7 Reasons Your Dog’s Nose is Running
While a runny nose isn’t a big deal to us, it can be for our dogs. Smell is a dog’s strongest sense, as they have over 220 million smell receptors in their nose compared to our mere 5 million. That makes their nose about 100,000 times more powerful than ours.
A runny nose can be sign of excitement or anxiety, but it can also be indicative of something more. Understanding the cause of your pup’s runny nose is important to help you determine the best action to help them. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Allergies
Allergies are the primary cause of nasal discharge for dogs. If your pet has a runny nose, this is the first thing you should consider. Like us, our pet dogs can also have allergic reactions. The most common allergies come from pollen, drugs, food, spores, mites, and even chemicals. If your dog’s runny nose is due to an allergy, it may come with other symptoms. You should observe if your dog sneezes, coughs, itches, or has a nosebleed. Your pet may also have eye discharge or experience difficulty breathing. It’s challenging to deal with allergies, especially when you don’t know what your dog is allergic to. For this reason, it would be a good idea to have your pet tested for allergies at your vet.
Blockage
Another common reason for a runny nose is a blockage. Discharge may occur when something is stuck in your dog’s nostril. If your dog’s runny nose is due to a blockage, there may be other signs from your pet like sneezing, nose pawing, and nose bleeding. If you’re not comfortable with removing the thing that is blocking your dog’s nose on your own, you can take them to the vet. Moreover, your vet will provide proper medication to prevent any infection.
Infection
A runny nose can be a sign that your pet suffers from bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. If your dog has a runny nose due to infection, it may include other symptoms like: odor, nosebleed, frequent coughs, and even choking due to postnasal drips. The treatment for infection may vary. A bacterial infection may need antibiotics, fungal infections require unique treatments, and if it’s a chronic infection, your dog might need surgery. As always, consult your vet with questions and concerns.
Nasal Polyps
According to Mayo Clinic, Nasal Polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the nasal passages’ lining. They hang down like teardrops and may result from chronic inflammation. Runny nose due to such things usually involves surgery. Since this complication tends to reappear, it may need additional treatment.
Nostril problems
Nostril problems happen to some dogs more than others. The breeds that are more prone are usually flat-faced breeds. Those with soft and floppy nose cartilage also experience this more than the others. For such dogs, surgery may be necessary. However, if your pet is still a puppy, your vet may ask you to wait until adulthood.
Canine Distemper
Canine Distemper can produce a sticky and yellowish discharge in dogs. It may likely be an explanation if your dog oozes a yellowish substance. Alongside a runny nose, there can also be other symptoms like fever, pneumonia, twitching, and convulsion. Such a condition is preventable by getting your pet vaccinated between ages 8-16 weeks.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
According to CDCP, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial disease caused by an infected tick bite. If your pet’s running nose is due to this RMSF, it may include other symptoms like high fever, lethargy, coughing, eye inflammation, and even pain. The treatment may likely include several weeks of antibiotics.
What can I give my dog for a runny nose?
The current pet market has no shortage of options for runny nose treatment. You can find many remedies to help your pet, including drugs and home remedies. Of course, medication for dogs would be best if it has been recommended by an expert. Thus, it’s always appropriate if you inquire and get your vet’s approval before giving your pet any drug.
Here are some typical medications to give your pet for a runny nose:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. This drug is usually safe for pets. However, it may cause drowsiness and hyper activeness.
According to VCA Hospitals, among the widely-used antihistamines are:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
Corticosteroids
VCA Hospitals also state that corticosteroids are steroid hormones in the adrenal glands. This steroid works in runny noses by suppressing the inflammation due to an allergic response. Using this medication can ease your pet’s running nose and breathing difficulties.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
According to the FDA, anti-inflammatory drugs reduce ongoing pain and inflammation in animals.
The following drugs are safe for your pet:
- Carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl)
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
- Firocoxib (Previcox)
- Meloxicam (Metacam)
Antibiotics
Antibiotics work by destroying the bad cells without damaging your dog’s healthy cells. It’s the most commonly prescribed medication to aid a runny nose.
Common antibiotic medications for dogs are:
- Enrofloxacin (Baytril)
- Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (Clavamox)
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Clindamycin (Antirobe)
As always, the use of any medication for dogs would be better with a vet’s approval or recommendation. This way, your pet will get proper treatment without compromising its health.
Home remedies for your pup’s stuffy nose
If you don’t want to use medication and you would rather soothe your pet’s nose naturally, there are other things you can do at home.
Steam
Steam allows us to breathe better when we’re having nasal problems. The same principle applies to our dogs as well. You can open up a hot shower and let it steam the bathroom for a while. Giving your pet a 15-minute steam break will do them good. Or, you can also use a humidifier to create steam near your dog’s area. You can take it up a notch by adding some essential oils that are perfect for your dog.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy offers great relief, not only for us but for our pets too. Of course, essential oils can be ideal for pets. However, you can consult your vet if you plan on using them.
Essential oils often used to treat colds in dogs include:
- Eucalyptus oil
- Peppermint oil
- Lavender oil
When trying aromatherapy, always remember that your dog has a strong sense of smell. Thus, it would be best not to go overboard with the use of essential oils. Less is more!
Herbs and honey
Herbs and honey go a long way when it comes to soothing a dog’s nose. Herbs like elderflower and kali bichromicum can help relieve cold symptoms. Honey also soothes canine coughs and colds. However, due to its sugar content, it’s only ideal for dogs with no diabetic history.
Chicken Soup
Soup and other fluids also work wonders in aiding your pet’s condition. Of course, they cannot eat the classic soup that we do because it’s high in sodium and other toxic ingredients. If you’re making one without adding seasonings and flavors, you can offer it to help your dog. You can also find and hire clinical pet nutritionists on Petworks, via remote consultations.
Rest
Nothing beats old-fashioned rest. Allowing your pet to sleep and rest more will help them gain strength back. If you have a heated bed, it’s ideal for soothing the congestion your pet may feel. However, it’s not necessary to spend on it. A good long rest is enough to help your pet as it suffers from a runny nose. As owners, we always want the best for our pets. While these five things may seem simple and easy to do, they go a long way.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for a runny nose?
The short answer is yes. You can give your dog Benadryl to relieve its runny nose. Benadryl is an antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms and even counteracts allergic reactions. Although this drug is safe for pets to take, remember that it can cause drowsiness. Also, it can make your pet more hyperactive. It would be ideal to get a recommendation from your vet before giving your dog Benadryl. That way, you can be sure that you are giving your pet the proper medication. Aside from Benadryl, you can also consider other antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine).
Do dogs have a runny nose when they’re scared?
Yes, your dog’s runny nose may be due to fear. When dogs get excited or scared, there is a high possibility that they will have a running nose. As I said earlier, a runny nose can result from many things. It is important to ensure that it is a result of anxiety or excitement. To know this, try to observe your pet’s reaction. If the dripping subsides as your dog calms down, then it’s due to fear or excitement. If this is the case for your pet, then you don’t have to worry about it. The runny nose will pass as soon as your pet calms. However, if your pet continues to have a runny nose, then it would be best to check for other symptoms.
Why is my dog’s mucus green?
A runny nose can be caused by many things. One way to tell is from the color of the mucus that comes out. It will be different from the usual thin, watery, and clear – it may be thick, yellowish, or green. The nasal discharge can either be Serous, Mucous, or Purulent. Serous is the term associated with a watery, thin, and clear nasal discharge. This type of discharge usually comes from an allergy. Mucous is a thick discharge that comes from either yellow or white color. This type usually happens due to inflammation. Lastly, the Purulent, which is green or yellow, usually comes from a bacterial infection. If your pet’s runny nose releases green discharge, it may be a good time to consult your vet.
Why is my dog shaking (and has a runny nose)?
If your dog continues shaking while having a running nose, it may be due to Canine Distemper. According to Forever Vets, such a condition comes from a virus called Distemper. It happens mostly to young dogs and puppies that have not been vaccinated. The virus can cause flu-like symptoms, one being a runny nose. Also, it can cause tremors, which is why your dog may be shaking. To prevent such, take your dog to a vet within 8-16 weeks and have it vaccinated. It’s the best way to avoid a canine distemper.
How do I clean my dog’s boogers?
If you want to clean your dog’s nose, the best method is steaming. The steam from a hot shower creates the best relief, and it will help you to clean up your dog’s nose. Here are some steps you need to follow:
Build up the steam
You’ll need a lot of steam to help your pet’s nose. In your bathroom, let the hot shower run and close the vents. This way, you’ll make more steam that will make the bathroom better for your dog. The steam will help loosen the mucus and booger in his nostrils. It will then be easier for you to clean.
Massage your pet’s nose
Massaging your pet’s nose afterward can help to loosen the mucus. This action will help relieve any irritation for your pet.
Use a suction bulb
Use a baby nasal suction bulb. Insert the tip into the nostril and gently suck the mucus out.
Repeat it until the nose is clear from boogers. It will be easy to suck due to the massage and steam.
Wipe with a warm and moist cloth
A hot and steamed towel works best. The warmth and moisture it brings are ideal for cleaning your pet’s nose.
Summary
A runny nose can happen to any dog at any time. Even if your dog is very healthy and active, it may catch a cold and experience a runny nose. When this happens, you don’t have to worry too much, as there is always something you can do to help your dog.
As owners, we have to know what can harm our pets. By knowing the cause, you can understand and take appropriate action to relieve your dog.
Note: if you have serious concerns about any of your dog’s symptoms, it’s best to notify your vet immediately.
About the Author
Ales grew up on a small family farm near Prague. He has always been surrounded by animals, including rabbits, cows, pigs, chickens, birds, guinea pigs, and more since he was a child. He now lives with his dog and cat and writes a blog about animals. You can read more of Ales’ articles about pets on his blog Animal Fate.
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
How Do You Help A Dog Lose Weight
How Do You Help a Dog Lose Weight? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Canine Weight Loss. Obesity in dogs is a growing concern that affects millions of pets worldwide. Just like humans, carrying excess weight can lead to serious health problems for dogs, including joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, decreased stamina, and a shortened lifespan. Helping your dog lose weight isn’t about quick fixes or crash diets. It’s about making sustainable, healthy changes that support their long-term wellbeing. If you’re wondering how to help your dog shed those extra pounds safely and effectively, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started. (more…)
What Do Ticks Look Like on Dogs?
What Ticks Look Like on Dogs: Spotting, Identifying, and Handling Tick Bites. Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to the skin of dogs and other animals. Not only are they unpleasant, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases. Whether you live in a wooded area or frequent grassy parks, it’s essential to recognize what ticks look like on dogs, understand the health risks they pose, and know how to remove them safely.
Easy DIY Pet Wellness Assessment
Pet Wellness. As good pet parents, we continually do everything we can to make sure our beloved pets are happy and thriving. However, how do we really know whether our animals are healthy? Sadly, it’s become true that people often think their dogs and cats are in a state of health when really they aren’t.
However, because the signs that their bodies are not operating at an optimal level, indicators like skin allergies; a dry or dull coat; bad breath; tooth decay; smelly, soft, and excessive poop; and obesity; to name just a few, are so common, we don’t even blink anymore when our pets experience them. Further, when our pets are young, they may seem to be healthy, but there is a breaking point (which is different for each animal) that they experience where their bodies can no longer handle the toxins that are being flooded into their systems, and they present with disease, illness, and/or chronic pain. In this post, we explore this topic by going over some of the ways you can do a wellness assessment on your dog or cat, to ensure that they are in optimal health. This is a helpful exercise to get in the habit of doing on a regular basis, and to do no matter how you feed your pets or whether you choose to apply traditional preventives (such as flea and tick treatments or heartworm medication) or not. My point is that every single animal should exhibit wellness in all of the following areas, and if they don’t, you need to adjust something to help them rebalance and come back to a state where they can thrive.
Animal Homeostasis
Remember, our animals are not machines. Their bodies are continually working to maintain homeostasis, or balance. That balance is affected by every single thing that goes into their bodies, the food they eat, the pesticides on the grass they run through, the preventives that they receive. As well as things like their quality of sleep, the amount of exercise they get, their owner’s mood, and so on. What this means is that you must continually attend to the clues your dog or cat is giving you to determine whether they are thriving or if something needs to be tweaked. It doesn’t have to be a daunting task, either. Once you are in the habit of regularly looking at them, noticing their energy level, and paying attention to what they feel like when you pet them, you will find that you are doing these mini “Wellness assessments” every day. In fact, it will become so second nature that you won’t even notice you’re doing it, but you will notice if something is a bit “off” and you need to help your dog or cat rebalance.
So, what should you start training yourself to look for and notice? Remember that you know your pet better than anyone else, and pay attention to your intuition if something just doesn’t seem right. Beyond that, though, there are some good indicators to be able to tell if your pet is thriving. These are especially useful if you are new to thinking this way, and maybe have a pet that has some of the common issues we frequently see crop up in our companion animals. If that’s the case, you may be so used to these issues that your brain doesn’t notice them anymore, so when you start looking at your pet to really assess their wellness, step back a bit and practice looking at them objectively.
Coat
A dog or cat that is thriving should have a shiny, soft coat. When you pet them, you shouldn’t come away with an excess of oily residue on your hands.
While they will still shed according to the dictates of their species and breed, the shedding is usually reduced. The skin will be supple and in good condition, and it will be free from hot spots, allergies, and excessive itchiness.
Eyes
When a dog or cat is in optimal health, its eyes are clear and bright. No matter what breed your dog or cat is, and whether they are a purebred or a mix of many breeds, their eyes should not be weepy or runny.
Parasites
A dog or cat with a strong, balanced immune system doesn’t suffer from flea and tick infestations, even when you don’t use conventional flea and tick preventives (such as Frontline). While they may pick up a flea or tick every once in a while, particularly in areas where those insects abound, it never gets out of balance.
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Body Condition/Weight
A dog or cat that is at the peak of health is lean and muscular. When you look down at them from above, you should be able to see a narrowing in their waist. When you touch them, you should be able to easily feel their ribs. Additionally, they don’t have excess fat on their chest or back.
Oral Health
A healthy, vital dog or cat’s teeth are sparkling white and clean, and they don’t have bad breath. The gums are not excessively red or inflamed, and there isn’t a buildup of plaque or tartar.
Odor
A dog or cat that is balanced and thriving doesn’t have a strong odor—in fact, they don’t have much, if any, smell at all!
Stool and Anal Glands
A thriving dog or cat has small, dense, compact stools, and they move their bowels less frequently than an animal that isn’t thriving. Because they have to strain a bit to defecate, their anal glands are kept clean, clear, and in good working order, without frequent trips to the vet or groomer to have their anal glands cleared.
Behavior
Dogs and cats that are truly healthy are neither lethargic nor hyperactive, but instead have an appropriate amount of energy for their species, breed, age, and individual character.
Mental Ability
Healthy, thriving dogs and cats have incredible mental capabilities. Their brains can function at their optimal level, right along with their bodies and their spirits, which means they are extraordinarily perceptive and able to focus.
Endurance
When dogs and cats are properly supported, they have lots of endurance within the parameters of their individual and breed characteristics. This is especially nice for performance animals, such as dogs that are used for agility, showing, and hunting.
Aging
Dogs and cats that are flourishing do so even when they’re what society terms “senior”—9, 10, 11, or 12 for dogs (and in fact, well beyond those ages), and 14, 15, or 16 (or more!) for cats! They still have energy, are mentally sharp, and exhibit all the other qualities of a thriving animal.
Assess Pet Wellness
Take some time to really assess your pet each day, until it becomes habit. Remember, you know them best, and there are lots of ways to check to make sure that they are thriving. These are some of the biggest ones, and once your pet is thriving, you will notice big changes in all of these areas, no matter what age, breed, species, or gender they are. And regularly seek visits to your vet, to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy.
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Kristin Clark started Canine Health Promotion so she could help dogs thrive. Serving clients whose dogs range from top performance dogs to beloved family pets, Kristin is passionate about helping all dogs live their best lives. She truly understands this journey, because she walks it herself every single day. With four dogs of her own, she knows just how hard it can be to find help for health issues using conventional means. Kristin is board certified by the American Council of Animal Naturopathy as a Carnivore Nutrition Consultant and a Small Animal Naturopath, and devotes a great deal of time to researching how best to help dogs live their optimal lives. Kristin also writes for, edits, and publishes Raw Pet Digest, an international online magazine devoted to helping dogs and cats live and thrive naturally.
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
Holistic Health Professions: Pet Massage Therapy
Pet Massage Therapy. In the first of our four-part series on luxurious pet services, we delve into the world of pet massage therapy–what it is, why it’s important, and tips for pet parents considering massage therapy for their furry friend – by Caroline Wilson, owner/head editor & writer of /redpen.
We’ve all been there. Sore and exhausted after exercise, stressed after a long week of work, or just drained. Maybe your feet are killing you after a day of walking, or your shoulders and back ache from sitting at your desk all day. Regardless of the source, we’ve all felt pain, and I’m sure we’ve all wanted a massage at one point for said pain. Well, our pets apparently feel the same way–and there are pet massage therapists to help them.
I always thought that just petting dogs and cats was technically a massage, but pet massage therapy is far more than the gentle patting on the head you give Rover after he fetches his ball. It’s a serious profession–just like that of a human massage therapist. The animals that receive these treatments are most commonly dogs, cats, and horses. These services are growing in popularity, and for good reason. With rates as low as $35 per hour in some cases, you can give your best friend more than just a little pampering session.
Animal Massage Care
Massages provide as many benefits to our furry friends as they do to humans. Animals, like us, develop stiffness in their joints from aging or inactivity, which leads to arthritis. They also experience soreness from exertion in the same way we do. “Since animals can’t speak to us in the language we use to speak to each other, holistic healing touch is the next best thing we can implement as a form of communication” says Alexis Justman, a certified canine massage therapist from Sugar Muzzles (an LA-based company specializing in dog massages). Regular massage therapy throughout your pet’s life can help alleviate those pains. Like any human massage, they can also improve body function (for example, massages can increase flexibility and good blood circulation) and boost moods while indulging your pet.
Justman doesn’t consider hers to be a luxury pet service. Her hope is that massages “will be accessible to all pets from all walks of life, and pet parents will find a way to integrate massage into their animal’s wellness routine.” Her practice focuses on “underdogs”–homeless, elderly canines that suffer or have suffered from illness or abuse. She says that these dogs are those who need it the most.
The Massage Process
So what goes into animal massage? Surprising, a lot-comparable to that of a human massage. The process starts with intake paperwork (an overview of your critter’s medical history). Many therapists also meet their clients before the session to set up a bond with the animal. The massage begins with some petting in the areas they’re going to be focusing on in order to warm up the muscles. After that, the therapist will practice a variety of techniques specific to your pet. For example, a therapist working a cat might perform a “voice massage”, repeating a comforting phrase to the feline in order to relax her. Horse massages will often include an ear rub to relieve tension. These techniques, along with others, are known to elicit positive responses from the animals in question. Most therapists will also teach you a few moves so that you can also ease your pet’s tension in between sessions.
However, not everyone loves massages, and similarly, neither will all pets. Some dogs and cats may be more skittish than others, and in that case, a massage might do more harm than good. It’s imperative to make sure your pets are comfortable with receiving a massage. In addition, animals with certain medical conditions might feel more pain than pleasure from a massage session.
Licensed Care
It’s also important to make sure that your critters are in the hands of a qualified animal masseuse, the definition of which varies from state to state. Some states only allow veterinarians to practice animal massage therapy, but then again, some states don’t even regulate licensing in human massage therapists. Justman’s 200-hour certification process, which took place at the Ojai School of Canine Massage, was very thorough, requiring rigorous training, studying, exams, thesis presentation, and logged hours of application and practice. California is one of the states that doesn’t limit the practicing of animal massage to veterinarians, which makes the service a common one in the LA area.
“People [in LA] tend to be more open-minded and willing to explore alternative and holistic care to either replace or supplement their existing wellness routine” says Justman on the popularity of her services in her location. The growing presence of mindfulness in health has also contributed to pet massages becoming a more common practice.
Did you find this article useful? Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free Petworks account, and take 10% off your first booking, on us!
If you’re considering booking a massage session for your pet, make sure that you contact a reputable therapist. The Petworks pet care services platform has tons of options for you and your furry friend.
In our next article, we’ll be talking about pet event planners and how throwing puppy parties are beneficial to your pet and you.
About our professional:
Alexis Justman is a certified canine massage therapist based in Los Angeles, California. After helping one of her foster dogs battle cancer with various alternative and holistic methods of care, she wanted to give relief to senior dogs in pain. That’s how she found the Ojai School of Canine Massage, a well-recognized program established in 1999. In 2016, Justman received her certification and founded Sugar Muzzles. She works with “underdogs”–homeless, elderly canines that suffer or have suffered from illness or abuse. She encourages all pet parents to consider bringing elderly rescues into their lives–they need and give love the most.
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
