Mucus congestion
may be a sign of serious illness in dogs.
As with humans, dogs can suffer from cold-like symptoms and allergies, and these are the most common causes of mucus congestion. However, mucus congestion and related symptoms sometimes signify a more serious problem. Consult your veterinarian if symptoms are severe or last more than a day or two; seek medical help immediately if your dog has bloody nasal discharge.
Symptoms
If your dog has mucus congestion, symptoms may present as sneezing, wet coughing, runny nose, uncharacteristic snoring and raspy breathing. Severity, duration, the dog's age and the presence of other symptoms can help determine the cause of mucus congestion.
Allergies
Common allergens for dogs include tree pollen and cigarette smoke. Other causes are food allergies and reaction to flea bites. The primary symptoms of allergies are sneezing and a runny nose. Allergies can also cause itching in dogs, so your dog may scratch, bite his feet or rub at his face. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms, but if your dog does not respond to treatment, the vet may perform an allergy test. Treatment may include allergy shots, steroids, antihistamines, dietary supplements or a hypoallergenic diet.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is the more common term for infectious tracheobronchitis, an illness that is comparable to a chest cold in humans. Coughing is the primary symptom, and the cough may be dry or productive (mucus-producing). Kennel cough is a common ailment in dogs that have been exposed to a large group of other dogs, such as in a kennel or veterinary office. The virus bordetella is one cause of kennel cough, and dogs can be vaccinated against this disease. However, because there are other ways of contracting kennel cough, even a dog that is up to date on vaccinations may have this disease. Treatment may include antibiotics and cough suppressants.
Reverse Sneezing
So-called reverse sneezing is a common condition in some small dog breeds, particularly Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas. The dog will appear to "inhale" a sneeze, making snorting or honking sounds. In most cases, this is not cause for alarm. The condition is created by soft palate irritation, and the facial structure of some small breeds makes them more prone to the problem. The attacks can be triggered by allergies or stress, but often appear to have no cause. Unless your dog has other health problems, the best course of action is to wait out the episode and remain calm. Some dog owners claim that massaging the throat or closing off the nostrils helps shorten the episode. If episodes are frequent or severe, have your dog checked by a veterinarian to rule out causes such as viral infections or nasal mites.
Pneumonia
Coughing and nasal discharge are two symptoms of pneumonia in dogs. Other symptoms include weakness or lethargy, fever and loss of appetite. Pneumonia is a serious condition that can result in death if left untreated, so seek veterinary attention as soon as possible if your dog exhibits these symptoms. Methods of diagnosis may include blood tests or chest X-rays. Treatment depends on severity and may include antibiotics, bronchodilator and, in a few cases, surgery to remove a tumor or foreign body from the lung.
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