Sinus Infection Symptoms in Dogs

A sinus or nasal infection in dogs is generally caused by environmental factors, but can also arise from a secondary health disorder. As in humans, a sinus infection in a dog is likely when its nasal passages become inflamed. In order to effectively treat a dog's sinus infection, it is necessary to first identify common sinus symptoms that assail a dog.

  1. Sneezing

    • A dog that sneezes is generally displaying a key sinus infection symptom. Dogs sneeze to get rid of acute viral and bacterial sinus infections that attack the upper respiratory tract. But there can be other causes: foreign bodies lodged in the nostrils, seasonal allergies or a chronic condition like dental disease or intranasal tumors.

    Nasal Discharge

    • According to the Natural Dog Health Remedies website, mucus serves to trap dirt and debris and eliminate bacteria. Small hairlike filaments called cilia, which are present in the nasal passage, push the mucous discharge out of the nose. The discharge is usually intermittent, from either one or both nostrils, and may be clear, gray and cloudy, thick and green or bloody, depending on the cause. Other possible health causes of the nasal discharge should not be ruled out.

    Coughing

    • Dogs can experience coughing and gagging during a sinus infection, which helps to rid the respiratory tract of foreign particles and infectious bacteria. The cough can be a "moist cough" that is coupled with mucus in order to bind foreign particles and prevent them from moving deeper into the lungs. Coughing in dogs can also result from other underlying causes like canine distemper, allergies, tracheal collapse, kennel cough, pneumonia, tumors, parasites, heart disease and influenza.