My Shorkie suddenly started sneezing a lot - should I be worried?
Answered by our veterinary team
Sudden, repeated sneezing in dogs warrants attention, especially if it comes out of nowhere. Common causes include:
Foreign objects
Grass seeds, small pieces of plant material, and even tiny insects can become lodged in the nasal passage, causing explosive sneezing. This is especially common in dogs that spend time outdoors with their nose close to the ground.
Nasal mites
Pneumonyssoides caninum are microscopic mites that live in the nasal passages. They're contagious between dogs and cause persistent sneezing, discharge, and head shaking.
Allergies (Atopy)
Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mould spores can trigger seasonal or year-round sneezing, often accompanied by itching and watery eyes.
Respiratory infections
Viral (like canine distemper or parainfluenza) or bacterial infections can cause sneezing alongside nasal discharge, lethargy, and reduced appetite.
Nasal polyps or tumours
In older dogs, growths inside the nasal passage can cause persistent one-sided sneezing with bloody discharge.
When to see a vet: If sneezing is accompanied by nasal discharge (especially coloured), nosebleeds, changes in facial symmetry, pawing at the face, or lethargy - book a vet appointment promptly.
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