If you have a goldendoodle, you may be wondering why they keep sneezing. Especially, if you are like me who gets worried about the health of their beloved pup at every twitch!
While it can seem like a minor annoyance at first, frequent sneezing in your pup could be an indication of something more serious.
I have researched and found some of the most common reasons why your pup might be sneezing, so you can rest a bit easier.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Sneezing in Goldendoodles?
There are a few common causes of sneezing in goldendoodles. These include:
Allergies
Allergies can cause sneezing in any breed of dog and it is usually accompanied by other signs of allergies, such as itching and inflammation. If you think that your pup might be allergic to something in the environment, talk to your vet about doing some allergy testing and getting them on the right medications or supplements to reduce the sneezing.
Play Sneezing
Play-sneezing is when a Goldendoodle is so excited and full of energy that they can't help but let loose a few sneezes! This often occurs when they are running around, playing with their favorite toys, or engaging in some other kind of play activity. There is nothing to worry about if this happens!
Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing in Goldendoodles is a condition where the pup inhales sharply and repeatedly, making a sound that can sound like they’re choking. It is most commonly seen when the puppy is excited or stressed, but it can also be caused by allergies or even cold temperatures. While this condition may seem alarming, it's usually harmless and should pass within a few minutes.
However, if you notice your pup engaging in reverse-sneezing often, it's best to check with a veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying medical issues. Treatment might include antihistamines or other medications, as well as getting your pup checked for any potential allergies.
Irritants
Various irritants can cause sneezing in Goldendoodles, some of the most common being: dust, pollen, and pet dander.
These small particles can get into a Goldendoodle’s nose and eyes, causing them to sneeze or snuffle as a reaction.
If your pup is a frequent sneezer, it could be due to environmental irritants like these.
To help relieve your pup's discomfort, you should try to reduce exposure by regularly cleaning their living space and eliminating any known allergens from their diet. Additionally, grooming sessions that involve proper brushing and trimming can help reduce levels of airborne particles that may be irritating them.
Nasal Tumor
A nasal tumor in Goldendoodles can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Bloody or discolored discharge from the nose
- Labored breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Facial swelling
- Discharge from one nostril
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and fatigue
If your pup is displaying any of these symptoms, it's important to have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. A nasal tumor isn't something to ignore, and early detection is key for successful treatment.
Nasal Mites
Nasal mites in Goldendoodles can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Excessively sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Facial swelling
- Postnasal drip
- Head shaking
- Loss of appetite
If your pup is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it's important to have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Nasal mites are highly contagious and can spread rapidly if left untreated.
Treatment usually involves medication and regular cleaning and grooming sessions to remove any mites from their fur.
Foreign Object
A foreign object that gets stuck in a Goldendoodle's nasal passages can be dangerous and lead to infection, breathing difficulties, and even death.
Symptoms of a foreign object in the nose may include excessive sneezing, breathing difficulties, facial swelling, or bleeding from the nose.
If you suspect your Goldendoodle has something lodged up their nose, it's important to get them to the vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Surgery may be needed if the object cannot be removed with tweezers or suction.
Additionally, even after removal of the foreign object, your pup may require antibiotics or other medications to help them heal from any potential infections.
How can you tell if your dog is sneezing because of a cold or another illness?
If your pup has been sneezing for more than a week, it’s possible they may have a cold or another illness. Other symptoms to look out for include: runny nose, coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy and fatigue, labored breathing, nasal discharge that is discolored or bloody in color.
What are the best ways to treat a goldendoodle's sneezing?
Before giving any treatment, it's important to determine the cause of sneezing. A vet can help you do this by running tests, such as a skin scrape or allergen test, and looking at environmental factors that could be causing your pup's sniffles.
If allergies are the culprit, there are several treatments available.
These include antihistamines like Benadryl, corticosteroids like prednisone, and hypoallergenic diets. Allergy shots and hyposensitization injections may also help.
If your pup's sneezing is caused by an irritant or virus, then medications like antibiotics or cough suppressants can help. Your vet might also prescribe a decongestant to reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
Additionally, you should also keep your pup away from other dogs who may have contagious illnesses.
If something more serious is causing your goldendoodle's sneezing, then surgery might be necessary. A vet can remove a tumor or remove mites that are causing discomfort and irritation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different reasons why your goldendoodle might be sneezing. It could be something as simple as an irritant in the air, or it could be a sign of a more serious illness such as a tumor.
If your pup is showing any signs of distress or discomfort, it's important to take them to the vet right away!