Do Dogs Get Congested? 9 Causes and 7 Home Remedies You Need to Know

Is your furry best friend making strange snorting or snuffling sounds? Have you noticed them pawing at their nose or breathing with their mouth open more than usual? You might be wondering: do dogs get congested? The short answer is YES – dogs absolutely can get congested, and it’s probably more common than you think!

As a pet parent myself, I’ve dealt with my share of doggy sniffles and sneezes It’s never fun to see our four-legged companions uncomfortable, but the good news is that there’s plenty we can do to help them breathe easier

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about nasal congestion in dogs – from what causes it to how you can treat it at home and when it’s time to visit the vet.

What Exactly Is Dog Congestion?

Congestion in dogs occurs when there’s inflammation or blockage in their nasal passages that makes it difficult for them to breathe normally through their nose. Unlike us humans who can easily switch to mouth breathing when our noses get stuffy dogs naturally prefer to breathe through their noses. That’s why nasal congestion can be particularly uncomfortable for them!

Your dog’s nose is super sophisticated – it helps them explore their environment, communicate with other pups, and even regulate body temperature. When congestion strikes, all these functions get disrupted.

Common Causes of Congestion in Dogs

There are numerous reasons why your pup might be sounding congested. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Viral Infections

Several viruses can cause congestion in dogs, including:

• Canine influenza virus (dog flu)
• Canine respiratory coronavirus
• Canine adenovirus type 2
• Canine parainfluenza virus
• Canine distemper virus

These viral infections are typically spread through respiratory droplets when dogs are in close contact with each other.

2. Bacterial Infections

The most common bacterial cause is Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is responsible for the dreaded kennel cough. Dogs often pick this up in places where lots of dogs gather, like boarding facilities or dog parks.

3. Fungal Infections

Aspergillus is a fungal infection that dogs can get from rooting around in soil with their noses. This fungus can cause significant nasal issues.

4. Seasonal Allergies

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to environmental substances like pollen, dust mites, and mold. When they breathe in these allergens, it triggers an allergic response that leads to congestion.

5. Congestive Heart Failure

This serious condition occurs when the heart can’t pump blood effectively, causing fluid to build up in the lungs. This can lead to congestion symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing.

6. Heartworms

These nasty parasites can lodge in the pulmonary arteries and damage the lungs, causing coughing and breathing difficulties.

7. Foreign Objects

Sometimes curious pups get things stuck in their nose – grass awns, small sticks, seeds, or tiny toys can all cause immediate congestion and discomfort.

8. Dental Problems

Surprisingly, dental issues can lead to nasal congestion! The roots of the upper teeth are located very close to the nasal passages, so infections or abscesses can spread and cause nasal inflammation.

9. Obesity or Anatomical Abnormalities

Excess weight puts pressure on the lungs and can make breathing difficult. Additionally, some breeds (especially flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs) have natural anatomical features that predispose them to breathing difficulties and congestion.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Congested

Recognizing the signs of congestion in your dog is crucial for getting them the help they need. Here’s what to look for:

Noisy Breathing

Listen for snuffling, snorting, or whistling sounds as your dog breathes. In severe cases, they might breathe through their mouth more than usual, especially when resting or sleeping.

Nasal Discharge

The appearance of your dog’s nasal discharge can give clues about what’s causing their congestion:

• Clear, watery discharge → allergies or early infection
• Cloudy or white discharge → inflammatory response
• Yellow or green discharge → bacterial infection
• Bloody discharge → foreign object, trauma, or serious conditions

Pay attention to whether the discharge affects one or both nostrils. One-sided symptoms often point to a foreign body or localized problem, while both-sided symptoms typically suggest systemic issues.

Excessive Sneezing or Reverse Sneezing

While occasional sneezing is normal, persistent or violent sneezing episodes warrant attention. Reverse sneezing (rapid inhalations through the nose with snorting sounds) can also indicate congestion issues.

Behavioral Changes

A congested dog might show:

• Reduced interest in food
• Decreased energy
• Pawing at the nose
• Restlessness, especially at night
• Irritability

7 Effective Home Remedies for Dog Congestion

For mild to moderate cases of congestion, these home remedies can provide significant relief:

1. Steam Therapy

Create a steamy environment by running a hot shower and sitting with your dog in the bathroom for 10-15 minutes. The warm, moist air helps loosen mucus, making it easier for your pup to expel it.

For extra benefits, you can add a drop or two of pet-safe essential oils like eucalyptus to the shower floor (never directly on your pet!). Just make sure the room doesn’t get too hot – dogs can overheat easier than we do.

2. Proper Hydration

Keeping your dog well-hydrated helps thin mucus secretions. If your pup isn’t drinking enough, try flavoring their water with a tiny bit of low-sodium chicken broth or get a pet water fountain, which many dogs find more enticing.

A good rule of thumb: dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.

3. Saline Nasal Drops

Gentle saline solutions can moisturize dry nasal passages and loosen thick secretions. You can use infant saline drops (not medicated ones!) or make your own by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm distilled water.

To administer: hold your dog’s head slightly tilted back and place 2-3 drops in each nostril using a clean dropper. Be super gentle – most dogs hate this at first!

4. Elevated Feeding Position

Raising your dog’s food and water bowls can promote better drainage of the nasal passages. The ideal height allows your dog to eat without lowering their head or stretching upward.

5. Humidifier Use

Running a humidifier where your dog spends most of their time adds moisture to the air, which helps prevent nasal passages from drying out. Cool mist humidifiers are generally safer around pets than warm mist versions.

6. Gentle Nose Massage

Using your fingertips, apply very light pressure in circular motions along the bridge of your dog’s nose and around the sinuses. Most dogs find this soothing when done gently. It can stimulate blood flow and help loosen congestion.

7. Air Purification

HEPA air purifiers remove airborne particles like pollen, dust, and dander that may be triggering your dog’s symptoms. Position the purifier in areas where your dog spends the most time for maximum benefit.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

While home remedies can work wonders for mild congestion, some situations require professional veterinary attention. Seek immediate vet care if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
• Blue or pale gums (showing poor oxygenation)
• Bloody nasal discharge
• Significant facial swelling
• High fever (above 103°F)
• Severe lethargy or collapse
• Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours

Also, if you’ve been trying home remedies for 2-3 days without improvement, it’s time to call the vet. Persistent nasal congestion may indicate an underlying condition that needs specific medical treatment.

During the vet visit, be prepared to provide details about when symptoms started, patterns you’ve noticed, and treatments you’ve already tried. Your vet might perform a physical examination, blood tests, X-rays, or nasal swabs to identify the cause of your dog’s congestion.

Preventing Nasal Congestion in Dogs

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Here are some strategies to help keep your dog’s nose healthy:

Regular Cleaning and Dust Control

• Vacuum frequently using a machine with a HEPA filter
• Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water
• Remove shoes at the door to reduce bringing outdoor allergens inside
• Use microfiber cloths for dusting instead of feather dusters

Avoid Known Irritants

If you know what triggers your dog’s congestion, take steps to avoid those things. This might mean changing walking routes during high pollen seasons or switching to fragrance-free household products.

Keep Vaccinations Current

Staying up-to-date with vaccines helps prevent many respiratory infections. Vaccines for Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, and distemper are particularly important for social dogs.

Regular Vet Check-ups

Routine examinations can catch potential issues before they become problems. This is especially important for breeds prone to respiratory issues, like brachycephalic dogs.

Consider Diet

Some dogs’ nasal symptoms can be related to food allergies. High-quality nutrition supports immune function, potentially reducing hypersensitivity reactions. Omega-3 supplements may also help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the nasal passages.

Can I Give My Dog Human Decongestants?

NO! Never give human decongestants to dogs without veterinary guidance. Many human medications are toxic to dogs and can cause serious side effects or even be fatal. Always consult with your vet before giving your dog any medication meant for humans.

Final Thoughts

So, do dogs get congested? Absolutely! And just like us, they can feel pretty miserable when their nose is stuffed up. The good news is that with proper care and attention, most cases of canine congestion resolve quickly.

By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing both home remedies and when to seek professional help, you can ensure your furry friend breathes easy and stays happy and healthy.

Have you dealt with congestion in your dog? What remedies worked best for your pup? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

To treat dog congestion, try home care methods such as using a humidifier or taking your dog into a steamy bathroom to help loosen mucus, keeping their nose clean with a damp cloth, and ensuring they stay hydrated. However, you should consult a veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause, which could be allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, or other issues requiring medical treatment like antibiotics, antivirals, steroids, or even surgery. Never give your dog human medications for congestion, as they can be toxic.

Yes, you should be concerned if your dog sounds congested, especially if the congestion is severe, lasts more than 24-48 hours, or is accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing, lethargy, nasal discharge with blood, or a fever.

A dog with a cold may sound congested and wheezy, snort, sneeze, cough, or make a wet, labored breathing sound. You might also hear snoring or even a gagging sound from a cough, which can sound like a honking goose.

Symptoms of a blocked nose in a dog include nasal discharge (runny nose), sneezing, snoring, reverse sneezing, mouth breathing (due to difficulty breathing through the nose), and pawing at the face due to irritation or discomfort. Other signs can be reduced sense of smell, difficulty eating, and eye discharge.