TL;DR: Nasal rubbing and sneezing in dogs usually indicate minor irritation or a foreign object, but immediate care is needed if you see bleeding, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Why is my dog rubbing their nose and sneezing?
When a dog repeatedly rubs their nose against furniture or with their paws while sneezing, it usually indicates irritation within the nasal passages. This behavior is often triggered by environmental factors such as dust, pollen, or strong fragrances. In some cases, it may be caused by a 'foreign body,' such as a small blade of grass or a seed that has been inhaled and is stuck in the nostril.
Is my dog's nose rubbing and sneezing an emergency?
- Wait for a scheduled veterinary appointment if your dog is still energetic, eating well, and the sneezing is intermittent.
- Contact an emergency clinic immediately if you notice active bleeding from the nose, significant facial swelling, or if your dog is struggling to breathe.
How does a photo or video help my vet triage the sneezing?
- Visual evidence allows the vet to observe the specific type of sneeze, such as a reverse sneeze versus a productive sneeze.
- High-quality photos of nasal discharge show the color, which provides critical clues in determining if the cause is viral, bacterial, or an allergy.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs, sneezing and pawing at the muzzle/face can be caused by acute rhinitis, characterized by nasal discharge, respiratory stertor, open-mouth breathing, inspiratory dyspnea, lacrimation, and conjunctivitis. Sneezing is most frequent in acute rhinitis, while reverse sneezing may occur to clear the nasopharynx. Other potential causes include nasal foreign bodies, oronasal neoplasia, dental disease (oronasal fistula), or nasopharyngeal disease. Diagnostic evaluation should include a complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, and urinalysis to exclude systemic disease. If epistaxis is present, coagulation testing (prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, buccal mucosal bleeding time, and platelet count) should be considered. Imaging of the nasal chambers via radiographs or CT is indicated, followed by rhinoscopy, retroflex nasopharyngoscopy, nasal flushing, and nasal biopsy.
Chapter: Neurology, Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Respiratory
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 974)