Dog Keeps Sneezing: It's Not What You Think

Why is my dog sneezing so much? I asked myself the same question the other night. I was curled up on the couch with Pixie and Bruno, enjoying a rare moment of peace with my e-reader. Then, out of nowhere—achoo! Pixie let out a sneeze so loud it even her.

I laughed. But before I could go back to my book, she did it again. And again.

“Why does my dog keep sneezing?” I muttered, watching her rub her nose on the couch. Ewww.

Bruno, my lab mix, gave me a side-eye like, Don’t ask me, I just live here.

From allergies to immune system problems to nutritional imbalances, I dug deep to find out what was with the never-ending achoos.

Why Does My Dog Keep Sneezing?

First, sneezing is a totally normal behavior for dogs. Just like us, a tickle or a wayward micron of dust can cause the nasal cavity to react. But if your dog is sneezing a lot like my terrier was that night, it could mean a pound of dust stirred up while cleaning out your college kids' closets to make room for paint supplies and reused canvases. Or it might suggest and underlying health issue.

That said, here are some of the most common reasons:

• Play Sneezing – No, I'm not saying they're pretending, although Pixie certainly does a convincing "Play Dead". Dogs often snort and sneeze when they’re excited, wrestling, or just having fun.
• Allergies – Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, or even certain foods. These can cause histamine responses and lead to nasal flareup, dog runny nose, and sneezing, among other dog health concerns.
• Irritants in the Air – Ever put a bit too much black pepper on that saute? Dogs also sneeze at irritants, such as smoke, perfumes, cleaning products, or even that scented candle you love.
• Foreign Objects – Ever see your dog shove their whole nose into the grass? Sometimes, they inhale bits of dirt, pollen, or even a rogue blade of grass. Sneezing is the mechanism that helps them get it out. Now that I think about it, Pixie certainly was rolling around a lot in the grass the other day.
• Respiratory Infections – If sneezing comes with coughing, nasal discharge, or watery eyes, your pup might have a virus or bacterial infection.
• Nasal Mites – These little parasites can cause chronic sneezing and irritation inside the nose. I mean, fleas are bad. But this sounds like one of the most miserable infestations I can think of.
• Dental Issues – Believe it or not, an infected tooth can lead to sneezing, especially if it affects the sinuses. The immune system is sending inflammation to try to flush the infection out. But unless the dental health issue is treated at the source, the sneezing will continue.
• Overactive Immune System — Nutritional imbalances can lead to an overreactive immune system. Key nutrients like Omega 3 and 6, Vitamin E, Vitamin C all have a very direct impact on how well the immune system functions.

When Should You Worry About a Dog Sneezing a Lot?

If your pup sneezes once or twice and moves on, no big deal. But if sneezing falls into these categories, please speak with your dog's veterinarian. Look for:

• Frequent sneezing that lasts for days
• Nasal discharge that’s thick, bloody, or green
• Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• Swelling around the nose or eyes
• Loss of appetite or low energy

Dog Keeps Sneezing? Try This

1. Check for Irritants

• Vacuum regularly and after you move old boxes or furniture to remove dust and pet dander.
• Clean blankets, bedding, and sheets they sit on at least once a week, including your own bedding if you like to throw K9 sleepovers like I do.
• Avoid spraying air fresheners, perfumes, or household cleaners near your dog.
• If you smoke, try to keep it outside—dogs are sensitive to smoke exposure.
• If you use incense or scented candles, put them up high where they're unlikely to cause irritation

2. Keep Their Nose Clear

If your dog snorts or sounds congested, wipe their nose with a damp cloth to clear away pollen or dust.

You can also try using a saline solution (ask your vet first) to help clear out any irritants.

3. Support Their Immune System with the Right Diet

A strong immune system helps dogs fight off infections, allergies, and even pesky nasal mites without overreacting. And the best way to support that? Nutrition.

• High-protein diets help the immune system build immune system cells
• Vitamin E is a key nutrient in the development of T-cells
• Single-ingredient treats reduce exposure to unnecessary additives and grains that can trigger allergies or free-radical activity.
• Omega-3s and antioxidants help reduce inflammation.
• Omega 6s are healthy fats that help the immune system respond to irritants in a measured way.
• Vitamin C is also important for immunity in dogs. But unlike humans, dogs can make it and only need a little from food. Find it in organ meat like beef lung training treats.

Single ingredient beef marrow bones and dog treats contain these key ingredients. Plus, they mentally stimulate your dog who instinctually wants to chew on things. The best dog bones come from grass fed herds. Grass fed beef has 2.5X the omega 3 and less saturated fat than grain-fed herds.

4. Keep Their Teeth Clean

As I mentioned, gum infections can cause sinus distress. So it's important to support healthy teeth and gums.

Offer long-lasting dog chews to naturally clean teeth. A dog bone acts as a natural toothbrush, scraping away the plaque and tartar that allow harmful bacteria to thrive.

Check for bad breath or swollen gums, which could indicate an infection.

Get a professional dog dental cleaning as recommended by your vet and hear from them how clean your dog's teeth are because they chew on dog bones.

5. Plan Baths After Allergy Filled Play

I'm not saying you have to bathe your dog every day. But if they've been particularly exposed to allergens, it's a good time for a bath plus bedding change.

My terrier Pixie loves to run through the wild flower fields on the edge of town as the days grow longer. But those flowers don't love her back. If we spend a Saturday out at the field, then she'll come home to a tub of warm water Saturday night.

A Dog Sneezing A Lot Could Be Serious

If your dog keeps sneezing occasionally, it’s usually nothing to worry about. But if sneezing is frequent or comes with other symptoms I'd certainly investigate.

Can you reduce allergens in their environment? Did you give them a dog bone to chew to promote healthy teeth?

Have you tried enhancing their nutrition with single ingredient dog treats and bones? Then it sounds like you've tried everything. Please take them to their doctor for a more thorough evaluation.

Oh, and Pixie’s sneezing fit? Turns out she had a piece of grass stuck in her nose. A wipe with a soft cloth revealed the culprit.

And she's back to her usual self and ready to complete the 7-Day Dog Training Challenge. Be sure to sign your dog up too!

Available On:

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we trust and believe will benefit you and your K9.