Sneezing dogs are common and often cute! Right before a big achhooo, our canine companions scrunch up their noses and squeeze their eyes shut. Dogs sneeze for many reasons, ranging from playful behavior to health concerns.

Like humans, dogs sneeze for a variety of reasons. However, some sneezes are more severe than others.

advertisement

Particles in the air

Most dogs sneeze when they inhale something irritating that’s stuck in their nose. For example, dogs sneeze when they sniff the grass or dig in the dirt.

They may sneeze when they smell something irritating, such as perfume, household cleaners, or dust.

A communication system

Dogs can also communicate with humans and other animals by sneezing. Like a dog’s body language or facial expressions, sneezes are a way to communicate.

A study published in 2017 found that wild African dogs used sneezes to negotiate, influencing collective decision-making.

Dogs constantly communicate through sneezes when they play together.
Occasionally, dogs sneeze to slow down, take a break, or show that they feel comfortable.

Fun and playfulness

It is common for dogs to sneeze when they play with other dogs or humans. “Play sneezing” is something dogs do to show they are excited and having fun. Also, dogs will sneeze to show that their behavior is only playful.

Playing a fun activity also causes dogs to curl their lips. When their lips curl, their nose wrinkles, causing them to sneeze. Rather than coming from the lungs, playful sneezes are short snorts.

Sometimes they’re just being dramatic.

Sometimes dogs “fake sneeze” to get attention or to show interest in playing.

For example, your dog may fake sneeze if they sneeze around mealtime or during regular walks.

Dogs watch you while they sneeze to ensure they’ve got your attention when they fake sneeze. You may even have to deal with them moving closer and sneezing on or near you to ignore them.

advertisement

There are times when a dog’s sneeze means something serious.

A veterinarian should be consulted if your dog is frequently sneezing, experiencing nasal discharges, or appears in pain while sneezing. In addition, observe any unusual behaviors associated with frequent sneezes, such as bleeding or frequent nose pawing.

Sneezing frequently may indicate that something is obstructing the nasal passage and needs to be examined by a veterinarian. Also, because hunting dogs constantly explore the outdoors, they’re more likely to get unusual items stuck up their snouts. So if you have a hunting dog, check their noses daily for twigs or other outdoor fragments that get stuck inside their nose.

Chesty sneezes may indicate a medical condition, such as a cold. Nasal infections or nasal mites may cause rarer cases.

Even though sneezing is usually normal, you should consult your veterinarian if you think there is something wrong.

advertisement