Nose Congestion in Dogs

Nose congestion, excess mucous in the nasal passages, can be a symptom of several different diseases in dogs. According to PetMD, nose congestion is often caused by inflammation of the sinuses.

  1. Causes

    • A tumor or foreign object in the nose can prevent healthy exchange of mucous and cause congestion. Some causes are less severe such as a bacterial infection, or canine flu. The presence of parasites in the nasal passages can also cause stuffiness.

    Other Symptoms

    • Depending on the cause of the nose congestion, a dog may display other symptoms such as sneezing, pawing at the nose, decreased appetite, swollen face or deformity, and "reverse sneezing" in which the dog will snort air in an attempt to pull the mucous out of the nose, says PetMD.

    Treatment

    • Treatment depends on the exact cause. Bacterial infections can often be treated with antibiotics, while a blockage may require surgery. PetMD recommends running a humidifier to loosen thick mucous in the nasal passages.