Why Do Dogs Sneeze? Understanding Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Uncover which sneezes signal fun or concern and know when to seek professional care.

By Srija Burman

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Uncover which sneezes signal fun or concern and know when to seek professional care.

Why Do Dogs Sneeze?

Just like humans, dogs sneeze for a variety of reasons. While most dog sneezing is harmlessâsometimes even cuteâit can also signal underlying health issues that deserve attention. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to consult your veterinarian can help keep your dog healthy and comfortable.

Understanding the Sneezing Reflex in Dogs

Sneezing is a normal reflex triggered by stimulation of irritant receptors in the nasal passages. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, “Sneezing is a normal response to stimulation of irritant receptors in the nasal passage.” In most cases, it helps dogs expel irritants such as dust, pollen, or small particles that have entered their noses while sniffing around.

Main Reasons Dogs Sneeze

Harmless communication or play
Environmental irritants
Allergic reactions
Respiratory infections
Foreign objects or parasites
Breed-specific anatomy
Reverse sneezing episodes

Play Sneezing: A Form of Communication

Itâs common for dogs to sneeze during play sessions. These “play sneezes” are typically higher-pitched and serve as social cues to indicate friendly, non-aggressive intentions. This behavior is more often observed during intense or excited play and is considered a natural part of canine communication. Play sneezing is especially prevalent in young dogs and puppies.

Environmental Irritants and Sensitivity

Dogs have a keen sense of smell, making them sensitive to a range of irritants. When a dog sniffs up dust, pollen, mold, chemicals, perfumes, or cleaning agents, their sensitive nasal passages may react with a sneeze to clear out the offending material. Dogs that enjoy digging or following scents are particularly prone to this type of sneezing.

Common irritants: Dust, pollen, smoke, artificial scents
Symptoms: Single or infrequent sneezing, absence of other illness signs

Allergies: Environmental, Seasonal, and Food

Allergies are a frequent cause of sneezing in dogs. Similar to humans, dogs can be allergic to:

Environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold)
Seasonal changes (pollen surges in spring and fall)
Certain foods or ingredients

Typical allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin irritation, and recurring ear infections. If your dogâs sneezing is accompanied by itching, redness, or persistent discomfort, allergies could be the culprit.

Health Concerns: Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections such as canine influenza, kennel cough, or sinusitis are common causes of sneezing that warrant closer attention. Infections can be viral, bacterial, or even fungal in nature, and often include additional symptoms:

Frequent sneezing, often with discharge
Coughing
Eye or nasal discharge (clear, cloudy, or bloody)
Fever and lethargy
Reduced appetite

If your dog develops these symptoms, especially if accompanied by a bloody or thick discharge, itâs important to consult your veterinarian. Some conditions are highly contagious, and early treatment can prevent complications such as pneumonia.

Foreign Objects and Parasites

Dogs frequently use their noses to examine their environment, which sometimes leads to foreign objects (e.g., grass, seeds, twigs, dirt) entering their nasal passages. Additionally, nasal mitesâtiny parasites acquired from diggingâcan cause intense nasal irritation.

Symptoms of foreign objects or nasal mites:
Repetitive or violent sneezing fits
Nosebleeds
Nasal discharge (possibly thick or bloody)
Frequent face rubbing or pawing

Treatment for foreign objects or parasites must be carried out by a veterinarian. Diagnosis often involves a physical exam, sometimes supported by nasal scoping or flushing under anesthesia to safely remove the object or mites.

Breed-Related Sneezing

Some breeds are more prone to sneezing due to anatomical features:

Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs) have short, compressed nasal passages that can easily become irritated or blocked.
Smaller dogs and toy breeds may experience more frequent episodes of reverse sneezing, a benign but dramatic event.

Because of their unique skull shapes and respiratory anatomy, brachycephalic breeds often breathe louder, snort more, and may be more sensitive to airborne particles.

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Reverse sneezing, medically known as paroxysmal respiration, is a phenomenon where a dog rapidly inhales air through the nose, producing a sharp snorting or gagging sound. Unlike a typical sneezeâwhich expels air outwardâreverse sneezing pulls air inward.

How Does Reverse Sneezing Occur?

Affected dogs typically stand still, stretch their necks, and produce repeated, loud snorting sounds.
The episode lasts a few seconds to a minute and can appear alarming but is rarely harmful.
It may be triggered by excitement, pulling on the leash, change in the environment, or exposure to irritants.

Causes of Reverse Sneezing

Common triggers include:

Allergens
Perfume or cleaning chemicals
Dust and household irritants
Sudden weather or environmental changes

Smaller breeds and brachycephalic dogs are especially prone to this condition.

Is Reverse Sneezing Dangerous?

Condition	Severity	Key Features
Reverse Sneezing	Typically harmless	Short-lived, no lasting symptoms; often resolves spontaneously
Tracheal Collapse	Serious	Honking cough, respiratory distress; requires veterinary attention

Reverse sneezing is different from tracheal collapse, which is more serious and produces a distinct “honking” cough. If unsure, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

When to Worry: Signs That Warrant Veterinary Attention

While most sneezing is harmless, certain signs indicate a potential health problem requiring prompt veterinary care:

Persistent, uncontrollable sneezing lasting more than a day
Thick, cloudy, yellow, green, or bloody nasal discharge
Repeated nosebleeds
Facial swelling or pain
Loss of appetite or lethargy
Coughing, gagging, or breathing difficulties
Enlarged lymph nodes or fever

If your dog exhibits these symptoms, especially in combination, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure effective treatment.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Causes of Sneezing

Your veterinarian may use a variety of diagnostic tools to determine the underlying cause:

Physical examination of the nose, mouth, and throat
Rhinoscopy (using a small camera to inspect nasal passages)
Nasal flushing to clear or collect debris
X-rays or advanced imaging (CT/MRI) if tumors or obstructions are suspected
Blood or allergy testing
Swabs for bacterial or fungal cultures

Once the root cause is identified, appropriate treatmentâsuch as antibiotics, antihistamines, anti-parasitic medication, or even minor surgeryâcan be discussed.

What You Can Do at Home

Keep your dog away from smoke, strong fragrances, or dusty environments.
Vacuum and clean your home regularly to minimize allergens.
Discourage digging in dirt or sniffing under hedges if your dog is prone to nasal issues.
Monitor play for signs of over-excitement that could trigger sneezing.
Maintain routine veterinary checkups.

Always consult your veterinarian before administering any over-the-counter allergy or cold medications designed for humans, as these may be toxic for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my dog sneeze when playing?

Dogs often sneeze during play to signal harmless intentions. This “play sneeze” communicates excitement and helps defuse potential misunderstandings during friendly interactions.

Is reverse sneezing painful for my dog?

No, reverse sneezing is not considered painful. While it can look dramatic and distressing, most dogs are unaffected before and after an episode.

What should I do if my dog’s sneeze is bloody?

Contact your veterinarian immediately. Blood in your dog’s sneeze may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as infection, injury, a foreign object, tumor, or severe inflammation.

Can dogs get colds like humans?

Dogs can contract respiratory infectionsâfor example, canine influenza or kennel coughâthat exhibit cold-like symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. They do not catch human colds but can become ill from their own species-specific viruses and bacteria.

How can I tell if my dog’s sneezing is due to allergies?

If your dog’s sneezing is accompanied by itching, watery eyes, or skin irritationâespecially during certain seasonsâit may be allergy-related. A veterinarian can help diagnose allergies and recommend appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Dog sneezing is a normal and often harmless reflex, but persistent or severe sneezing may indicate an underlying medical issue that requires veterinary attention. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing when to seek help, and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help ensure your canine companion breathes easy and stays healthy.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman