My Dog's Runny Nose: Unraveling the Causes from Common Ailments
Dec 10,2024 | puaintapets
A runny nose in dogs can be concerning for pet owners. While a dog’s moist nose is normal, excessive nasal discharge may indicate an underlying issue. This article explores the possible causes of a dog’s runny nose, how to identify serious symptoms, and steps you can take to help your furry friend.
Why Is My Dog’s Nose Running?
I. Normal physiological phenomenon
- Nasal Cleaning
The nasal cavity of puppies will secrete a small amount of mucus, which is a normal physiological mechanism used to keep the nasal cavity moist and help capture and remove dust, bacteria and other foreign matter.
II. Environmental factors
- Temperature change
When a puppy suddenly goes from a warm room to a cold outdoor area, or vice versa, the nasal mucosa is stimulated by temperature, which may lead to a runny nose. For example, if you take your puppy outside on a cold morning, his nose may run quickly.
- Irritants
If your puppy is in an environment with a lot of dust, pollen, chemical fumes, and other irritants, these substances can irritate the nasal mucosa and cause a runny nose when they enter the nasal cavity. For example, when cleaning the room raised a lot of dust, the puppy in the side will be easily affected.
III. Disease factors
1. Colds
Caused by viral or bacterial infections. In addition to a runny nose, symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, lack of energy and loss of appetite may also occur. Puppies may contract colds from catching a cold, such as sleeping in a cold, damp place, or coming into contact with a sick animal.
Related: Dog Coughing and Sneezing: Cause and Treatment
2. Rhinitis
Rhinitis can be caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections of the nasal passages. A puppy with rhinitis will have a chronically runny nose, which may go from clear to thick, and may be accompanied by nasal odor and sneezing.
3. Canine distemper
This is a dangerous viral disease. In addition to a runny nose, it is usually accompanied by fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and thickened foot pads. Unvaccinated puppies are at greater risk of contracting canine distemper.
4. Allergic reactions
Puppies may be allergic to foods (e.g., certain grains, meats), medications, and substances in the environment (e.g., mites, certain plants). An allergic reaction causes congestion of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and secretion of mucus, which results in a runny nose.
5. Dental problems
When a puppy has severe dental disease, such as an abscessed tooth root, the inflammation may spread to the nasal passages, causing a runny nose, which may be accompanied by bad breath and difficulty chewing.
If your puppy's runny nose persists for a long period of time or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms such as fever and difficulty breathing, it is advisable to take him to the veterinarian promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Cold?
To determine whether your dog really has a cold, you can start from the following aspects.
I. Symptom Observation
1. Nasal symptoms
Dogs with colds usually have a runny nose, which may start out as clear nasal water and may become thick as the condition develops. However, it is important to distinguish this from other causes of a runny nose, such as environmental irritants or allergies that may also cause a runny nose.
- Stuffy Nose
Dogs may experience nasal congestion and may snort when breathing or frequently scratch their nose with their paws in an attempt to relieve the discomfort of nasal congestion.
2. Respiratory Symptoms
- Coughing
This is one of the common symptoms of a cold in dogs. The cough may be dry or accompanied by phlegm. The frequency and severity of coughing will vary depending on the individual and the condition.
- Sneezing
Frequent sneezing is also a sign of a cold. If your dog sneezes several times in a short period of time, especially in an environment with no obvious irritants, he may have a cold.
3. Systemic symptoms
- Fever
A normal dog's body temperature is between 38 - 39℃. If your dog has a cold, he may have a fever, which can be determined by using a thermometer to measure your dog's rectal temperature. Temperatures above 39.5°C require special attention.
Also Read: How to Tell If Dog Has Fever Without Thermometer
- Mental State
Dogs with colds usually show depressed spirits and are not as active as usual. They may find a quiet corner to lie down and show less interest in things around them.
- Decreased Appetite
Dogs often experience a loss of appetite when they have a cold. They may not be interested in their usual favorite foods either, and their food intake is significantly reduced.
II. History inquiry
1. Recent contact history
If the dog has recently been exposed to animals with colds or other respiratory illnesses, the likelihood of it contracting a cold increases. For example, contact with a sick dog at a pet party or boarding facility.
2. History of environmental changes
Find out if the dog has recently experienced any sudden changes in the environment, such as a sudden drop in temperature, damp and cold living conditions, or prolonged air-conditioning, all of which can lead to a cold.
If you suspect that your dog has a cold through the above observations and understanding, it is best to take your dog to the veterinarian for further diagnosis and treatment.
What to Do If Your Dog Has a Runny Nose from a Cold?
If your dog has a cold and runny nose, you can follow the steps below to deal with it.
I. Home Care
- Measures to keep warm
Create a warm and comfortable resting environment for your dog. You can put thick blankets or mats inside the kennel, and place the kennel in a wind-sheltered and warm place, such as a warm corner indoors. If the weather is cold, you can also use a pet-specific heating pad, but pay attention to the temperature and the safety of use to prevent scalding the dog.
- Stay hydrated
Make sure your dog has clean, fresh drinking water at all times. Adequate hydration will help dilute phlegm and nasal secretions and ease your dog's discomfort. If your dog is less motivated to drink, you can use a syringe or small spoon to feed water in small amounts and several times.
- Adjust the diet
Provide nutritious and easily digestible food. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as fresh fruits (e.g. apple puree, but remove the core) or vegetables (e.g. carrot puree) can be added appropriately to help strengthen your dog's immunity. Avoid feeding greasy, spicy or stimulating food to your dog, so as not to aggravate the burden on the stomach and intestines. If your dog has a poor appetite, eat smaller meals.
II. Symptom monitoring
- Observe changes in symptoms
Pay close attention to the dog's runny nose to see whether it is watery or purulent, whether it is accompanied by coughing, sneezing, fever (normal dog body temperature is 38 - 39 ℃, can be judged by touching the dog's abdomen or ear root to determine whether it is hot or not, but also can be used to measure the temperature of the rectum with a thermometer), depression, loss of appetite and other symptoms. If the symptoms are mild and gradually reduce, you can continue home care.
- Measuring Body Temperature
Measure your dog's rectal temperature 1 - 2 times a day. If the temperature exceeds 39.5℃, special attention is needed and it may be a sign of aggravation of infection.
III. Medication (under the guidance of veterinarian)
- Use pet-specific cold medicine
If the dog simply has a cold, you can use pet-specific cold medicine. Give the medicine accurately according to the dosage on the instruction manual and do not increase or decrease the dosage at will. For example, certain cold remedies can relieve your dog's runny nose and sneezing.
- Antibiotics (if necessary)
Antibiotics may be necessary if your dog's runny nose symptoms last for a long time and are accompanied by signs of bacterial infection such as purulent nasal discharge. However, antibiotics must be used under the diagnosis and guidance of a veterinarian, and you should not give human antibiotics to your dog on your own, as the safety and effectiveness of different types of antibiotics for dogs varies greatly.
IV. Seek medical attention in time
- Symptoms are severe or persistently unrelieved
If your dog's symptoms do not improve within 2 - 3 days, or if there are other serious symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, high fever that does not go away (temperature over 40°C), vomiting, diarrhea, etc., you should take your dog to a veterinary hospital immediately for examination and treatment.
- Special circumstances
Puppies, elderly dogs or dogs with other diseases themselves (such as heart disease, diabetes, etc.) should also seek medical attention as soon as they catch a cold with a runny nose because their body resistance is weaker and they are more prone to complications.
How to Put Snot on Your Dog's Nose?
I. Preparation of supplies
- Soft, damp cloths or tissues
Preferably unscented, non-irritating products to avoid additional irritation to your dog's nasal and respiratory tract. For example, you can use baby wipes or soft cotton towels dipped in warm water.
II. Operation Steps
- Soothe the dog
Before wiping, speak softly to your dog and gently stroke its head, neck and other parts to relax it. This helps to reduce the dog's resistance.
- Wipe gently
Using a prepared damp cloth or tissue, gently press it around your dog's nose and then slowly wipe away the snot. If the snot is dry and clumpy, leave the wet cloth or tissue on the nose for a little while to soften the snot before wiping. Pay attention to the direction of wiping, usually from the root of the nose to the tip of the nose, and move gently to avoid damaging the mucous membrane of the dog's nasal cavity.
- Cleaning locally
If there is a lot of snot, it may stain the hair around your dog's face. After wiping off the snot, you can use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe the soiled hair area again to keep your dog's face clean.
- Dispose of used items in a timely manner
Dispose of used tissues or wet cloths properly to prevent your dog from coming into contact with germy items again. If your dog has a runny nose because he is sick, dispose of these items in a sanitary manner to prevent the spread of germs.
When to See a Vet
While mild cases of a runny nose may resolve on their own, certain symptoms require immediate attention:
- Persistent or worsening nasal discharge.
- Yellow, green, or bloody mucus.
- Labored breathing or wheezing.
- Swollen face or nose.
- Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
FAQs
Conclusion
A dog’s runny nose can result from various causes, ranging from harmless irritants to serious medical conditions. Understanding the underlying issue is key to providing the right care. Monitor your dog’s symptoms closely and consult a veterinarian if the nasal discharge persists or is accompanied by other concerning signs. By addressing the problem early, you can ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. Share this guide with fellow pet owners to help them understand what a runny nose in dogs might mean!