold goes away on its own. Dogs are now vaccinated against the majority of the most dangerous viruses.
For this reason, it is important to vaccinate puppies at an early stage and always carry out subsequent vaccinations in order to keep the vaccination protection active.
This is especially true for puppies, very old dogs and dogs that are already sick. Because their immune system is not yet or no longer fully efficient. [10]
A cold can cause dogs to have a stuffy nose and trouble breathing. You can usually tell because the dog has a fever and sleeps a lot. The symptoms should disappear on their own over time.
#5 Stimulus body
The primary sensory organ of dogs is the nose. In humans it is the eyes. As a result, dogs absorb many more substances through their noses every day.
It becomes a problem when it's not just normal smells, but also substances that irritate the nose. Classic examples are here:
- Hairspray
- smoke
- Room scents
- Cleaning products
- Incense sticks
- Dust [11]
Some dogs are more sensitive to some substances and less sensitive to others. In addition, the symptoms vary depending on the type and quantity:
- Mild irritation: There is an increased formation of nasal mucus, the nose is either runny or blocked. Sneezing and snorting are also common here.
- Severe irritation: Severe redness, swelling or even nosebleeds occur.
In individual cases, foreign bodies can also be responsible for the irritation. In most cases, dogs can blow these out on their own by snorting. [12]
Various particles in the air can irritate the inside of a dog's nose, causing more nasal mucus to form. In most cases it can be recognized by the nose being closed or running. Frequent sneezing, redness and snorting are also more common here.
#6 Nasal tumor
No worries. Although cancer is one of the most common causes of death in dogs, a nasal tumor is comparatively rare.
The stupid thing about it? A tumor in the nose is rarely benign. This can usually be recognized by the fact that problems only occur on one side. Typical signs here are:
- Breathing becoming louder
- Bump along nose
- Sudden snoring
- Crusty dog nose
- Dog is listless
- Stuffy nose
- Excessive sneezing
- Nasal discharge with blood [13]
According to statistics, this primarily affects old dogs and breeds with a long snout. In principle, it can affect all dogs of all ages.
The cause of this is still unclear, but passive smoking from smoking dog owners is said to be one of the biggest risk factors.
If you suspect this, you should consult the vet immediately. The earlier the tumor is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of a cure. [14]
In rare cases, a malignant tumor can also be responsible for the stuffy nose. In most cases, however, there are other pathological symptoms such as a sudden bump, nosebleeds or constant sneezing.
Further tips
In rare cases, the following illnesses and problems can also be responsible for the symptoms:
- Congenital anomaly: For reasons that are still unclear, some dogs have such narrow nostrils from birth that they become blocked very quickly.
- Distemper: A highly contagious viral disease that can manifest itself as a runny nose or a blocked nose during its course. [15]
- Dental problems: If there are severe infections along the upper molars, this can also narrow the nasal canal from below.
- Injury: Swelling or scarring from injuries to the muzzle can block the nasal canals. But this is usually visually noticeable.
There are also several home remedies that can help with a blocked dog's nose. Best practices are here:
- Nasal rinsing: A nasal rinse suitable for dogs with essential drops not only relieves existing inflammation, but also congestion.
- Hot steam: Take your dog into the bathroom and run the shower with hot water until the entire room is filled with hot steam. [16]
- Nasal aspirator: This tool is primarily used on babies to suck in excess nasal mucus. But it also works for dogs.
- Humidifier: Humidifiers are a great idea to protect your nose from blockages, especially in winter when the air is dry due to heating.
- Hot food: You've probably already had the experience of your nose suddenly running when you eat warm soup. The same applies to dogs too.
- Nasal drops: Get nose drops from the pharmacy. What is important here is that this product was also developed specifically for dogs. [17]
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