Why does my dog get a stuffy nose at night? Here’s What to Expect

What Can You Do if Your Dog Is Congested?

Although congestion is normal in dogs, there are some ways you can help them, especially if they have a cold.

Before you do anything:

  • Consider whether your dog’s age or breed is the result of their congestion.
  • If their weight is the cause, ensure they are on a healthy diet with plenty of playtime and exercise.
  • Take note of any medications you may have recently given them.
  • Schedule them a dental check-up if it’s been a while.
  • Pay attention to the time of year your dog snores. If your dog snores more in the summer, they are likely to experience seasonal allergies.

    What Does Congestion in Dogs Look and Sound Like?

    You will likely hear the congestion in your dog’s nose and airways. They may breathe heavily, very fast, and/or inhale sharply. Sometimes this causes a snoring sound, and at others, a whistling sound.

    Other symptoms include:

  • Unusual and/or aggressive behavior (because your poorly pooch doesn’t feel well);
  • Refusing to eat or drink, or drinking more;
  • Refusing to get up or move around;
  • Not interested in usual much-loved activities, such as fetch or walkies;
  • Sneezing, reverse-sneezing, or snorting;
  • Runny nose and eyes;
  • Constantly scratching or touching the face.
  • As well as seasonal allergies and the common cold, other conditions can cause your poor pooch to sound congested. In some cases, it will be a symptom of something relatively benign and easy/quick to treat; in others, it can be a sign that something more serious is going on.

    Read more: 7 Critical Signs Your Pet Needs Immediate Veterinary Attention

    Dog congestion can be a symptom of the following conditions:

  • Allergies (seasonal or otherwise);
  • Common colds;
  • Tumors of the nasal passage/respiratory system – cancerous and benign;
  • Kennel cough and other bacterial infections;
  • Parvovirus;
  • Canine distemper;
  • Canine influenza (sometimes known as dog flu);
  • Other viral infections;
  • Fungal infections (such as ringworm);
  • Problems with the teeth and/or gums;
  • Heart disease, heartworm, and other heart-related conditions;
  • Pneumonia;
  • Immune system diseases;
  • Foreign object(s) in the nasal passage.
  • All changes to your pet’s behavior or habits should be taken seriously. You know them better than anyone else, so if something seems off or out-of-the-ordinary, have a chat with a vet, either online or in person.

    If you aren’t sure what other symptoms your pet has been displaying, why not consider investing in a interactive pet camera by Petcube? With two-way streaming, two-way audio, full HD, and a one-year warranty, you’ll be able to spot a problem as soon as it arises – and then treat it!

    If you have a newborn puppy that sounds congested, it is vital that you get them checked over by a vet. The conditions associated with this symptom include fungal infections, such as roundworm. If left untreated, roundworm goes on to cause potentially deadly pneumonia.

    Other symptoms of ringworm in puppies (and dogs) are:

  • Diarrhea and vomiting;
  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, sneezing, or snorting;
  • Patches of fur loss, often circle-shaped;
  • Patches of red, irritated, and scaly skin.
  • In case you weren’t aware: ringworm can affect humans, too.

    Parvovirus can also be also deadly when untreated, another condition associated with congestion in puppies and dogs. Kennel cough is another highly contagious disease that could affect puppies newly separated from their mother and siblings.

    Congested Dog: Home Remedy Ideas

    There are things you can do around the home to reduce your dog’s congested breathing, regardless of the cause. Vacuuming regularly, using a filter vacuum, will keep dust, mites, and other allergens to a minimum.

    Have you recently changed the cleaning products you use? Or laundry detergent? How about home fragrances, perfumes and colognes, or even hairsprays? All these things can agitate sensitive doggos, causing congestion, particularly with pampered, mostly indoor breeds. (I’m looking at you, George, the pampered British bulldog, for scratching and sniffling every time I use “cheap” cleaning products on the wooden floor.)

    Opening the windows and letting some fresh air into the house, as well as making sure your pooch gets as much exercise and outdoor time as it needs is important. Overweight dogs will experience a host of problems, including congestion and respiratory conditions.

    If your dog has outdoor-related allergies, however, this might not be the best idea.

    Worried about the cost of vet care for your precious pooch? Why not let Petcube take away some of that stress? The Emergency Fund takes care of worst-case scenarios with your furry family friends, giving you up to $3,000 worth of vet care per year, per pet, for up to six pets.

    It’ll set you back $29 per month – that’s less than $1 per day for complete pet peace of mind! And you’ll also get 24/7 access to qualified, professional vets online, so you can check and make sure it’s a real emergency BEFORE you go rushing to the vet.

    What can I give my dog for congestion?

    It is not recommended to give your dog any kind of over-the-counter medication that you – yourself – would take. Human medications aren’t designed for dogs. There are human allergy medications that are considered safe for dogs, but they aren’t always friendly when paired with other medications, other conditions, or certain dog breeds/types.

    When should I take a dog with chest congestion symptoms to the vet?

    Ideally, you will want to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice ‘new’ symptoms. You shouldn’t leave it any longer than 48 hours before seeking advice. Most benign causes behind congestion in dogs will clear up before that, so a longer bout of it would indicate an underlying problem.

    Are there high-risk congested dog breeds?

    Yes, certain breeds of dogs are prone to suffering from congestion more than others. Short-nosed or flat-nosed breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, experience breathing problems more frequently than others. Congestion can be more dangerous in short/flat-nosed breeds. Share this Article

    Why does my dog get a stuffy nose at night?

    Why does my dog get a stuffy nose at night?

    Why does my dog get a stuffy nose at night?

    How to Relieve a Dog’s Stuffy Nose

    We all know how awful having a plugged-up nose is, and the last thing that you want is to watch your dog struggling with one.

    If your dog has been having difficulty breathing through their nose, there could be several causes, so it’s important to first understand why their nose is clogged up. Is it a cold or allergies? Or is it something else?

    We go over the causes and symptoms of a stuffy nose, how to treat it yourself, and when it’s necessary to take your dog to the vet below.

    Nasal congestion is typically a form of sinusitis, which is the inflammation of the dog’s nasal passages, and rhinitis, which is an inflammation of your pup’s nose. If both the nasal passages and the nose are affected, it is called rhinosinusitis.

    There are several causes of nasal congestion in dogs, some of which are serious, but others can be treated at home.