Is your dog’s sneeze cute or just a little too irritable? Most dog owners will tell you that their pup’s sneeze is endearing, but do you know why dogs sneeze in the first place? Contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t sneeze to get our attention (although we tend to love it when they do).
They have a good reason for it! There are several reasons dogs might sneeze, some of which are pretty common and others rare. So please sit back and explore the most common reasons dogs sneeze!
Also read: Help! My Dog Gets Aggressive at the Vet
Image credit:pixabay.com
Excitement
Dogs sneeze for many reasons, just as humans do. They may sneeze to clear their nasal passage of irritants or due to an allergic reaction. Dogs’ nasal mites may also sneeze when excited, which is perfectly normal behavior.
When a dog is excited, its heart rate increases, and adrenaline is released into the bloodstream. This can cause the dog to pant and produce more saliva than usual. The increased airflow through the dog’s nose can also trigger a sneeze.
While other dogs only sneeze when they are very excited, others may frequently sneeze when they are enjoying themselves. Either way, there is no cause for concern. A dog’s sneezes are usually nothing to worry about.
Respiratory Infection
Respiratory infections are one of the dogs’ most common health problems, often occurring during the cold winter. While many different viruses can cause respiratory disease, the most common is the parainfluenza virus.
This virus is highly contagious and can be passed from dog to dog through coughing and sneezing. Respiratory or nasal infection symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the disease, along with rest and plenty of fluids. Sometimes, your dog may also need to be hospitalized for supportive care. However, the good news is that most dogs recover from respiratory infections without any long-term problems.
Allergies Can Also Cause Dogs To Sneeze
Many people are familiar with the experience of sneezing due to allergies, but did you know that dogs can also suffer from allergies? Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, and other environmental substances.
Allergies can cause various symptoms in dogs, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, allergies can even lead to anaphylactic shock. If you suspect that
If your dog has allergies, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian so that appropriate treatment can be started. With proper care, most dogs with allergies can live happy and healthy lives.
Image credit:pixabay.com
Some Dogs Will Sneeze When They Eat Or Drink Too Fast
When a dog sneezes, it can be because they have something caught in their nose, are excited, or have an allergy. However, some dogs will sneeze when they eat or drink too fast. This is because the air is also caught in their throat and nose when they gulp down their food or water.
The sudden influx of air can cause the delicate tissue in their nose to tickle, resulting in a sneeze. While this may seem like a minor annoyance, it can be quite dangerous for dogs. If they eat or drink too fast, they can inhale their food or water, leading to choking or pneumonia.
As such, monitoring your dog’s eating and drinking habits is essential to ensure that they are doing so safely. If your dog is prone to sneezing when they eat or drink, try giving them smaller meals more often throughout the day or invest in a slow feeder bowl to help them eat more leisurely.
Sudden Changes In The Weather Can Also Make Dogs Sneeze
Sudden changes in the weather aren’t just hard on us humans. They can also be tough on our dogs, causing them to sneeze. While most of us think of sneezing as a way to clear our nasal passages of irritants, for dogs, it’s often a reflexive response to sudden changes in temperature or humidity.
When the weather outside is dry and cold, the air inside your home can be warm and humid. This change in environment can cause your dog’s mucous membranes to swell, triggering a sneeze reflex.
Similarly, if your dog goes from a warm house into the cold outdoors, the sudden temperature change can also cause swelling and sneezing. Sneezing is the body’s way of trying to rid itself of irritants, so if your dog starts sneezing more frequently during sudden changes in the weather, it’s likely because the air is too dry or too cold for their sensitive noses.
If you notice your dog sneezing more during weather changes, try increasing the moisture in the air with a humidifier or giving them a bowl of water to drink from before they go outside. Prevention can go a long way towards keeping your dog comfortable during sudden weather changes.
Also read: Things to Consider Before Surrendering Your Aggressive Dog to a Shelter
Dogs Also Sneeze When They’re Happy, Nervous, Or Stressed
Dogs play sneeze for lots of reasons other than when they have a cold. If you’ve ever been given a good, hard stare by your dog while eating something they want, you may have noticed your dog’s nostrils flare and then…sneeze!
They could be trying to tell you that they’re happy or excited about the prospect of getting some of your food. Dogs Sneezing can also be a sign of stress in dogs. If your dog suddenly sneezes more frequently than average, it’s worth noting if any other changes in their behavior could be causing them stress and leading to sneezing.
Dogs are complex creatures, and their sneezes can be a way of communicating different emotions. The next time your dog sneezes, take a moment to think about what might be causing it.
Image credit:pixabay.com
Conclusion
It appears that dogs play sneezing when they are excited about several reasons. Some of these reasons may be due to the dog trying to release excitement or energy, while others may be due to a response to certain stimuli.
Although more research is needed in this area, we hope this article has provided dog owners with some answers about why their furry friends sneeze so much. Have you ever wondered why your dog always seems to sneeze when he gets excited? Wonder no more! We’ve got the answer for you right here.
