Sneezing

Allergies

Like humans, dogs can also have allergic reactions to certain substances in the air or in their food. Typical allergens include house dust mites, molds, pollen, grasses or certain foods. If your dog is allergic, he may show other symptoms in addition to sneezing, such as itching, skin rash, eye inflammation or diarrhea. To treat the allergy, you first need to find out what your dog cannot tolerate. To do this, you can have an allergy test carried out by a vet or follow an exclusion diet. Depending on the severity of the allergy, your vet may also prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms.

Infections

Another common cause of sneezing in dogs is upper respiratory tract infections. These are usually caused by viruses or bacteria and can be contagious. The best-known infections include kennel cough and distemper. Both diseases can be life-threatening if they are not treated in time. In addition to sneezing, infected dogs may also have a fever, cough, nasal discharge, loss of appetite or shortness of breath. To protect your dog from infection, you should have him vaccinated regularly and avoid contact with sick dogs. If you suspect that your dog has an infection, you should take him to the vet immediately.

Foreign body

Sometimes a foreign object can get stuck in your dog's nose and cause him to sneeze. This could be a blade of grass, a piece of wood or a toy, for example. If your dog has a foreign object in his nose, he may also try to get it out with his paw or shake his head. In some cases, the foreign body can also cause bleeding from the nose. If you suspect a foreign body in your dog's nose, you should not try to remove it yourself, as you could push it in deeper or injure it. Instead, take your dog to the vet, who can remove the foreign body under anesthesia.

Dental problems

Dental problems can also cause dogs to sneeze. This is because the roots of the upper molars are close to the nasal cavities. If these teeth are inflamed or infected, they can put pressure on the nasal cavities and cause irritation. Dental problems can also lead to bad breath, tartar, bleeding gums or reluctance to eat. To prevent or treat dental problems, you should have your dog's teeth regularly cleaned and checked. You can also give him special chews that clean and massage his teeth.

Tumors

In rare cases, sneezing in dogs can also be a symptom of a tumor in the nose. A tumor is an uncontrolled growth of cells that can be benign or malignant. A tumor in the nose can make breathing difficult and lead to chronic sneezing. It can also cause other symptoms such as nosebleeds, swelling, weight loss or seizures. Diagnosis of a tumor in the nose requires an x-ray or biopsy. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the tumor and may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.