Why is my dog sneezing so much? Does he have an illness? Many dogs suffer from a respiratory infection, and the most common symptom they experience sniffles. They will sometimes cough up blood, as well. There are many reasons for a dog’s sickness, but there are also many things that can cause sneezing.
If your dog is showing any of the above symptoms: he needs to see his vet as soon as possible. Once your dog has a respiratory infection, it will not be able to heal on its own, and it may cause more serious symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms, the vet may run some tests to find out if your dog has allergies. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
What allergies are involved? Allergies can be caused by many different things. Atopic dermatitis and pollen allergies are very common allergies. Other common allergies include flea-borne illnesses, such as lice, and food allergies, such as chocolate. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your vet about the allergies involved, and if your dog could have gotten them from the same place that he is getting them now.
Treatments for a dog with sneezing include topical medicine: which comes in sprays or lozenges. Some dogs are easier to treat with oral medicine, while others require a combination of both. The vet will recommend the most appropriate medicine based on your dog’s type of illness. For milder cases of sneezing, decongestant medications can be helpful. Some dogs can be helped with over-the-counter medicines too.
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Other ways to help treat a dog’s sneezing includes physical therapy: which can involve physical therapies such as using a nebulizer or pressurized air to open up nasal passages. Your veterinarian may suggest a treatment called oral corticosteroids, which help block the release of histamine that causes sneezing. This type of treatment is used for cases where the dog’s condition is severe. Your vet may also recommend a medication for post-inflammatory hyper-smoothness.
Other potential triggers for a dog sneezing include: a change in the weather, stress, or illness. If none of these are common in your dog’s life, a visit to the vet to rule out other reasons for sneezing is probably in order. When you start asking yourself, “Why is my dog sneezing so much?” it is time to get aggressive and do something about it, whether it be changing his diet, or finding out what allergens are triggering his sneezing.
Your dog deserves a better life and it is up to you to ensure he gets it!