We all know that Chihuahuas, like all other dogs, sneeze occasionally to clear their nasal passages. However, excessive sneezing means there’s something more behind it. From allergies to infections, there are many reasons for your Chihuahua sneezing. By discovering the underlying cause and taking the right steps, you’ll stop your dog’s discomfort and keep them healthy.
Chihuahuas being small and having a delicate respiratory system are more prone to sneezing than bigger breeds. Knowing the reason behind your dog’s sneezing will help you take action to stop their discomfort and overall health.
Why Is My Chihuahua Sneezing So Much?
Here are the reasons why your Chihuahua might be sneezing:
Chihuahua Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of sneezing in Chihuahuas. Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and household cleaning products can irritate your dog’s nasal passages and cause frequent sneezing.
Seasonal allergies especially in spring and summer are common and sneezing may be accompanied by watery eyes, itching or even a runny nose in Chihuahuas.
Respiratory Infections
A cold or upper respiratory infection can cause sneezing, Chihuahua runny nose, coughing and lethargy. Puppies and senior Chihuahuas are more prone to infections because of their weaker immune system. If you see your dog sneezing along with nasal discharge or wheezing, it could be an infection.
Foreign Objects:
Sneezing can also be triggered by a foreign object lodged in your dog’s nasal passages. Grass, dirt, or even a small piece of food can cause irritation and lead to intense and repeated sneezing as your dog tries to expel the object. This can sometimes be followed by Chihuahua sneezing blood which means the nasal lining might be irritated or scratched.
Environmental Irritants:
Strong scents from perfumes, cleaning products or air fresheners can irritate a Chihuahua’s sensitive nose and cause sneezing. Smoke from cigarettes or fireplaces is also a common irritant that can cause sneezing fits. So keep your dog away from these irritants.
My friend’s dog Jack was always healthy and active dog but suddenly he was sneezing uncontrollably after his owner changed laundry detergents. The sneezing would get worse after Jack played on freshly washed bedding or curled up in his favorite blankets. After a couple of weeks of sneezing and some extra nasal discharge, my friend took him to the vet. The vet suggested it might be the new laundry detergent.
And sure enough, when my friend switched back to her old detergent, Jack’s sneezing stopped almost immediately. It turned out that the strong fragrance and chemicals in the new detergent was triggering an allergic reaction in Jack, making his nose more sensitive. This experience was a reminder that something as simple as changing laundry detergent can affect a Chihuahua’s respiratory health.
What Is Reverse Sneezing in Chihuahuas?
Reverse sneezing is a common problem in small dogs like Chihuahuas. It’s when your dog inhales fast through the nose and makes a snorting sound that can be mistaken for wheezing or choking. While it looks scary, reverse sneezing is usually harmless and often caused by excitement, allergies, or irritants in the air. If you see your Chihuahua sneezing and wheezing, it might be reverse sneezing.
How to Stop Chihuahua Reverse Sneezing
Here’s what to do:
- Gently massage the throat: This will help relax your dog’s muscles and stop the spasms.
- Cover the nostrils: This will encourage your Chihuahua to swallow which may clear out any irritants.
- Stay calm: If excitement is the cause of the reverse sneezing, try to calm your dog down and wait. If your Chihuahua is having frequent episodes or the sneezing and wheezing lasts longer than usual, see your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
What Does Different Nasal Discharge in Dogs Mean?
Nasal discharge in Chihuahuas can come in different colors and textures, each indicating different health issues. Since Chihuahuas are small and more sensitive to environmental factors, it’s important to pay attention to any changes in their nasal discharge especially if it’s accompanied by Chihuahua sneezing. Here’s what different types of nasal discharge in Chihuahuas might mean:
- Watery Discharge: A clear watery discharge is usually a sign of mild irritation, like allergies, dust or excitement. Chihuahuas are prone to allergies so this could also be seasonal or environmental allergens at play. If watery discharge persists or is accompanied by sneezing fits, it could also be early stages of a respiratory infection.
- Yellow Discharge: If you see your Chihuahua has thick yellow discharge, it may be an infection. Yellow mucus usually means a bacterial or fungal infection in the respiratory system. In this case, Chihuahua sneezing is usually frequent and your dog may also show other symptoms like coughing or lethargy. Get your vet in ASAP.
- Green Discharge: Green discharge is usually a sign of a more advanced infection. This could be a bacterial infection or pus in the nasal passages. In Chihuahuas who have delicate respiratory systems, green nasal discharge should never be ignored as it means a more serious health issue that needs vet attention.
- Brown Discharge: Brown discharge means dried blood or debris in your Chihuahua’s nasal cavity. This could be from excessive Chihuahua sneezing, nosebleeds or trauma to the nasal passages. Persistent brown discharge might also be a sign of a more serious condition like a nasal polyp or tumor and should be checked by a vet.
- Reddish or Bloody Discharge: We have to admit that seeing a Chihuahua sneezing blood or having reddish nasal discharge is scary. This often points to irritation, a foreign object stuck in the nasal passages, or even trauma from excessive sneezing. In some cases, it could indicate more severe conditions such as nasal infections, tumors, or bleeding disorders, all of which require immediate veterinary care.
What Can I Give My Chihuahua for Sneezing?
If your Chihuahua is sneezing from allergies or mild irritants, there are several things you can try to help them feel better. Each of these will manage symptoms and give relief while keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.
Antihistamines
Over-the-counter, antihistamines like Benadryl are often used to manage allergic reactions in dogs. These will help with symptoms like sneezing, runny eyes and itching from allergens like pollen, dust or even food sensitivities. But always consult with your vet before giving your Chihuahua any medication. Dogs have different tolerances and reactions to medication than humans. Therefore, getting the right dosage based on your dog’s size and health is crucial to avoid any side effects. Your vet may also recommend other antihistamines for dogs.
Saline Nasal Sprays
Saline nasal sprays are a quick and easy way to flush out irritants like dust or pollen from your Chihuahua’s nasal passages. These sprays will gently flush out the nasal cavity and reduce sneezing and congestion. Make sure to use dog safe nasal sprays as some human sprays may contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. A saline solution will moisturize the nasal passages while flushing out the allergen that’s causing the irritation.
Air Purifiers
Keeping the air in your home allergen-free is another way to reduce your Chihuahua’s sneezing. Air purifiers with HEPA filters will trap airborne particles like dust, pollen and pet dander which are common irritants for dogs with sensitive respiratory systems. Using air purifiers regularly especially during high pollen seasons will create a cleaner allergy free environment for your Chihuahua and reduce the frequency of sneezing fits.
Humidifiers
Dry air can irritate your Chihuahua’s nasal passages especially during the colder months when indoor heating is used more often. A humidifier adds moisture to the air which will keep your dog’s nasal passages from drying out and becoming irritated. This will reduce not only sneezing but also other signs of respiratory discomfort like nasal congestion or wheezing. If your Chihuahua is allergic, keeping the air humidified will soothe their nasal membranes and prevent excessive sneezing during allergy season.
Try these and monitor your dog’s environment and you should see a reduction in your Chihuahua’s sneezing from mild irritants or allergies. If symptoms persist or get worse always consult with your vet to rule out infections or chronic conditions.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Dog’s Sneezing?
While sneezing is normal, there are times you should be concerned and take your dog to the vet:
- Chihuahua sneezing blood: If your Chihuahua is sneezing blood, it could be due to a nasal infection, tumor, or foreign object. Since this condition is also very painful for your Chi, you should take it to the vet asap.
- Frequent Chihuahua sneezing with nasal discharge: A thick or colored Chihuahua nose discharge means a respiratory infection. Clear discharge is less concerning but if it persists, call your vet. If the sneezing is acompanied with coughing as well, then your dog probably got pneumonia.
- Chihuahua sneezing at night: If your dog is sneezing more at night, it could be due to environmental allergens or nasal irritation. This could be dust mites in the bedding or other nighttime irritants. Make sure you use eco-friendly detergent without a scent or with minimal scent. Wash your dog’s bedding frequently and make sure you dry it in the air.
Chihuahua Sneezing: Wrapping Up
Sneezing in Chihuahuas can be due to many things, from minor irritants to serious health issues. If your Chihuahua is sneezing a lot or showing other symptoms like nasal discharge, coughing or wheezing, monitor them closely and call the vet if needed. Some problems simply can’t be solved in home conditions, especially if there is a dark nose discharge.
