The occasional sneeze is part of a body’s normal health maintenance program. It’s a way to expel dust, debris, or other foreign matter. Some dogs sneeze when they’re excited or playing—again, totally normal and harmless. However, if your pup’s sneezing continues or worsens, you should seek veterinary support to rule out any serious medical conditions.
Thankfully, many respiratory ailments can be treated at home with natural remedies or lifestyle changes. These home remedies for a sneezing dog are holistic solutions centered around healing the body itself, thus relieving the sneezing.
How Can You Stop A Dog From Sneezing?
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To ease your pup’s sneezing, you must first pinpoint the cause. A dog may become sneezy for a number of reasons, varying from a completely benign cause—like play sneezing—to a severe medical condition. Causes of excessive sneezing include allergies, environmental irritants, respiratory infections, tooth abscesses, nasal mites, and more. You can learn about eight common reasons dogs sneeze in our article by Dr. Amber Larock, DVM.
Dog Sneezing Natural Remedies
Sneezing is a natural body response, but it could indicate a respiratory problem if your pup sneezes excessively. Potential respiratory issues that may cause sneezing in dogs range from allergies to infections to inflammatory conditions, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fortunately, many home remedies and natural therapies can be used to mitigate respiratory woes.
The following holistic remedies may do one or more of the following:
- Decrease inflammation
- Fight infection
- Reduce histamines
- Soothe irritation
- Thin, reduce mucus
Any difficulty breathing is a serious health condition that requires a visit to your dog’s vet for assessment and diagnosis. At the onset of the condition, a round of antibiotics or an emergency inhaler may be needed to ensure your pet’s wellbeing. That said, garden herbs, lifestyle techniques, and other natural remedies can be incredibly valuable alongside or after medical care. Holistic remedies are excellent in helping the body repair damage and bring the body back to a sense of balance.
Diet
Diet plays a huge role in holistic solutions. In the case of many health problems affecting the respiratory system—e.g., allergies, asthma, and upper respiratory infections—certain foods can aggravate symptoms.
First, identify and eliminate food sensitives from the diet. In the case of canines, research shows that the most common food allergen sources are beef, chicken, dairy products, and wheat. You may also wish to include more foods that are a source of Vitamin C, which is a natural antihistamine and immune booster.
Adjust your dog’s diet to include more non-mucus forming foods (lean poultry, fish, whole grains, vegetables, etc.) and eliminate foods that encourage excess mucus production (dairy, beans, wheat, etc.). Some animals studies also suggest that the flavanoid quercetin may reduce mucus secretions. This antioxidant can be found in fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, and broccoli. It is also available in supplement form.
Make sure your pup is eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. Consider incorporating more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids into your pet’s diet. Omega-3s help increase your pet’s own anti-inflammatory compounds while inhibiting the formation of inflammatory compounds. Quality sources for canines include flaxseed (ground or oil) and fish (food or oil).
Finally, more foods that support the immune system should be included, such as lean protein. Food sources of carotenoids are also great for the immune system thanks to their high antioxidant level. Typically, plant-based foods that are yellow, orange, or red are great sources of carotenoids—e.g., carrots and sweet potatoes—though leafy greens (kale, spinach, etc.) are also an excellent option.
Keep your pup away from unhealthy fats, sugar, and highly processed foods.
Herbs
The following herbs may be helpful for sneezing related to an underlying respiratory issue. You may be able to purchase a blend that includes several of these herbs together.
Always consult your veterinarian before starting an herbal supplement to check for contraindications. For example, astragalus can increase immune system activity, worsening symptoms for dogs with autoimmune diseases.
- Astragalus: This herb is good for treating acute and chronic respiratory conditions. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Astragulus helps strengthen the lungs and increases the body’s resistance to upper respiratory infections.
- Echinacea: This herb enhances immune function, making it a good option for respiratory infections.
- Goldenrod: This herb acts as a mucus dryer and drainer. Its antihistamine effect makes it a good option for sneezing related to seasonal allergies.
- Mullein: This herb can be grown in home gardens, harvested in the wild, and purchased commercially. Mullein leaf may relieve lung irritation from infection, soothe seasonal allergies, and manage chronic respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.
- Nettle: Nettle leaf functions as a natural antihistamine for dogs with seasonal allergies.
- Licorice: This demulcent root is effective at soothing dryness, irritation, and inflammation.
Homeopathics
For dogs that require gentle formulas, consider a homeopathic preparation. Homeopathics are derived from herbs and other substances but are much more diluted. Why? These medicines are based on the concept that “like cures like” or the “principle of similars.” The idea is you can stimulate immunity and healing responses by administering a substance that mimics the symptoms of certain health conditions in healthy people.
The following homeopathic remedies may be used to reduce sneezing in dogs.
- Nux vomica: Good for diverse allergy symptoms, including sneezing.
- Sabadilla: Useful for dogs with hay fever who experience repeated sneezes in a row and have a runny nose.
- Silica: For dogs with chronic upper respiratory problems that develop into infections.
As with other drugs, we recommend you speak with your veterinarian before starting your pup on any homeopathic remedies.
Mushrooms
In recent years, mushroom supplements have exploded in popularity thanks to a better understanding of their excellent health benefits. All medicinal mushrooms have immune-supporting benefits, but certain varieties are especially helpful with respiratory function and structure.
Both chaga and cordyceps contain compounds that improve oxygen utilization and strengthen lung structure and function, making them great options for pups prone to asthma, bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, and other respiratory problems.
If your furry friend’s sneezing is due to a nasal tumor—a condition that requires immediate medical intervention—you may also consider supplementing any number of mushrooms that have been clinically researched for their anti-cancer, anti-tumor properties: chaga, cordyceps, maitake, reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail. There are some excellent mushroom immunity blends for dogs on the market, including NaturVet’s Mushrooms Max and ThorneVet’s Mushroom Medley.
Other Supplemental Support
- Bromelain: A proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple that supports inflammation reduction. A 2023 study found that supplementing bromelain also showed antioxidant effects in dogs, making it a quality choice for immune support.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM is a natural source of sulfur and may be beneficial for reducing inflammation and allergy relief.
- Vitamin C: For pups that excessively sneeze due to allergies, consider supplementing Vitamin C. A 2023 research review found that supplementing Vitamin C can improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing.
General Recommendations
Limit your pet’s exposure to respiratory irritants, including chemicals, fragrances, dust, mold, smoke, herbicides, and pesticides. Ensure your home is adequately ventilated, and consider a HEPA filter to ensure good indoor air quality.
Home Remedy For Dog Sneezing Due To Nasal Mites
Nasal mites are extremely contagious and can cause symptoms like nasal discharge, itchiness, sneezing, and reverse sneezing. Antiparasitic medication is the best treatment for nasal mites in dogs. We do not recommend treating nasal mites at home.
Home Remedy For Reverse Sneezing In Dogs
Causes of reverse sneezing in dogs vary—from allergies and environmental irritants to nasal mites and infections. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the right course of action. In many cases, no medical treatment is needed. During a bout of reverse sneezing, you may try to calm your dog with gentle head strokes or provide them with a drink to clear out possible irritants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our readers frequently ask about dog sneezing. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.
Why Does My Dog Keep Sneezing And Licking Their Nose?
If your dog is sneezing and licking a runny nose, it could be a sign of any number of health concerns, including allergies, nasal foreign bodies, nasal infection, and dental issues. It’s best to schedule a visit with your vet to determine the cause.
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Dog Allergies Sneezing?
We cover a variety of natural remedies for dog allergy sneezing above. If you want an easy-to-administer supplement, check out our review of the 10 best dog allergy supplements.
Benadryl For Dogs
For those dogs experiencing minor allergy symptoms like sneezing, the over-the-counter antihistamine Benadryl may be an easy, at-home treatment option you already have in your medicine cabinet. We cover everything you need to know about Benadryl for dogs, including usage, dosage, and side effects.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Tara is part of the Canine Journal team, which has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about anything and everything dog-related. She also has 8+ years of experience in the wellness industry, with experience in pet health, nutrition, and supplementation.