Does Your Dog Have a Runny Nose? When to Worry and How to Help
Key takeaways:
Dogs can get a runny nose for multiple reasons, such as allergies, a bacterial infection, and canine influenza.
Clearing the air of strong smells like smoke or fragrances may protect your dog’s runny nose from further irritation.
Visit a vet if symptoms last longer than a couple of days or your pup has a bloody discharge from their nose.
Table of contents
Dogs can get runny noses, just as people do. They’re often a symptom of a cold, the flu, or an allergy. If your pet’s nose is dripping, here are tips to help them feel better.
Why is my dog’s nose running?
Here are seven common reasons for a runny nose in dogs.
1. Allergies
Your pup could be allergic to things like dust, mold, and pollen. These allergies can cause nasal drip.
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2. Breed
Flat-faced dogs, like pugs, boxers, and English bulldogs, are prone to a respiratory condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. This condition can lead to nasal discharge.
3. Environmental factors
Your dog’s sniffer may be sensitive to scents such as perfumes, burning candles, or cleaning products. This can cause a dog’s nose to run.
In addition, some dogs with seasonal allergies may experience rhinitis, which can lead to a runny nose. Seasonal allergies are usually triggered by pollen and other airborne allergens.
4. Foreign bodies
A foreign object like a small toy or a blade of grass can get stuck in a dog’s nose and cause nasal drip from one nostril.
5. Kennel cough
A runny nose is common in dogs with canine infectious respiratory disease complex, also known as kennel cough.
6. Infections
Dogs can get sick with viral infections like colds and flu. A viral infection may trigger a secondary bacterial infection with a runny nose or a thick discharge.
Stuffy snouts: Dogs can get congested just as people do. Here’s what you can do for a pup with a stopped-up nose.
Pollen problems: Symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs often include itchy skin. Treating with medications, certain shampoos, and allergy shots can help.
Allergy relief: Benadryl is used off-label in dogs for allergic reactions and allergic skin diseases. Learn more about Benadryl for dogs.
7. Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection in a dog’s teeth and gums. This can cause your dog’s nose to drip, often from one nostril only.
How to treat a dog’s runny nose
There are several treatment options for a runny nose in dogs, but they’re all based on the cause.
“Runny noses can be due to a virus, bacterium, allergies, or other [issues],” Danielle Williams, DVM, DACVECC, a veterinarian at VCA Highlands Ranch Animal Specialty & Emergency Center, told GoodRx Health. “Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A veterinarian may or may not prescribe antivirals, antibiotics, or antihistamines for treatment.”
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If your vet recommends medication, they may prescribe one or more of the following:
Antibiotics: doxycycline, enrofloxacin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Antivirals: famciclovir
Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine
Anti-inflammatories: prednisone, trimeprazine with prednisolone (Temaril-P), carprofen, grapiprant (Galliprant), or meloxicam
Antifungals: itraconazole or ketoconazole
Williams doesn’t recommend over-the-counter cold medications for runny noses in dogs.
“Many medications that we take, like pseudoephedrine for runny noses, are toxic for pets because animals are much more sensitive than humans,” Williams said. Also, avoid giving your pooch acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
Are there at-home remedies to help your dog’s runny nose?
Williams recommended the following tips to help your pet be as comfortable as possible while getting over a runny nose.
Keep the air clear
Dogs are very sensitive to smells. To prevent further irritation of the airways, keep your furry friend away from:
Perfumes
Dusty environments
Strong cleaning solutions, like detergents and degreasers
Remove dry snot and buildup on the nostrils
Gently wipe the area with a clean, warm, moist washcloth once or twice a day.
“This helps clear germs and opens the airway,” Williams said. “But avoid excessive wiping, wiping with dry wipes, or wiping with scented wipes, as they can cause the nose to become chapped and even more irritated.”
Steam up the bathroom
Run a hot shower and place your pet in the room for 5 to 10 minutes a few times a day for a few days. This may help clear the airways and provide comfort. But don’t put your pet in the shower.
Run a cool-mist humidifier
Use a cool-mist humidifier with caution. “They are safer than warm-mist humidifiers,” Williams said. “However, if your dog is able to knock it over, there remains the same risk of possible electrocution if water gets on the cord connected to the electrical outlet.”
When should you be concerned about your dog’s nose dripping?
A drippy nose with clear discharge is usually nothing to worry about. Most likely, it’s a cold or seasonal allergies. You should be concerned only if their symptoms last for a couple of days or if their discharge becomes thick and changes color to yellowish green.
Williams recommended looking out for other troubling symptoms as well.
“If you see blood coming from the nose or if there is nasal discharge in association with anorexia, vomiting, or lethargy, please take your dog to a veterinarian,” she said.
Frequently asked questions
Runny noses in dogs can last from a couple of days to a week or more, depending on what’s causing the symptoms. Take your dog to a vet if a runny nose lasts more than 2 days.
Benadryl is not typically used to treat a runny nose in dogs. Antihistamines like Benadryl can treat some causes of a runny nose. But it’s not the right choice for other common causes of a runny nose, so it may not help your dog.
It’s safer to have a veterinarian flush out a dog’s nose. If you want to try doing it yourself at home, ask a veterinarian for step-by-step instructions before trying it.
The bottom line
Your dog’s nose can drip just as yours can. Colds or allergies are often the cause. You can treat your dog at home by placing them in a steamy bathroom, keeping them away from strong smells, and wiping their nose with a warm, wet cloth. But if their nose is still running after a couple of days, take them to a vet.
A vet can find the underlying cause of their nasal discharge and recommend treatment. And don’t give your pup antihistamines or decongestants made for people. They may be toxic to your dog.
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References
D’Astous, J., et al. (2015). Periodontology: An overview of alveolar bone expansion. The Canadian Veterinary Journal.
Kuehn, N. F. (2024). Rhinitis and sinusitis in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Lundgren, B. (2023). Rhinitis in cats and dogs. Veterinary Partner.
Packer, R. M. A., et al. (2015). Impact of facial conformation on canine health: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. PLoS One.
Zoetis. (2023). Temaril-P- trimeprazine tartrate and prednisolone tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
