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.
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Grapes and Raisins: These can cause kidney damage, kidney failure and even death. While not every pet will react the same way, it is best to avoid them.
Artificial Sweeteners: Xylitol, a popular sweetener found in gum, candy and even some diet versions of peanut butter, is deadly. It can causing insulin spikes and drops in blood sugar resulting in seizures, shock and eventual death. Some low fat peanut butters even contain xylitol so be sure to read labels well. Be extra cautious leaving items that contain it in reach of your pet.
Garlic: While controversial because of the possible health benefits for dogs, Garlic has been known to have severe consequences for pets. It can cause the liver to recognize red blood cells as damaged, resulting in anemia, lethargy, difficulty breathing and even death.
Avocados: Avocados are safe for dogs but toxic to birds, cows, sheep, horses and goats. Birds show signs of difficulty breathing and swelling while cattle, sheep, horses and goats can have digestive problems and breast infections from ingestion.
Chocolate: The chemical theobromine is the culprit in chocolate that causes many problems for pets. The darker and purer the chocolate, like baker’s chocolate for example, the higher the level of theobromine. It causes hyperactivity, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures and sometimes death.
Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, tea and soda containing caffeine are toxic for your pet and her pet nutrition. Large doses cause heart arrhythmias, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and even coma.
Bacon and Ham: High in fat, bacon and ham can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be very serious and lead to hospitalization.
Cooked Bones: Surprisingly, cooked bones are NOT good for your pet and her pet nutrition. They splinter easily and can puncture the gastrointestinal tract causing peritonitis. The only solution is surgery. If you must feed bones to your pet, feed raw bones. They are available at many local grocery stores from the meat department.
Pitted Fruits: The pits in fruits such as peaches, plums and nectarines contain the poison cyanide. They are also the perfect size for getting lodged in the gastro intestinal tract.
Rhubarb: The leaves of the rhubarb plant can cause a drop in blood calcium levels. This results in salivation, tremors, lethargy, loss of appetite and possibly kidney failure.
Macadamia Nuts: An unknown toxin in macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, fever and lethargy.
Onions: Onions contain a chemical called thiosulphate. Thiosulphate causes red blood cells to burst, resulting in hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic Anemia shows up after a few days with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, breathlessness, lethargy and sometimes even death.
Sugar: Sugary, high fat sweets are never good for your pet. They can cause pancreatitis and particularly in dogs, lead to diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain.
Raw Fish: Raw fish has been known to cause a Vitamin B deficiency in pets. This deficiency could result in seizures. Fish that are most toxic include salmon and trout. Some fish, like salmon, can also carry parasites that can be deadly if not treated properly.
Raw Meat: While controversial, raw meat can be dangerous if infected with bacteria such as e. coli, or salmonella. If you feed raw meat to your pets, get the highest quality possible to avoid infection.
Dairy Products: After puppyhood, most dogs can no longer digest dairy, being lactose intolerant. Too much milk can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Cheese has less lactose than milk so small bites are tolerable to most pets.
Did you find this article about pet food safety, 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!
The Bottom Line On Pet Food Safety
While it’s tempting to share our treats with our pets, think twice about what you are putting in their mouth. What is delicious to us could be deadly for them.
If you want to go the extra mile and hire a professional, you can book a clinical pet nutritionist on Petworks. Dozens of top nutritionists throughout the United States are available to help your beloved pets get and stay healthy.
About the Author: Cyndie Anderson, Owner and Chief Pet Lover at Pooch Pros Pet Care Services LLC
Originally from the Shenandoah Valley, I have been in Northern Virginia for 21 years. I left the corporate world in 2000 to stay at home with my two stepdaughters. After becoming an empty nester I went back to work in retail part time. Once I had done that for about a year I felt like I wanted to do something different. There are two things I am really passionate about: music and dogs. I decided to take my love for dogs and start Pooch Pros Pet Care Services. Having previously worked for a pet sitting service, I knew this would be a perfect fit for me. I now employ 5 independent contractors and we service 45 customers. Mama to two fur babies: Target, a 14-year-old mixed breed and Jeeves, a 9-year-old Maltese.
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.