Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Dogs are equipped with a highly sensitive sense of smell. Your pup's nose is so refined that it can be trained to detect explosives, drugs and bodies, or even notice subtle changes in their owner's health. In fact, dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to only six million in humans.1
Having such a super sensitive nose means your dog may sneeze during play due to the tickling sensation caused by wrinkling their nose. It's a natural response and often indicates a healthy, functioning body. It may also be a way for your dog to communicate that they are playing and are not a threat.2
However, just like in humans, sneezing in dogs can be triggered by irritants like pollen or be a symptom of an infection. Like any changes in normal behavior, if your dog is sneezing a lot more than usual or their sneezes are accompanied by other symptoms, you may need to investigate further.
Potential causes of excessive dog sneezing
Dog sneezing can be caused by various factors. Here are some common triggers.
1. Environmental allergies
With their keen noses, dogs can be sensitive to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust and mold, as well as common general spring allergies.
If your pooch suffers from seasonal allergies, consider shortening their outdoor walks, and find indoor games to play with your dog instead to keep them active and mentally stimulated.
2. Food allergies
Food allergies might contribute to sneezing episodes. However, food allergies can be hard to identify, as symptoms typically don't appear immediately after your dog has eaten a particular food. Beyond avoiding the offending food, there's no cure for this type of allergy.3
3. Infections
Whether bacterial or viral, respiratory infections can lead to persistent sneezing, so be on the lookout for other signs and symptoms your dog is sick, like changes in mood, energy levels, appetite or general behavior.
Nasal discharge can also be a sign of infection. Although it's not a hard-and-fast rule, veterinarians say a clear runny nose is often linked with viral rhinitis, whereas green discharge is more commonly associated with bacterial rhinitis.
Dental infections, which are often overlooked, may also play a role in exacerbating sneezing episodes. You can recognize dental disease in your pet from these symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Inflammation of the gums
- Tartar and plaque buildup
- Gum recession
If you notice these signs, speak with your veterinarian or call Pets Best to get expert advice using our 24/7 Pet Helpline.
4. Foreign objects
Inhalation or ingestion of foreign objects poses a serious risk for dogs, leading to obstructive symptoms. If you suspect your dog may have something caught in their nose, consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
5. Nasal issues
Although rare, structural issues like nasal polyps or tumors and a deviated septum can contribute to chronic sneezing. Nasal tumors represent around 1% of all cancers seen in dogs.4
6. Irritants
Smoke, cleaning products and perfumes can irritate a dog's sensitive nasal passages, potentially causing increased sneezing.
7. Overexcitement and play
While playful sneezing is normal, overstimulation during play can lead to excessive sneezing. It's crucial to discern when it's just part of the fun or when it might indicate an underlying issue, especially if your dog has other symptoms.
Reverse sneezing and breed-specific causes
While reverse sneezing—when a dog has sudden and repeated nose inhalations—can happen to any dog, it's more common in smaller breeds like miniatures and Terriers.5 Reverse sneezing typically happens when a dog is excited, like in anticipation of a walk or a meal.
Breeds that are known for having compressed nasal passages or a shortened flat face (brachycephalic breeds) like Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese or Boston Terriers may have difficulty breathing, which could make them prone to excessive sneezing.6
Differentiating between occasional and chronic sneezing
By monitoring your dog and the frequency of their sneezing, you can distinguish normal behavior from potential health concerns.
Signs that warrant a vet visit
Excessive or unusual sneezing in dogs can be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Although occasional sneezing is generally normal, certain signs accompanying sneezing may indicate a need for prompt veterinary attention, including:
- Discomfort or pain
- Deep or labored sneezing, which may indicate a respiratory issue
- Behavioral changes like pawing at the face, rubbing the nose excessively or avoiding certain activities
- Nasal discharge, especially if it's thick, greenish or accompanied by blood
- Coughing or gagging
- Changes in appetite or weight loss
If you have concerns about the above symptoms, consult your vet.
Pets Best is here to help
While those adorable sneezes during playtime are often harmless and require no more than a gesundheit, it's essential to be aware of other signs that might indicate something more. By paying attention to the frequency, accompanying symptoms and any changes in behavior, you can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Pet insurance from Pets Best can provide peace of mind to quickly address unexpected health issues. Policyholders can also access our 24/7 Pet Helpline to answer pressing questions about their precious pets.
Sources/Citations
1. “How Powerful Is a Dog's Nose?" (7/2020), Phoenix Vet Center, https://phoenixvetcenter.com/blog/214731-how-powerful-is-a-dogs-nose, accessed December 4, 2023.
2. “Why Does My Dog Sneeze While Playing?" S. Howell (4/2021), The Dodo, https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/why-do-dogs-sneeze-when-playing, accessed December 4, 2023.
3. “Dog Allergy Symptoms: What's Causing Them and How to Treat it," G. Kane (1/2018), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/food-allergies-dog-scratching-licking/, accessed December 4, 2023.
4. “Nasal Tumors in Dogs," University of Florida Health, https://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/clinical-services/oncology/types-of-cancer-and-treatment/nasal-tumors-dogs/, accessed December 4, 2023.
5. “What Happens When a Dog Reverse Sneezes?" J. Klein (5/2021), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-happens-when-a-dog-reverse-sneezes/, accessed December 4, 2023.
6. “Brachycephalic Syndrome," (6/2023), American College of Veterinary Surgeons, https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/brachycephalic-syndrome/, accessed December 4, 2023.