Foreign Bodies
If your dog sheds, you probably know what its like to get dog hair up your nose. That uncomfortable tickle also happens to dogs when they inhale a foreign object, like a blade of grass or a foxtail burr. The object can go up their nose and get stuck in their nasal cavity.
Sneezing typically expels the foreign object so your dog can go about its day. However, in rare cases, a foreign body may get lodged in your dogs nasal cavity, and your vet will need to remove it. If your dog experiences nosebleeds or is frequently pawing at the nose, make an appointment with your DVM.
Fungal Infections
If your dog develops a fungal infection in its nose, it can cause sneezing. A fungal infection develops when a dog inhales a fungus — usually, the Aspergillus fungus — that is floating in the air or growing on dead leaves, grass, or grain particles. Most dogs’ immune systems can fight off the fungus before it leads to an infection, but if your dog is immunocompromised, theyre at greater risk of infection.
This fungus affects the upper respiratory tract and will lead to nasal discharge (frequently from just one nostril) that has a strong odor. It can also cause nose bleeds, and you may notice your dog frequently pawing at its nose. If you see any of these symptoms, call your vet. Left untreated, a fungal infection can damage the bone structure around your dogs sinuses.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is an extremely serious and often fatal condition. However, most dogs are vaccinated against it. Puppies younger than four months and other unvaccinated dogs will be most susceptible.
This viral infection can spread quickly from dog to dog or from other wildlife to dog. When an infected animal coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and can infect nearby animals. Sharing a food or water bowl with an infected animal can also spread the disease.
There is no cure for canine distemper. However, if you spot it early, your vet can offer supportive care and help prevent a secondary infection, which will improve your dogs chances of recovery. If your dog has nasal discharge, a cough, a fever, vomiting, or symptoms related to the nervous system like muscle twitches, convulsions, seizures, or partial paralysis, isolate them from other animals and contact your vet immediately.