Why does dog sneeze when excited

These breeds, including Pugs , Pekingese , Bulldogs , and Boston Terriers have compressed nasal passages that make them more likely to sneeze.

Dogs are extremely sensitive to their environment. Reverse sneezes , which are sudden and repeated inhalations through the nose, are reactions to inflammation, irritants, or excitement.

Reverse sneezes are common to toy breeds like Terriers. If your dog is frequently sneezing, experiencing nasal discharges, or appears to be in pain while sneezing, they need to be seen by a veterinary professional. Keep an eye out for any unusual behaviors paired with frequent sneezes, like bleeding or frequent pawing at their nose. Frequent sneezes could mean that there is something obstructing the nasal passage that needs to be examined by a vet.

Deep sneezes that come from the chest can be a sign of a medical condition, like a cold. In rarer cases, nasal infections or nasal mites may be to blame. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Additional Resources AKC. Your dog may also be experiencing a reverse sneeze.

This is most common in small breed dogs and brachycephalic breeds. When experiencing a reverse sneeze, air is pulled quickly and loudly in through the nose, resulting in a sudden loud noise like a honk.

In fact, some owners think it sounds like the dog is laughing. Your dog will also stand with their elbows apart, head forwards or back before making the sound. With the outbreak of Coronavirus many owners wonder how to best take care of their dog during this uncertain time. We've answered the most frequently asked questions about Coronavirus and pets here.

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Dog Respiratory Advice. Related topics. Our experts are here to help. Get in touch with us directly any time, any way. Message us. Dogs often curl their lip when playing. It can look like a smile or an almost snarl. When they curl their lip, they also wrinkle their nose. This can cause a tickle in their nose, which leads to a sneeze. Playing can also disturb the ground, kicking up dirt and dust.

When dirt or another irritant gets in the nose, the dog will sneeze as a way to remove it. If a dog is digging as part of play, this can also cause them to get dirt in their nose. Does your dog tend to sneeze when laying on its back? There are a few good reasons for this. The most common reason a dog sneezes in this position is that its nose is essentially on the ground.

The position also makes it more likely for the irritant to travel past the nasal cavity, which can also cause sneezing. If your dog is allergic to grass or pollen, this can cause them to sneeze as well.

If your dog is inside, it could be dust causing the allergy. In most cases, your dog sneezing is nothing to worry about.

However, in some instances, it can indicate a problem. What to do about your dog sneezing will depend on the cause. Shallow sneezes occur as a way of communicating or expressing happiness. Are they playing or asking you to play with them? Are they excited or happy to see you? Are they overstimulated and trying to calm down?

If your dog is forcefully sneezing, allergies or irritation are the most likely culprit. Eldredge says. These signals, including sneezes, are a way of calming a situation before it gets too wild. The behaviors are the canine equivalent of social skills, a repertoire of body language and interaction used to communicate many things, including avoidance of conflict and an invitation to play. All dogs understand the code — even those who do not display the behaviors themselves, Rugaas says.

Indeed, conditions surrounding canine play are conducive to triggering a sneeze. Wrestling dogs curl their lips and bump noses. They often wind up on their backs, making things more likely to travel up their nose. Roughhousing kicks up dirt and dust that can irritate the nose, as can a blade of grass or bugs stirred up from the ground. All of these situations can cause the involuntary reflex of sneezing. It depends on whom you ask.

Are dogs communicating in a universal canine language that they want to take a break, slow things down and diffuse an intense situation before it escalates? If so, perhaps a sneeze is meant to communicate the same thing to humans in stressful situations, such as training sessions. Remaining calm and patient with your dog is always a good idea. Clearly, the answer is not as plain as the nose on your face. It seems only the nose knows. Sneezing dogs can have a cute factor, but some causes are nothing to sneeze at.

While sneezing is a normal way for the body to expel an irritant, it also can be a sign of:. If your dog sneezes repeatedly for an extended period or if you notice signs associated with colds and allergies red eyes, nasal discharge , itchiness , coughing or behavioral changes such as foot chewing , contact your veterinarian. Reverse sneezing is a spasm caused by something irritating the throat, nasal cavity or soft palate.