Why Is My Dog Sneezing?

Did your dog wallow in dust or wildflowers?

Does your dog shows any other signs of allergies like itching and scratching, watery eyes, and nasal discharge?

Does your dog shows any other signs of a common cold like nasal discharge, coughing, watery eyes, lethargy, fever, or diminished appetite?

Does your dog shows any other signs of bacterial or fungal infections like thick or bloody discharge, and swelling around the nose?

Dust, pollen, and other small particles can become trapped in a dog's nose or pharynx and irritate them. A dog's nose can also be irritated by perfumes, cigarette smoke, and cleaning chemicals.

Dogs can often suffer from seasonal allergies to various types of pollen. Sneezes resulting from allergies are often accompanied by itching and scratching, watery eyes, and nasal discharge.

Dogs, like people, are susceptible to the common cold and to viral infections that can cause sneezing. A dog suffering from a cold or virus will typically display other signs of illness such as nasal discharge, coughing, watery eyes, lethargy, fever, or diminished appetite.

Bacterial and fungal infections in your dog's sinuses or nasal cavity could make him sneeze. Tooth infections can also work their way up into the nasal cavity. If your dog is sneezing due to an infection, you'll most likely see additional signs such as thick or bloody discharge, swelling around the nose, and possibly appetite loss.

Some dogs sneeze because they're excited or happy to see you. One theory is that they wrinkle their noses when they're excited, which triggers a sneeze response. So, if your dog lets out a series of sneezes every time they greet you at the door, it likely just means they're happy you're home.