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Why is my dog’s nose runny?
What does it mean if a dog has a runny nose?
Ever noticed your dog sniffling like they’ve caught a cold? It might sound odd, but just like us, our furry companions can come down with a case of the sniffles too! A runny nose can be just as annoying for them as it is for you — especially if it comes with other symptoms.
Let’s take a look at some of the causes of your dog’s runny nose, and what we can do to help them. After all, we all know how miserable a runny nose can make us!
The medical name for your dog’s runny nose is nasal discharge. It can help by knowing what kind of nasal discharge you’re seeing on your dog, especially if you’re having to explain things to your vet over the phone.
So, take a good look and tell your vet if you see any of the following kinds of discharge:
Hemorrhagic (bloody discharge)
This is usually caused by a trauma or possibly some form of dental disease.
This is usually caused by a trauma or possibly some form of dental disease.
Serous
If you’re seeing thin, watery, clear mucus coming from your dog’s nose, it normally means an allergy is the culprit.
If you’re seeing thin, watery, clear mucus coming from your dog’s nose, it normally means an allergy is the culprit.
Mucus
If you see a thick substance, either yellow or white and it’s accompanied by swelling, it’s likely to be mucus.
If you see a thick substance, either yellow or white and it’s accompanied by swelling, it’s likely to be mucus.
Purulent
Normally green or yellow, purulent discharge is caused by bacterial infections.
Normally green or yellow, purulent discharge is caused by bacterial infections.
It’s always good to pay attention to the little details when figuring out what’s going on with your pup. Take note of whether their runny nose is a constant drip or if it comes and goes.
Also, check if it’s affecting both nostrils or just one — this can give clues about whether the issue is more general (like allergies) or something more localized (like a foreign object stuck in their nasal passage).
The more observations you can make, the better equipped you’ll be when chatting with your vet.
If you spot your dog’s nose looking extra runny, keep an eye out for other changes — are they feeling warmer than usual? Not eating like they normally do? Sleeping more (or less) than usual? Acting a little off? If you notice any of these red flags, it’s best to check in with a vet right away.
Sometimes, a runny nose is just a passing annoyance — but other times, it can signal something more serious. While allergies and mild infections are common culprits, there are a few other possibilities to keep in mind too, so be vigilant.
The type of dog you’ve got plays a role, too. Nasal infections and other upper respiratory infections affect brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs more than others. Some of these dogs include Shih Tzus, Pugs, French or English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pekingese.
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Symptoms of nasal discharge in dogs
The tricky thing with nasal discharge in dogs is that it can vary depending on what’s causing it. Many dogs can have a runny nose for no reason at all at times, and you may not even notice anything other than a wet nose.
The most common symptoms to look out for are sneezing, runny eyes, sweating and nasal discharge coming from either one or both of your pups nostrils. In most cases of these symptoms there’s no need to contact a vet and they should disappear relatively quickly.
When to see a vet
While most of the time it’s probably nothing to worry about, if you’re seeing more serious signs then as always follow the ‘better to be safe than sorry’ route and seek help.
You should make a vet’s appointment if your dog is displaying any of these symptoms:
- Wet, runny nose for longer than 24 hours
- Red, swollen or puffy eyes
- Loud breathing
- Panting
- Bad breath
- Rubbing or pawing at nose and face
- Head shaking
- Trouble breathing through nose
- Coughing
- Appetite loss
- Agitation
- Depression
- General malaise
What causes a dog’s nose to be runny?
So, what’s actually behind your dog’s runny nose? There are quite a few possibilities – some more serious than others – but here are the most common causes:
Allergies
If your pup has clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing, allergies might be the culprit. These usually pop up seasonally and can be triggered by things like pollen, grass, or mold.
If your pup has clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing, allergies might be the culprit. These usually pop up seasonally and can be triggered by things like pollen, grass, or mold.
Lower respiratory issues
Problems affecting the bronchi or trachea can sometimes lead to nasal discharge.
Problems affecting the bronchi or trachea can sometimes lead to nasal discharge.
Infections
If the nasal discharge is yellow or green, it’s likely a sign of an infection. Other symptoms to watch for include fever, lethargy, and overall unwell behavior. Infections can range from mild to serious, so a vet visit is a good idea.
If the nasal discharge is yellow or green, it’s likely a sign of an infection. Other symptoms to watch for include fever, lethargy, and overall unwell behavior. Infections can range from mild to serious, so a vet visit is a good idea.
Foreign bodies
Dogs love to sniff around, but sometimes, they end up with something stuck in their nose – anything from sticks and rocks to bugs or other odd objects. If the discharge is only coming from one nostril, this could be the issue.
Dogs love to sniff around, but sometimes, they end up with something stuck in their nose – anything from sticks and rocks to bugs or other odd objects. If the discharge is only coming from one nostril, this could be the issue.
Tumors
Unfortunately, tumors are more common in older dogs (usually over eight years old). Signs to look for include bloody nasal discharge, facial deformities, weight loss, and general weakness. If you spot any of these, it’s vital to get things checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, tumors are more common in older dogs (usually over eight years old). Signs to look for include bloody nasal discharge, facial deformities, weight loss, and general weakness. If you spot any of these, it’s vital to get things checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
Dental disease
Dental troubles can cause your poor pup a world of problems – just like us.
Dental troubles can cause your poor pup a world of problems – just like us.
Could your precious pooch’s runny nose be something to do with what they’re eating? Perhaps it’s time for a diet change. Check out our guide on How to choose the best food for your dog and see what a difference a good, balanced meal offering can make.
Diagnosis of a dog’s runny nose
If your vet’s going to diagnose your dog’s runny nose, they’ll need to do a complete physical examination. They will want to take a good look at the following:
- Vital signs
- Your dog’s weight
- General coat condition
- Palpitations
- Auscultation
When you take your dog to the vet for a persistent runny nose, they won’t just rely on a quick glance, they’ll likely want to dig a little deeper.
First up, they may take a sample of your pup’s nasal discharge and examine it under a microscope to check for anything suspicious, like bacteria, fungi, or unusual cells.
They might also use an endoscope – a small camera that allows them to check inside your dog’s nasal passage and airway for anything that shouldn’t be there.
Beyond that, your vet might run lab tests like a urinalysis, fecal exam, and blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions. And if they suspect something more serious, they could opt for chest X-rays to assess the lungs, or even go further with a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI for a closer look.
While it may sound like a lot, these tests help paint a clear picture of what’s going on and ensure your pup gets the right treatment.
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Treatment of a dog with a runny nose
Once your vet has a good idea of what’s causing your canine companion’s runny nose, there are several routes they can take to treat it.
Allergies
Allergies tend to be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and eliminating the allergen as much as possible. There are many options for treating allergies medically.
Allergies tend to be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and eliminating the allergen as much as possible. There are many options for treating allergies medically.
Infections
Bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics, fungal infection is treated with antifungals, and parasites are treated with anti-parasitic medication. If your dog has pneumonia or another serious lung infection, the veterinarian may decide to keep him overnight for breathing treatments and observation.
Bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics, fungal infection is treated with antifungals, and parasites are treated with anti-parasitic medication. If your dog has pneumonia or another serious lung infection, the veterinarian may decide to keep him overnight for breathing treatments and observation.
Foreign bodies
Depending on what it is in your dog’s nasal passage and how far up their nose it’s stuck, nose, surgical removal may be necessary.
Depending on what it is in your dog’s nasal passage and how far up their nose it’s stuck, nose, surgical removal may be necessary.
Tumor
A tumor in a dog’s nasal passage may be benign, or malignant (cancerous). Treatment might include surgical removal of the tumor.
A tumor in a dog’s nasal passage may be benign, or malignant (cancerous). Treatment might include surgical removal of the tumor.
Prevention of runny nose in dogs
If your dog is prone to having a runny nose, you aren’t going to be able to completely stop it on your own, but there are several things you can do to make life more comfortable for your precious pooch, including:
- Ensuring that your house is as dust-free as possible
- Keeping up-to-date with your dog’s vaccinations and parasite preventatives
- Gently cleaning any discharge around your pooch’s nose to prevent crusting and build-up
- Ensuring that your house is as dust-free as possible
- Not smoking indoors and avoiding other triggers like perfumes, incense and candles
- Using a humidifier or taking your dog into a steamy room
- Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and following other dental advice from your vet.
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How dogs recover from a runny nose
Most of the time, it’s no big deal if your dog’s nose is runny, and your pup will be back to normal in no time. But as any pet parent knows, it’s easy for us to worry when something seems off.
So, stay observant and don’t hesitate to get your furry friend checked out if anything seems out of the ordinary. Catching potential issues early is always the best move.
Nasal Discharge Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pit Bull
Two Years
31 found this helpful
31 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
Hi! I’ve noticed that my dog gets white almost foamy liquid around the corners of her nose when I walk her and she sniffs the ground. I don’t notice it any other time but I’m not sure if it’s coming from her or something she’s picking up off the grass. I’d like to gauge whether or not this is serious before I have to take her to a vet and pay the vet fee.
Dec. 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
31 Recommendations
It is possible that this is simply saliva and it is transferring to the nose when licked when out and about.
In the absence of other symptoms (such as altered breathing, mucus discharge, coughing, sneezing etc), I wouldnt be overly concerned but would keep an eye on things.
Do ensure you provide water during and after walks and avoid over exercising in the heat.
Dec. 20, 2020
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Twelve Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Random White Nose. Discharge. Watery Eyes. She Has Many Alergies And Gets Cytopoint Shots Every 6-8 Weeks
What to do. Cannot take her in. Not working due to Covid.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
With out being able to see her, I cannot say what might be going on or what might help her
Since your veterinarian has treated her in the past, if you call them, they may have some suggestions, as they know more about her situation.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Pug
Seven Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Clear Drainage
She started to have a lot of clear drainage from her nose to the point where she begins to choke on it.
Sept. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Pug puppies can have a very short nose, they are known for that. The discharge that you're describing might be normal for her, and her nose may grow to the point where it is not a problem as she gets older. However, since she seems to be having a problem now or she is choking on the discharge, I think it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as you can, as they will be able to examine her and see if she is okay. It may be something that she needs to grow out of, or she may have an infection or a problem that needs to be fixed. They will be able to tell you more once they see her, and let you know if any treatment needs to happen for her. I hope that all goes well for her.
Sept. 7, 2020
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Border Collie
Ten Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
Hello there,
My dog has been sick for the last year and a half now. It started with kennel cough, which went away. Ever since then she hasn't been the same dog. She's still coughing quite a bit, constant oozing nose-thick, creamy, greenish discharge, only the left eye gets super red. She has been to our vet so many times now and NOTHING works. We've tried several rounds of different antibiotics, an anti-fungal, allergy meds, and prednisone(which made things even worse). I'm at a lost, my bank account is being drained because of the lack of results. Vet also did a scan which revealed nothing.
Sept. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about all the issues that you are having with your dog. See if your vet can take a culture of this discharge to see what antibiotics will help with the infection. While this may be pricy it will help your vet figure out exactly what is causing this infection and what antibiotics your dog needs to be on to clear this infection. Upper respiratory infections can sometimes be tricky to treat. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
Sept. 2, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
7 months
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
Constant green discharge that is thicker more so than watery coming from only left nostril. Hacked up mucas 2-3 over past 24 hours. Expressing fatigue which is unusual
Aug. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I would be concerned for a fungal or bacterial infection, or a foreign body in the nostril of your dog. If this is something that is not getting better and he seems to not be feeling well as well, I think it would be best to have him seen by your veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, that you know what sort of Diagnostics might be needed, and see what treatments might be appropriate. I hope that all goes well for him and he feels better soon!
Aug. 28, 2020
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German Shepherd
Jake
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Short Of Breath
Mouth Breathing
Fast Breathing
Clear Discharge
Scratching Nose
Jake, our 3 year old 90lbs GSD has been having clear discharge from his nose, along with fast breathing, mouth breathing both while at rest, and he scratches at his nose often. Took him to the vet about this once and the vet didn’t do more than listen to his lungs. He seems like he iis short of breath often. It seems like he will sit up sometimes to catch his breath. Keep in mind this will be hours after exercise has occurred. Looking for advice on if I should be taking him to a new vet or if I’m an over worried dog parent. Thanks
Chihuahua
Ginger
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Gurgling
Clogged Sinuses
We moved within the past month, and our dog Ginger, a 5 year old chihuahua, has been having sinus issues. She constantly makes wet gurgling noises, especially when licking her paws or bathing, and one nostril is fully blocked according to our vet, causing her to breath heavily. She also sneezes occasionally, though not too frequently. She does not have any visible nasal discharge, and she is energetic and behaving normally. Based on our vet's advice, we have been giving her Benadryl daily, and she went through a course of antibiotics, but she hasn't gotten any better. Any idea what might be going on?
Siberian Husky
Saint
6 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging
Head Shaking
Coughing
Green Nasal Discharge
I noticed my puppy was “coughing” (sounded like choking) quite a bit I thought maybe he wasn’t chewing his food and was choking on some of the kibbles and then I started noticing he was gagging but he would never throw anything up and it continued for a little bit. Now I noticed he has thick slimy green mucus coming out of both his nostrils and started shaking his head and scratching at his ear and also rubbing his paw on his face. He hasn’t really lost his appetite (at least not that I’ve noticed) and he is still very playful and active he just keeps coughing and gagging and his nose is nasty. What do you think could be wrong with him. Someone told me he could have kennel cough and now I’m beginning to get worried but no vet can see him for weeks I’m just wondering if someone could give me an idea of what could be wrong? Could he have kennel cough or could it just be like an infection or something more serious?
Great Dane Mix
Lyle
12 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nasal Discharge
We just adopted a puppy from a shelter. A few days after adoption, they told us our dog may have been exposed to a dog that has since been diagnosed with distemper. We are so scared that our puppy has it too. He has some white milky discharge from his nose, but only when he is sleeping. He doesn’t seem to have a lot of the other symptoms that come with distemper, and I am hoping he could just have some other problem. His energy level is great and he definitely has no loss of appetite. He just seems to have some trouble breathing while he’s asleep and has some nasal drip while sleeping as well.
Beagle
Bailey
Eight Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Reverse Sneezing
Snotting
Please help -- My dog is 8 years old, almost 9. About 5 months ago she started having sneezing episodes that consisted of: sneezing and snotting on the floor (or wherever she is at that moment, which has included our bed and our furniture many times), she'll usually sneeze about 5 small times and then she'll have one or two big ones that shoot mucous all over. She also has episodes of "reverse sneezing" over and over. If she's not sneezing outright, she's reverse sneezing and it is very loud and makes it so we can't sleep at night (she will get up 5-10 times throughout the night to sneeze or reverse sneeze).
The mucous was clear from the beginning, but it was always a thick mucous and now it seems to be turning more of a greenish hue.
Of course we went to our trusted veterinarian, who gave us three medications, one for allergies, one for sneezing, and an antibiotic. None of them worked. So we went back. He was confused as to why this might be going on since there is no sign of blood or infection and her overall demeanor has not shifted whatsoever. She is still happy and energetic, doesn't seem sick.
So our next option is to do a nose scope, however that is INCREDIBLY expensive just to find out what is wrong, let alone the cost of whatever treatment is necessary afterwards. We will have to do this soon, but we are trying to explore every possibility beforehand. SO, we went to another vet to get a second opinion. That vet was very helpful, but still at a loss for what could be going on. That vet did say that they have scoped dogs before and in the cases that it wasn't cancer, it ended up being nasal mites. So the vet gave us treatment for nasal mites. It was a 3 week treatment and at first we thought she seemed better (we were getting more sleep at night and picking up a lot less snot), but at the end of the three weeks the issue has only gotten worse. We are now at a loss of what it could be, and so we took her to another vet in our hometown to see if the sneezing could possibly have to do with her teeth, since she needs a couple pulled. They assured us that it shouldn't be that. BUT. The assistant at that vet clinic happens to HAVE a dog of her own that has been doing the exact same thing, but for FIVE YEARS. We cannot do this for five years. It is wearing on us heavily right now and she is miserable when she's in the act of sneezing/reverse ".
At this point, we are planning to scope her nose, but we are afraid the results will come back inconclusive and it will be a massive waste of money. We just want to know if anyone else has experienced this exact issue and how was it resolved? If there is ANY insight that ANYONE can give me, please please do. We need help! Thank you in advance.
