If My Dog Has A Runny Nose What Can I Give Him?

Dog owners often have the question, my dog has a runny nose what can I give him? A mild runny nose can result in small amounts of watery discharge and sneezing. In such a case there is nothing to worry about. However, it can get severe and chronic with frequent blood or pus discharge.

If your dog has a runny nose, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Avoid giving your dog any over-the-counter medications without professional guidance, as certain human remedies may be harmful to dogs.

Causes Why Is My Dog’s Nose Running?

Dog Has A Runny Nose


The major causes of a dog’s runny nose might be one of the following reasons:

  • Fungal or bacterial infection in your dog’s sinuses.
  • Foreign bodies entry in the dog’s nasal pathway.
  • Parasitic infection in the dog’s sinuses is caused by nasal mites.
  • Allergies can also trigger nasal discharge.
  • Dental diseases such as bacterial infections, periodontitis, and gingivitis and such infections spread to the dog’s nasal cavity.
  • Nasal cancer and nasal adenocarcinoma.
  • Canine Influenza and Canine kennel cough also cause runny noses in dogs.

Suddenly Why Is My Dog’s Nose Dripping Continuously?

If your dog has mild symptoms of nose dripping, initially there is not much to worry about. However, it still requires proper diagnosis by a medical professional as it might be because of the above-mentioned causes.

Several tests might be required to get a full diagnosis of your dog’s running nose. It involves multiple lab works, x-rays; CT scans of the brain, and even rhinoscopy. Moreover, your dog might also require a dental exam, in case of bad dental health. A dental infection can also result in nose dripping.

Nasal discharge samples might be taken for culture and biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis of the problem. The blood pressure may also be recorded and the dog’s coagulation profiling may be done as well.

What To Do When My Dog Has A Runny Nose And Sneezing?

Dog Has A Runny Nose


As a home remedy if you’re wondering my dog has a runny nose what can I give him and it has also started sneezing, here are some solutions-

  • It can be pollen allergies, entry of foreign bodies, cold, bacterial or parasitic infection in the sinus, canine virus, or something else., the best solution is to inform the veterinarian and follow his suggestions.
  • Try and frequently clean your dog’s nose and nasal trackway with a soft tissue or cloth. This will help in its proper breathing and provide some relief.
  • Keep a clean and hygienic environment around your dog.
  • Provide it with proper medications based on the problem.

My Dog Has Runny Nose And Eye Discharge, What Can I Do?

When a dog has a runny nose, it might also start having frequent eye discharge. In most cases, the reason for both might be the same which might be allergies, nasal trackway infection, dental issues, common cold, infection, or so on.

However, if the severity of it increases it might be happening for a different reason. If the eye discharge is green, yellow, or of any other color, it might be concerning. It is important to consult a doctor in such cases, as it might hint at a more serious health issue.

How Concerning Is Dog Nasal Congestion And Reverse Sneezing?


A dog having nasal congestion can also develop reverse sneezing. Reverse sneezing is the body’s technique of getting rid of an irritant that is causing trouble in the nasal trackway. Reverse sneezing is also associated with a runny nose and can frequently happen during that time.

You might be thinking my dog has a runny nose what can I give him? And now that it has also developed reverse sneezing, it might make you more worried. Don’t worry reverse sneezing is not that concerning. However, if it is persistent you must consult a veterinarian to diagnose what is causing it. It is usually caused by allergies, entry of foreign bodies in the windpipe, over-excitement, etc. 

My Dog Has Stuffy Nose And Wheezing

Your dog might have a stuffy nose and start wheezing. In such a case you need to follow up on what other symptoms it might be showing. It might develop because of an upper respiratory tract infection, entry of an irritant in the respiratory tract, or lower airway disease. It is recommended to take it to a veterinarian immediately as it can even result in a life-threatening situation. 

Healing Of Runny Nose In Dogs

Treatment of runny nose depends on the diagnosis provided by the veterinarian. Proper medications need to be administered depending on your dog’s problem. Frequent dental checkups are also necessary as dental issues also cause runny noses.

In case of serious diseases like nasal cancer or malignant tumors, surgical assistance is required. Make sure water and food are always available to your dog. Monitor its health condition frequently and report it to the veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What Helps A Dog With Runny Nose?
Ans: It is always advised to visit a veterinarian, instead of doing something on your own without any medical consultation. Although, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil might provide some relief.

Q2. What Human Medicine Can I Give My Dog For Cold?
Ans: Dextromethorphan can be given to your dog for colds. However, it is mandatory to take a veterinarian’s advice before administering any medication.

Q3. What Does It Mean When A Dog’s Nose Runs?
Ans: It is a nasal discharge that is caused due to certain discomfort or reaction in the nasal cavity of the dog. The discharge might even have pus or blood depending on its severity.

Q4. Is It Normal For A Dog’s Nose To Run?
Ans: No, it is not normal for your dog’s nose to run. However, it might be caused due to seasonal allergies, common colds,s or other discomforts in the dog’s nasal trackway. Therefore, it is advised to consult a veterinarian at the earliest.

To Summarize

You might be thinking my dog has a runny nose what can I give him? In case of no severe symptoms or some clear nasal discharge, there is no need to be concerned. Although when these get chronic and your dog starts showing severe symptoms associated with runny noses such as watery eyes, continuous sneezing, fever, and lack of appetite, it’s essential to visit a veterinarian without delay.

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