Runny Nose in Dogs

Just like people, dogs get runny noses from time to time. A runny nose is usually nothing to worry about, especially if the fluid that comes from the nose is clear. However, most dogs lick their noses when they run and you never see the discharge. Sometimes a runny nose indicates a more serious medical issue for your pet. If your dog has a runny nose with accompanying symptoms, take it to a veterinarian.

  1. Sinus Infection

    • A sinus infection in your pet will include symptoms similar to yours--runny nose, nasal discharge, sneezing and coughing. Some dogs may have nosebleeds and some may a fever. A sinus infection occurs when the lining of the sinuses--the bony cavities in the skull that connect to the nasal cavities--become inflamed. The cavities then fill with fluid. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for treatment.

    Upper Respiratory Infection

    • An upper respiratory infection in dogs is often similar to the common cold in people. Dogs with an upper respiratory infection sneeze, cough, have a runny nose, and may paw at their noses and faces.
      More serious types of upper respiratory infections are caused by Bordetella and canine influenza. In these cases, the dog may have a fever, difficulty breathing and loss of appetite. Take dogs exhibiting such symptoms to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

    Nasal Mites

    • Mites can infect the nasal passages of dogs. Mites may cause the dog to sneeze, have nosebleeds and have a chronic nasal discharge. Treatment for the mites, which are transmitted in nose-to-nose contact between dogs, is an oral dose of Ivermectin.

    Nasal Tumors

    • Occasionally, a runny nose may be a symptom of a nasal tumor. About 1 percent of cancer in dogs occurs in the nasal cavity and about 80 percent of nasal tumors are malignant. Most commonly, nasal cancer affects older dogs, with males more likely to be diagnosed than females. It is more common in medium to large breeds. In addition to a runny nose, symptoms include nosebleeds, a yellow or green nasal discharge, deformity of the face, and tearing from one or both eyes.

    Home Care

    • If your dog has a runny nose and you're sure it's nothing more serious than a self-limiting illness, you can treat it at home as long as the illness responds to treatment within a day or two. Keep your pet warm and dry while it is sick. Coax it to eat by offering scrumptious meals such as boiled chicken. Put a vaporizer near the dog's sleeping area and give it lots of extra love and attention.