{"id":1938,"date":"2025-04-21T10:15:31","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T15:15:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petmasters.com\/blog\/?p=1938"},"modified":"2025-10-31T10:05:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T15:05:16","slug":"reasons-your-dogs-nose-is-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/reasons-your-dogs-nose-is-running\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Reasons Your Dog’s Nose is Running"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span>Without further ado, let’s get into it!<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergies<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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. <\/span>Like us, our pet dogs can also have allergic reactions. The most common allergies come from pollen, drugs, food, spores, mites, and even chemicals. <\/span>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. <\/span>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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Blockage<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another common reason for a runny nose is a blockage. Discharge may occur when something is stuck in your dog\u2019s nostril. <\/span>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. <\/span>If you’re not comfortable with removing the thing that is blocking your dog\u2019s nose on your own, you can take them to the vet. Moreover, your vet will provide proper medication to prevent any infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Infection<\/b><\/h3>\n

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. <\/span>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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nasal Polyps<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to <\/span>Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a>, Nasal Polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the nasal passages’ lining. They hang down like teardrops and may result from chronic inflammation. <\/span>Runny nose due to such things usually involves surgery. Since this complication tends to reappear, it may need additional treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nostril problems<\/b><\/h3>\n

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. <\/span>For such dogs, surgery may be necessary. However, if your pet is still a puppy, your vet may ask you to wait until adulthood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Canine Distemper<\/b><\/h3>\n

Canine Distemper can produce a sticky and yellowish discharge in dogs. It may likely be an explanation if your dog oozes a yellowish substance. <\/span>Alongside a runny nose, there can also be other symptoms like fever, pneumonia, twitching, and convulsion. <\/span>Such a condition is preventable by getting your pet vaccinated between ages 8-16 weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dog<\/p>\n

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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to <\/span>CDCP<\/span><\/a>, 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. <\/span>The treatment may likely include several weeks of antibiotics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What can I give my dog for a runny nose?<\/b><\/h4>\n

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. <\/span>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\u2019s approval before giving your pet any drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"DogHere are some typical medications to give your pet for a runny nose:<\/span><\/p>\n

Antihistamines<\/b><\/h4>\n

Antihistamines relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. This drug is usually safe for pets. However, it may cause drowsiness and hyper activeness.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to VCA Hospitals, among the <\/span>widely-used antihistamines<\/span><\/a> are:<\/span><\/p>\n