When puppy sneezing becomes a concern
The great news is puppy sneezing is usually not a sign for concern. Often, puppies have ‘sneezing fits’ due to sudden and occasional irritation (not unlike humans) or simply being over-excited!
That said, regular sneezing or coughing fits accompany by symptoms listed below will require your attention and a session with your vet:
- Breathing difficulties
- Excess mucus
- Weeping or swollen eyes
- Nasal discharge
- Nosebleed
- Nasal swelling
- Coughing
Foreign Objects - the common cause of puppy sneezing
Sense of smell is your puppy’s window to the world, more so than her eyes. As a result, sometimes foreign objects get lodged inside her nose or nasal. Puppy sneezing then occurs as a defense mechanic to rid whatever that is stuck in her nose.
Problems arise when foreign objects cannot be expelled naturally. Sneezing persist with other warning symptoms listed above emerge.
Dirt, twig, plant seeds, bugs and parasites are just a handful of items that vets have removed from the nasal.
The rule of thumb regarding foreign objects are the same no matter where they are stuck; If objects can be removed gently by you, do so. If not a visit to the vet is in order.
Respiratory infection
Aspergillus fungus resides and multiply mainly in the nasal passages. The fungus produces an exudate which clogs the breathing organs causing distress and a bloody nasal discharge.
Puppies sometimes inhaled the spores of this fungus when playing outdoors through grain, hay, poultry, etc.
Thankfully catching aspergillosis is not common but it is notoriously difficult to treat and may result in deformation of the nasal bones as it spreads.
Tooth infection
Some teeth have roots that are very close to the nasal passages. Tooth decay or infection of these roots could cause your puppy to sneeze constantly.
Although the teething phase could sometimes lead to tooth infection, it is still a relatively rare condition in puppies.
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing daily and monitor her mouth for pus discharge in gums, swollen gums, overlapping adult-milk teeth growth and foul odour.
Allergy
Dogs usually develop allergies (if any) when they are about 2 years of age although there are cases when puppies show symptoms of allergy much earlier in their life.
One of the toughest conditions to prevent especially if your dog have multiple allergies. Pinpointing the trigger of cause could take months or longer with no avail at times.
Allergies range from food related such as milk, pork, fish, eggs to common household items like bedding, carpet, household aerosol, rubber products, etc.
Other common allergens:
- Fleas and parasites
- Insect bites
- Antibiotics and medication
- Hormone base treatment
- Smoke
- Fungus
- Dust
- Pollen
- Grass
- Seasonal
Symptoms include rashes, itching, loss of hair, puppy sneezing, coughing, swollen eyes and distress. Typically, your vet would apply medical reliefs in the form of antihistamines, steroids and allergy shots.
Tumor
Tumors can grow in any part of the body.
Constant sneezing with discharge from the nose could be a sign of nasal tumor. It is rare for puppies to have tumors at such a young age but bringing her to a vet is advisable to rule out any possibilities especially when sneezing is accompanying by other symptoms.
Brachycephalic Breeds
Some breeds are Brachycephalic or short-snout like the Bulldog, Boston terrier, Pug and Boxer just to name a few.
This group of dogs are prone to respiratory related distress due to their unique flattened-nose feature and in need of constant monitoring throughout her life.
Overly Excited
Hands-down the best reason for your puppy sneezing fit. As mentioned at the beginning, puppy sneezing when they get overly excited is a natural but harmless reaction.
It could happen before a walk, a treat or just seeing you return home! There’s nothing to do here and of all the reasons your puppy is sneezing, let’s hope is this one!
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