His nose is runny, he's wheezing and coughing, and he doesn't feel like eating. You'd hand your dog a tissue if you thought it would help -- but it won't. If your pup has a sinus infection, the first order of business is to determine its cause. Once you know what's behind it, you'll be able to treat your dog's sinus infection.
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Rhinitis and Sinusitis
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If you've ever suffered a sinus infection, you understand what your dog is going through. The sneezing, coughing and gasping for air, the runny nose and eyes -- there's nothing pleasant about it. When the mucous membranes in the lining of your dog's nose are inflamed, he has rhinitis; when the inflammation is on the lining of his sinuses, he has sinusitis.
The Heart of a Sniffle
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There's a variety of reasons a dog may develop a sinus infection, and it's important to understand what's at the heart of the problem in order to actually cure his condition. He may have sniffed around in something that got caught in his nose, triggering bacterial rhinitis or sinusitis. Adenovirus and parainfluenza virus can cause sinus infection. If your dog is older, he may have an infected tooth -- or two or three -- causing the infection.
Snooping Around His Nose
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When you develop a sinus infection, you may ride it out with over-the-counter medication, or your doctor may order some antibiotics for you. In the case of your dog, he'll need to see the vet, who'll administer a thorough exam to learn why the pooch is in distress. A dental exam will be part of his physical exam, as will blood work. The vet will look for clues in his symptoms; for example, discharge coming from only one nasal passage is often associated with a fungal infection, a foreign object in the nose or an abscessed tooth. The course of treatment will depend on what the vet finds during the examination.
Many Medicines
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If your dog's sinus infection is caused by a fungal infection, he'll be prescribed an anti-fungal medication. When a bad tooth is the culprit, he'll need appropriate dental work. Sometimes a virus is behind the infection, meaning antibiotics won't help your pup, but time will. If he has a bacterial infection, the vet will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic for your pup. Though your over-the-counter medication provides you relief, you shouldn't assume it will work for your dog. In fact, many commercial human formulations contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, such as acetaminophen.
Home Health Care
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No matter what medication your vet prescribes, you can do few things to keep your dog breathing a bit easier. A humidifier, set up by your dog's favorite spot, may help him breathe easier by loosening nasal mucus. It's important to drink plenty of water -- in the case of a sinus infection, a little chicken broth will probably be tasty for your pup and ensure he stays hydrated. He shouldn't be outdoors too much. Except to do his daily business, let him stick inside where it's warm and dry.
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