Play sneezing is a response that can be a signal to you that your puppy thinks it’s time to play, or that your dog is excited about something. For example: going for a walk

However, there are a variety of reasons why dogs sneeze, from amusing behavior to significant medical problems.

Reasons for Dog Sneeze

Irritation in the Nose

The primary cause of sneezing in dogs (and people) is irritation of the inside of the nose, such as pollen from seasonal pet allergies.

When irritants or foreign objects enter their noses, dogs will sneeze. Sometimes they will smell perfume, household products, and detergents, as well as the smell of dust, which makes them sneeze.

Just as they wag their tails or show other physical signs of playfulness or arousal, a sneeze can also be a sign that your dog has something stuck in his nose, such as a blade of grass, dirt, or a leaf.

Accidental sneezing is most likely caused by irritants in the air, but if sneezing gets more frequent it could be a sign that your dog has an infection, allergies, or something stuck in its nose.

Cough Is to Blame

A common cause of sneezing in a healthy dog ​​is an infectious cough (infectious tracheal bronchitis), which can sometimes present with sneezing and watery nasal discharge, even a dry, suffocating cough.

 Dogs with a conical cough may sneeze or have a runny nose, but they usually have a characteristic persistent cough that looks more like something stuck in their throat or a goose buzzing.

 If your dog has a tapered cough, you will likely also notice a persistent dry cough that can almost sound like a goose’s whistle. If sneezing occurs on its own without coughing, your dog most likely does not have a conical cough.

Communication

Dogs sometimes use sneezing as a “sedation signal” for other dogs. Dogs also use sneezing as a “calm signal” to indicate that they need to slow down, take a break, or express satisfaction with what is happening. This kind of “sneezing” is normal, and dogs use it to show that they are excited and enjoy it.

Goofiness

When playing with other dogs or humans, many dogs enjoy sneezing. This type of “play sneezing” is common among dogs, and it’s a way for them to express that they’re excited and having a good time. Play sneezing is also used by dogs to demonstrate that their conduct is purely lighthearted.

When dogs are engaged in a joyful activity, their lips curve as well. This lip curl results in a wrinkled nose, which can lead them to sneeze. Sneezes that are playful are usually quick snort that comes from the nose rather than the lungs.:

Grabbing Your Attention

Dogs would occasionally act as though they were sneezing to get people’s attention or to demonstrate that they wanted to play.

If your dog sneezes frequently or around lunchtime, they’re probably mimicking a cold to get what they want.

When a dog imitates sneezing, they usually gaze at you while sneezing to make sure you’re interested in what they’re doing. They may also follow you and sneeze on or beside you, making you unable to overlook them.

Infections

Itchy faces, back sneezing, runny noses, and bloody noses are all symptoms of nose mite infestation in dogs. Nasal mites, which could also induce sneezing and nasal discharge in dogs, are also a possibility.

On rare occasions, some older dogs may develop swelling in the nasal passage, causing irritation, leading to sneezing and nosebleeds.

Sneezing is a common symptom of these diseases, which are typically accompanied by discomfort, nosebleeds, and a creamy or greenish nasal discharge. While people sneeze from allergies, colds, sinus problems, and even an itchy nose due to dust or dryness, dogs are more likely to respond to these ailments through their skin.

Allergies

Dogs may suffer from seasonal allergies, usually accompanied by itching, scratching, sometimes runny or runny nose, and sometimes sneezing. Dogs can be allergic to anything, including pollen, dust, mold, and human hair, believe it or not. In addition to sneezing, allergens can also cause itching, runny nose, tearing, and even coughing.

When Is Dog Sneezing a Serious Issue?

If your dog sneezes due to an infection, you are more likely to see other signs, such as sticky or bloody discharge, swelling around the nose, and possible loss of appetite.

Sometimes a dog’s sneezing can be a more serious sign, including a tooth infection or swelling of the nose.

Any irritation, swelling, or obstruction in your dog’s mouth, throat, or nose can cause the dog to have a strange sound known as reverse sneezing. This causes the dog to wrinkle his nose very sensitively, which can cause tickling, which the body interprets as a signal to sneeze.

Reverse sneezing can be diagnosed simply by observing the dog during the attack, with the characteristic appearance and sounds of reverse sneezing. Depending on your narrative, a veterinarian may predict a reverse sneeze, and if you can film a brief film on your phone to send to the veterinarian, this can assist confirm the diagnosis.

You should see your veterinarian if, in addition to sneezing, they cause itching or irritation of your dog’s skin. There are times when sneezing could be a sign of something more serious or life-threatening, like shortness of breath or something that is blocking your nose, and now is the time to take action and call your veterinarian.

If your dog seems concerned, constantly sneezes, or sneezes intermittently for an abnormal period, this could be a sign that something is wrong, in which case it may be necessary to seek a veterinarian.

Final Thoughts

There isn’t a good way to stop your dog from sneezing unless they are sick or allergic to anything in the environment.

 If your dog starts sneezing more often than usual, you just need to take him to the vet to make sure he is not sick or suffering from nasal mites. If sneezing becomes frequent and your dog has watery eyes, a runny nose, and/or poor appetite, you may want to check with your veterinarian.