If dogs constantly sneeze and snort, it can indicate allergies and irritants in the air. Among other things, nasal mites, narrowed nostrils, an infection, backward sneezing and a nasal tumor can be responsible.
First, let's make sure we're talking about the same thing:
- Sneezing: An involuntary, abrupt expulsion of air through the nose.
- Snorting: A conscious, strong and loud exhalation through the nose.
Both mechanisms primarily serve to remove foreign bodies from the nose and to clear the nasal canal. But illnesses can also be the trigger.
Unlike humans, sneezing in dogs also serves partly as a means of communication. Because while playing it signals fun and joy. [1]
There is usually only reason to worry if your dog:
- Bleeding from the nose
- Has a constantly runny nose
- Sneezes and snorts unusually frequently
- Acute breathing problems
- Shows further pathological symptoms
Below you will learn about the 7 most common causes, their symptoms and what is recommended in specific cases.
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#1 Allergies
According to statistics, dogs are said to be affected by allergies just as often as people, at around 20%. [2] The most common triggers here are:
- Grasses and pollen
- Dust mites
- mold spores
- dandruff
- Medication
- Cat hair
- Flea saliva [3]
The sneezing and snorting are primarily caused by the dog inhaling allergens and these irritating the inside of the nose. Other typical symptoms are:
- Constant runny nose
- Sudden cough
- Severe itching
- Drippy nose
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Stuffy nose
- swelling
- Dog rubs face
- Watery eyes [4]
An allergy test is usually helpful for diagnosis. In addition, the time at which symptoms appear can also allow conclusions to be drawn about possible triggers.
Since there is currently no cure for allergies, prevention is the be-all and end-all. If the symptoms are severe or if that is not possible, antihistamines can also help.
When dogs inhale allergens, an allergic reaction can occur. Allergies can primarily be recognized by the fact that the dog scratches itself frequently, constantly sneezes, has a stuffy nose, snorts or has sudden coughing fits.
#2 Nasal mites
Nasal mites are small parasites that can be seen with the naked eye. They are whitish, around 1-1.5 mm long and shaped roughly like a sesame seed.
In most cases they are transmitted through other infected dogs. Sometimes they are picked up by digging in the dirt. Typical symptoms here are:
- Runny nose
- Constant sneezing
- Dog rubs his muzzle
- Loud breathing
- Stuffy nose
- Dog snorts frequently
- Frequent shaking of the head
- Restless sleep
- Reverse sneezing [5]
In general, nose mites are considered unpleasant but harmless. However, if the infestation is severe, the nose can also become inflamed and painful.
Incidentally, the mites can only be transmitted to other four-legged friends. So people are spared. Diagnosis is usually made by looking into the nose with an endoscope.
Depending on the severity of the infestation, simply waiting, nasal drops and medication can bring about improvement. There are no effective home remedies for nose mites. [6]
Nasal mites can tickle the inside of the nose and cause dogs to constantly sneeze and snort. This can often be recognized by the fact that the four-legged friend scratches wildly at his snout, shakes his head and his nose is constantly running.
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#3 Irritants
You probably know the feeling when a hair stands across your nose and an unpleasant tickling sensation occurs. Not true?
While we can briefly run our fingers along the outside of the nasal canal or use a tissue, dogs have significantly fewer options here.
In addition, dogs are “macrosmatics” and perceive their surroundings primarily through their sense of smell. In humans, the eyes are the primary sensory perception. [7]
For this reason, they are much more likely to get irritants caught in their noses and trigger the urge to sneeze. Typical examples are here:
- Room scents
- Dust
- Cleaning products
- Perfumes
- Chemical substances
- Hair
- Dyes
- smoke [8]
All of these substances can attack the nasal mucosa from the inside and cause severe irritation. The snorting here is just an attempt to remove the irritants.
In extreme cases, this can also lead to a seemingly never-ending sneezing fit. Nosebleeds, a runny nose and redness at the entrance to the nose are also common. [9]
Inhaling irritants can irritate the inside of the nose to such an extent that dogs constantly sneeze. Snorting is also simply an attempt to blow out the relevant foreign substances. In most cases this will resolve itself.
#4 Nasal tumor
In rare cases, a tumor may also be a possibility. Of all types of cancer, nasal tumors only account for 2% of all tumors. So it is relatively rare.
However, when this occurs, the tumor is almost always malignant and spreads quickly. Typical symptoms of this are:
- Unilateral nasal discharge
- Slight dent on the muzzle
- Constant sneezing
- Loud breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Unilateral nosebleed
- Frequent snorting
- Dog runs in circles
- Constant coughing
- Lack of motivation [10]
The exact cause of this is still unclear. Dogs with a long snout and over 7 years of age are said to be most commonly affected.
In addition, passive smoking from smoking owners is considered one of the biggest risk factors. An ultrasound examination is usually carried out for diagnosis.
The treatment depends on the type, location and severity of the tumor. Either the tumor is removed surgically or radiation therapy is carried out. [11]
In older dogs, sneezing and snorting may also be caused by a nasal tumor. The best way to recognize it is that fluid is constantly running out of one nostril and nasal breathing is becoming increasingly loud.
#5 Reverse sneeze
Normally, when you sneeze, a lot of air is blown out through the nose suddenly and uncontrollably for a short period of time. When it comes to reverse sneezing, it's the other way around.
Here, dogs mistakenly draw in air through their noses very quickly, resulting in a duck-like noise. Fortunately, it is completely harmless.
It most commonly occurs after eating and drinking, coming into contact with allergens, being very excited and breathing in room air. [12]
Affected dogs usually sneeze several times in a row and also snort alternately. As a first-time owner, it can sound scary the first time.
In principle, any dog can be affected. However, according to experience, “brachycephalic breeds” are particularly affected by this.
This refers to dogs that, due to their breeding, have a short muzzle and a flat face. For example, bulldogs, pugs, Maltese and Yorkshire terriers.
Treatment is generally not necessary here. If your dog becomes anxious himself during this time, then affection and attention is the best thing you can do. [13]
Some dog breeds naturally need to sneeze backwards more often. They suddenly draw in a lot of air through their nose and then snort to let the air out again. This phenomenon is completely harmless and nothing to worry about.
#6 Upper respiratory tract infection
When bacteria, viruses or fungi accumulate in the upper respiratory tract, inflammation can occur. The most common forms here are:
An inflammation caused by viruses or bacteria, which primarily manifests itself as constant coughing, a gag reflex, breathing problems and a runny nose.
An inflammation of the nasal mucosa that is primarily caused by allergens, fungi or bacteria. In addition to sneezing, nosebleeds are also common. [14]
An infection of the paranasal sinuses, which is primarily manifested by coughing, frequent snorting, nosebleeds and sneezing. Here too, the nose runs almost constantly.
An infectious disease caused by a fungus. This can lodge in the nose when inhaling and lead to inflammation of the nasal canal.
Canine influenza is also colloquially known as “dog flu” and its symptoms are very similar to human flu.
A highly contagious viral disease that is now part of compulsory vaccinations in Germany. Affected dogs are usually very listless and tired. [15]
Some of these conditions go away on their own, while others require immediate treatment. For this reason, if you suspect something, I advise you to go to the vet immediately.
Various upper respiratory tract infections can cause affected dogs to constantly sneeze and snort. In most cases, there are also other pathological symptoms that indicate inflammation.
#7 Narrowed nostrils
The narrower the dog's nostrils are, the easier it is for dust particles and other foreign substances to cause irritation. Brachycephalic dogs are particularly affected.
In the past, this type of torturous breeding tolerated damage to health just to achieve a certain appearance. In this case it was a short snout.
Unfortunately, these breeds also have to deal with breathing problems more often because their nostrils are too narrow due to breeding. This category includes:
- Shih Tzu
- Boston terriers
- Bulldogs
- pug
- bullmastiff
- German boxer
- Chihuahuas
- Pekingese [16]
These dogs also sneeze and snort much more often due to their breeding. Treatment is usually only necessary if breathing problems occur.
It can usually be recognized by the fact that the dog breathes very quickly when it is hot, during physical activity or even when at rest. This is just an attempt to meet the oxygen demand.
In severe cases, shortness of breath and fainting can occur even without external circumstances. Here the nostrils can be surgically widened by the veterinarian. [17]
Due to their breeding, brachycephalic dog breeds have to sneeze and snort significantly more often. Because their nostrils are usually very narrow. However, there is only cause for concern here if breathing is suffering as a result. The vet should be consulted here.
Other potential causes
- Inflamed tooth: If one of the back teeth becomes infected, this can lead to redness and frequent sneezing.
- Severe overweight: Leads to frequent snorting but not necessarily constant sneezing.
- Blockade: If a foreign body…