Canine respiratory problems can originate in various locations in the tract. A problem may occur in the upper respiratory tract (nose and windpipe) or the lower respiratory tract (chest and lungs).

These conditions can range from a minor tickle in the nose that causes sneezing to trauma in the chest and from labored breathing to clinical shock. Regardless of the place of origin, practically all canine respiratory problems can cause obvious changes in the breathing pattern of your dog.

Even though symptoms like coughing and sneezing may seem minor, they should not be taken lightly. Sneezing and nasal discharges are not illnesses in their own right. However, they accompany a number of other respiratory conditions like hay fever, foreign objects in the tract or nasal tumors.

Intense or persistent sneezing can result in a nosebleed. Generally nosebleeds are manageable. They can be managed by applying a cold compress to the top of the nose between eyes and nostrils. However, care needs to be taken to tilt the dog’s head towards the back to avoid the nasal passage being choked by the dripping blood.

When an external stimulus is able to pass through the nasal hair and reaches further to irritate the nasal mucosa, it sets of the semi-autonomous response of sneezing. Occasional sneezing is normal and is generally caused by foreign substances that irritate the nasal mucosa. Sneezing can also be caused due to a sudden change in climatic temperature and humidity.

While in humans the functional aspects of sneezing have not been established, it is not considered to be a good sign in domestic pets. Sneezing in healthy dogs may be indicative of numerous conditions including upper respiratory infection in canines.

A veterinarian assessment is called for if your dog is continuously sneezing. The first thing that needs to be eliminated is the presence of a foreign substance in the nasal passage since the sneezing can be caused by something as simple as a blade of grass that is disturbing the system. In such situations too it is better to seek veterinarian help to remove the object since you may irritate and damage the mucosa in the process.