Does your d og sneeze sometimes? This is pretty common in our canine buddies. Fido often looks adorably embarrassed after sneezing. Most often, dogs sneeze for the same reasons people do: because small particles of dust, dirt, grass, or other materials get into their nasal passages. Your pup uses his nose to explore the world, after all. But what if your pooch sneezes frequently, or won’t stop sneezing?

Here are some of the most common reasons that dogs sneeze: 

Allergies

Dogs often sneeze because of allergies. Environmental allergens are the usual culprit here. Things like pollen, dander, mold, dust and dust mites, dirt, and much more can cause symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, and—you guessed it—excessive sneezing. And even food allergies can cause sneezing, so Fido could be reacting to the protein source or things like soy or dairy in their diet. 

Talk to your vet if you think your four-legged friend might be suffering from allergies. Allergy medication might be necessary for your pooch to feel better. 

Play Sneezing

Many of our canine pals sneeze when they’re playing. When Fido is playing with you or with another pooch, you’ll probably see him sneeze a few times. Experts believe this is dogs’ way of showing other pups that their play is good-natured, rather than threatening. Watch out for the play-sneeze the next time your furry pal gets riled up: it’s pretty cute!

Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS)

Brachycephalic dogs, which are those with squashed faces and bulging eyes like the Pekingese, French and English Bulldog, boxers, pugs, and the Boston terrier, are also sneezers. These guys are often prone to breathing trouble, thanks to their narrow nasal passages and unique airway structures. Symptoms of Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome include wheezing, snorting, and sneezing. If your dog is brachycephalic, ask your vet for specific advice.

Reverse Sneezing

Fido may also “reverse sneeze” on occasion. This happens when a pup snorts air into their nose quickly, which sounds almost like a sneeze. It can be alarming, but it’s perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. This backwards sneeze is most common in smaller dogs, including Brachycephalic breeds.

Medical Issues

Of course, it’s possible that medical problems like kennel cough, respiratory infections, nasal mites, and much more could be the root cause of Fido’s sneezing. If you can’t determine another cause of your dog’s behavior, set up an appointment with your vet clinic. 

Contact your local vet clinic for more information on your dog’s sneezing.