Dogs & Stuffy Noses 

We often wonder if dogs must overcome some of the same ailments and illnesses that humans go through. One of the most common conditions that puts a damper on humans is a stuffy nose. This is the result of the form of a cold or even allergies. Is your dog susceptible to getting a blocked nose? The answer is yes! Although this may be looked at as a human ailment, your dog can also contract a stuffy nose and suffer some of the same issues that come with it.

You may be wondering how to know if your dog has a stuffy nose. Interesting fact: the medical term for a canine’s blocked nose is “rhinitis and sinusitis”. There are certain symptoms to look for if you are concerned about your dog having a stuffy nose. For example, are they sneezing more frequently? Do you notice any visible mucus discharge from their nose? Has their appetite decreased?

There are many things that may cause rhinitis and sinusitis. Dogs can get a stuffy nose due to allergies. In addition, they may be suffering from a bacterial or fungal infection in the nose. When you visit the vet, your dog will undergo a physical examination to diagnose the cause of the stuffy nose.

The good news is that treating your dog’s blocked nose is straightforward and full recovery can be expected in a short time frame. Let’s say that your dog has an infection. Your veterinarian will prescribe a course of antibiotics to tackle the problem. Your dog should be good to go in two to three weeks at most! However, if the blocked nose is a result of an underlying issue, alternative medication will be prescribed.

There are many similarities in the way a blocked nose manifests itself in dogs, humans, and others. It is important to know that dog noses are more sensitive compared to humans, so lesser amounts of an allergen and fewer bacteria may have a greater impact on your dog’s stuffy nose.