All animals can sneeze. Just like in humans, sneezing can come from a variety of causes. Sometimes it’s behavioural, sometimes it happens during play when they are excited. Other times they may inhale some dust while sniffing around which causes them to sneeze. It can also be a sign of a serious respiratory infection. We take a look at the common causes of sneezing in pets and when it’s important to get it checked out by your vet.
Foreign body
Animals love to explore and sniff around. Often this can result in dust, grass, dirt or the occasional bug getting sniffed up inside your pet’s nose. It is very common for the foreign body to get sneezed back out and for your pet to continue on with their exploring without any fuss.
When to take your pet to the vet:
Sometimes the object will get lodged into your pet’s nose and will require veterinary help to remove it. This could be anything from small twigs, leaves, blades of grass or other small objects. Signs of a foreign body in your pet’s nose include ongoing sneezing, nose bleeds or pawing at the nose.
Playing
Dogs can sometimes sneeze while they are playing or excited by something. This is very normal and harmless and just means that they are having fun. Play sneezing is particularly common in small breeds, but many dogs do it. If your dog is sneezing when you play together, there is normally no need to worry.
When to take your pet to the vet:
If the sneezing becomes continuous, starts to happen outside of playtime or you notice traces of blood it could be something else and its worth getting your vet to take a look.
Insect bites
Occasionally an insect sting to the nose can cause a sneezing fit. Different insects can cause different reactions in your pet. It is common for an insect bite to cause localised pain and mild swelling at the site of the bite. For details on how to identify and treat ant bites click here. For bee stings click here.
When to take your pet to the vet:
Some pets can experience allergic reactions or severe inflammatory conditions that require immediate treatment, in particular with bee stings. Signs of a serious reaction include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, disorientation, collapsing, excessive swelling, pale gums, excessive salivation or difficulty breathing. If your pet is showing any of these signs, contact your vet immediately for emergency treatment.
Household irritants
Household cleaning products, perfume, pesticides, cigarette smoke, candles and dust are just a few examples of potential irritants or allergens that can trigger sneezing when breathed in by sensitive pets.
If your pet’s sneezing is occasional, take note of when they sneeze. For example, do they sneeze when you clean the house or light the candles. Look for patterns to try and identify the cause. If sneezing is related to allergies, sometimes itchy skin can be present too.
When to take your pet to the vet:
If your pets sneezing is becoming a regular occurrence or is accompanied by other symptoms such as itchy skin, excessive shedding, compulsive licking or respiratory issues get in touch with your vet. The frequent itching can develop into hot spots, or raw and inflamed skin areas, which can become infected and require medication. The sooner you identify the case, the quicker your pet can be on the road to recovery.
Reverse sneeze
A reverse sneeze is when your dog or cat rapidly pulls air into the nose (rather than out for a regular sneeze). The soft palate can spasm during a reverse sneeze, which makes a loud, alarming noise that can sound like your pet is choking. This common reflex can be set off by allergies, excitement, irritants or drinking/eating too quickly. If you suspect the reverse sneezing has been caused by an irritant, taking your pet outside can help clear their airways. The good news is that reverse sneezing is rarely a condition that requires treatment.
When to take your pet to the vet:
Most of the time, reverse sneezing will stop on its own. However, if your pet experiences more than the occasional episode, it should be examined by the vet. Reverse sneezing can sound like something is stuck in your dog or cat’s throat. If you think your pet is having trouble breathing, call your vet immediately.
Vaccinations
It is common for pets to experience some mild side effects after receiving their vaccinations. Your pet may may sneeze, cough or develop a runny nose 2-5 days after receiving an intranasal vaccine. Symptoms should resolve on their own within a few days.
When to take your pet to the vet:
If your pet has recently been vaccinated and they are only sneezing once in a while, have mild or no other symptoms, simply monitor them for a few days. Watch for any changes in their feeding or general behaviour.
Get in touch with your vet if the symptoms don’t resolve on their own in a few days. If they start sneezing often, sneeze blood or have any other concerning symptoms contact your vet.
Infections, inflammations and medical conditions
Sneezing is a common symptom of upper respiratory infections. These can be viral, bacterial and even fungal. Many of these infections can be prevented with early and complete vaccinations. Pets can also suffer from inflammatory conditions such as sinusitis. An infection or inflammation of a tooth root may cause drainage into the sinuses which can also cause sneezing. In very rare cases, persistent sneezing can be a sign of cancer.
When to take your pet to the vet:
The occasional sneeze is common. However, if they have other symptoms like a hacking cough, lack of appetite, sudden lethargy, fever, difficulty breathing or any other concerning symptoms you should get in touch with your vet right away.
Nasal mites
On rare occasions, persistent sneezing can be caused by nasal mites. The critters can be picked up by your dog or cat when sniffing around dirt in the backyard. Nasal mites can be incredibly irritating for pets and can cause nose bleeds, sneezing, head shaking, facial itching, laboured breathing and nasal discharge.
When to take your pet to the vet:
If your suspect your dog or cat has nasal mites, take the to your local vet for treatment.
Just like us, the occasional sneeze is common and normal in pets. However, if your pets sneezing is becoming a regular occurrence or it comes with other concerning symptoms call us on 03 8784 4444.