What it is
Inside the nose, thin scrolls of bone covered in a moist lining warm and clean every breath and carry the scent signals a dog relies on. When this lining is inflamed or infected, or pressed on by a foreign body or a growth, it swells, produces discharge and can bleed easily, and the airway on that side narrows.
Nose trouble can start in many ways: a grass awn breathed in on a walk, an infection, an infected tooth root next to the nasal passages, or a growth inside the nose, which is linked to age.
A blocked or sore nose robs a dog of part of its sense of smell, which can dull its appetite and its interest in walks. Mouth breathing, snoring and restless sleep can follow. Noting which side the discharge comes from and what it looks like helps your vet.
Signs you may notice
- Sneezing fits
- Discharge from the nose
- Bleeding from the nose
- Noisy breathing or snoring
- Pawing or rubbing the muzzle
- Swelling on the muzzle
You may notice the dog sneezing, with discharge from one or both nostrils, sometimes bloody, and noisier breathing. The dog may rub its muzzle with a paw or against things, and a swelling sometimes appears on the muzzle.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if sneezing or nasal discharge lasts more than a few days or comes from one side only, and see a vet promptly for a nosebleed, a swollen muzzle or sudden violent sneezing after a walk.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.