Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
As a pet owner, seeing your dog with a runny nose can be concerning. You might feel uncertain around whether a runny nose is a sign of a serious health issue or just a minor irritation. While a runny nose can be caused by something as simple as an allergy, it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions like infections or nasal obstructions.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of a runny nose in dogs, discuss when you should seek veterinary care, and offer some practical dog runny nose home remedies.
The Most Common Causes of a Dog Runny Nose
A dog’s runny nose can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from environmental irritants to more serious health conditions. Here are the most common causes:
1. Allergies
Allergies are one of the most frequent causes of a runny nose in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, or even certain foods. If your dog has a runny nose, particularly during certain seasons or after exposure to specific environments, allergies might be the culprit.
Signs to Watch For: If your dog’s runny nose is accompanied by other symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy skin, or watery eyes, allergies are likely the cause. It’s also common for the nasal discharge to be clear rather than thick or colored.
2. Environmental Irritants
Another common reason your dog has a runny nose could be exposure to environmental irritants. Dogs are curious creatures and love to sniff around, which makes their noses particularly susceptible to irritation from things like smoke, strong cleaning products, perfumes, or even dust.
Signs to Watch For: If the runny nose is accompanied by sneezing or if it seems to occur after exposure to certain environments or substances, consider reducing your dog’s exposure to these irritants.
3. Infections
Infections, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, can also cause a dog runny nose. One common infection is kennel cough, which often results in a runny nose along with a persistent cough. More severe infections might cause thick, colored discharge, sometimes accompanied by other symptoms like fever, lethargy, or a loss of appetite.
Signs to Watch For: If your dog’s nasal discharge is yellow, green, or has a foul odor, or if they are showing signs of illness such as coughing, fever, or lethargy, it’s time to visit the vet. Infections can become serious if left untreated.
4. Foreign Objects
Dogs are notorious for sniffing and exploring their environment, which sometimes leads to foreign objects getting lodged in their nasal passages. A small piece of grass, a seed, or even a tiny pebble can cause irritation and lead to a runny nose.
Signs to Watch For: If the runny nose is only affecting one nostril, or if your dog is pawing at their nose, sneezing excessively, or showing signs of discomfort, it’s possible that a foreign object is stuck in their nose. This situation often requires veterinary intervention to safely remove the object.
5. Nasal Polyps or Tumors
In rare cases, a runny nose can be caused by nasal polyps or tumors. These growths can obstruct the nasal passage and cause chronic nasal discharge, often accompanied by noisy breathing, nosebleeds, or facial swelling.
Signs to Watch For: If your dog’s runny nose persists over time, especially if there is blood in the discharge or other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, a veterinary examination is crucial to rule out serious conditions like tumors.
6. Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a serious viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including a runny nose. This disease primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs and can be life-threatening.
Signs to Watch For: Distemper often causes a thick, sticky nasal discharge, along with symptoms like coughing, fever, vomiting, and neurological issues. If you suspect your dog has distemper, immediate veterinary care is essential.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While a runny nose in dogs can sometimes be harmless, it’s important to know when to seek veterinary care. Here are some signs that indicate a vet visit is necessary:
Persistent Symptoms: If your dog’s runny nose doesn’t improve after a few days, or if it gets worse, it’s time to consult your vet.
Colored Discharge: Yellow, green, or bloody nasal discharge is often a sign of infection or another serious issue that requires veterinary attention.
Additional Symptoms: If your dog is also coughing, sneezing excessively, has a fever, is lethargic, or shows other signs of illness, a vet visit is warranted.
Nasal Bleeding: Any sign of blood in your dog’s nasal discharge should be checked by a vet immediately.
Dog Runny Nose Home Remedies
If your dog’s runny nose seems mild and isn’t accompanied by more serious symptoms, there are a few home remedies you can try to help alleviate their discomfort:
1. Keep the Environment Clean and Free of Irritants
Ensure that your dog’s environment is free from potential irritants like smoke, strong cleaning products, or dusty areas. Use air purifiers to improve air quality and avoid using scented candles or incense around your pet.
2. Use a Humidifier
Dry air can exacerbate a runny nose, especially in the winter months. Using a humidifier in the room where your dog spends most of their time can help keep their nasal passages moist and reduce irritation.
3. Saline Nose Drops
Saline nose drops can be used to help clear your dog’s nasal passages. You can ask your vet for a pet-safe saline solution or purchase one over the counter. Apply the drops as directed by your vet to help alleviate congestion.
4. Encourage Hydration
Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps thin the mucus in the nasal passages, making it easier for your dog to clear their nose. You can also offer broth or water-rich foods to encourage fluid intake.
5. Monitor for Changes
Keep a close eye on your dog’s condition. If you notice any changes in their symptoms, such as the development of a cough, fever, or lethargy, or if the runny nose persists for more than a few days, it’s time to consult your vet.
A runny nose in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, from harmless allergies and irritants to more serious conditions like infections or tumors. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek veterinary care are key to ensuring your dog stays healthy and comfortable. If your dog has a runny nose but seems otherwise healthy, you can try some of the home remedies mentioned above to provide relief. However, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian to rule out any serious underlying issues.
Are You Seeing Your Dog with Runny Nose?
We can help! EverPal's Medical Director, Dr. Terry White, brings 40 years of experience and is ready to meet your fur baby same-day for any concerns about your dog's health. Each visit is twice as long as your typical in-office visit, allowing our veterinarian to understand your dog's unique needs, explain multiple treatment options, and provide thorough guidance on environmental adjustments and treament plan.
Experience better vet care with maximum comfort for your fur baby. Schedule your online vet visit today.
Virtual vet visits are currently available for residents in California. We are more than veterinary telemedicine - diagnostic testing available in San Francisco, Daly City, South San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo and the San Francisco Bay Area. Medications are delivered to your home.
Comments