***Sign up now for Dr. Greer’s upcoming webinar “Understanding Allergies in Dogs & Cats”. Register Here for the webinar on May 28th.***

Noticing more moisture than usual coming from your dog’s nose? If your dog’s typically cool, wet nose looks extra runny—with visible drips or streams from the nostrils—you might wonder what’s going on. Just like humans, dogs can experience nasal discharge. But is a runny nose in dogs normal, or could it signal an underlying issue? Here’s what you need to know about canine nasal discharge and when it’s time to consult your veterinarian.

Why is a Dog’s Nose Wet Anyway?

Dogs do have naturally moist noses. This is for two reasons:

• Dog noses are coated in a thin layer of mucus that absorbs and holds scents to help them smell
• Dogs’ noses are one of the few places on their body where they can sweat and cool down from (the other is their paws.)

A dog’s naturally wet nose will just look a bit shiny and moist. If a dog has a runny nose, their nose will run. It will drip.

Why Do Dogs Get a Runny Nose?

A runny nose in dogs, also called canine nasal discharge, is a relatively common occurrence.  It’s where a dog begins constantly producing substance and material from their nasal passages over a period of a few days.

However, most runny noses in dogs aren’t cause for concern. Just like with humans, there are multiple reasons why a dog’s nose may run. Some of the common causes of a runny nose in dogs include:

Canine Allergies

Allergies are by far the most common reason for nasal discharge in dogs. Just like people, dogs can develop allergies of varying severity to things. It might be pollen, food, drugs, mites, spores, and even human dander! Dogs who are allergic to something in their environment are likely to exhibit other symptoms besides a runny nose. This includes sneezing, coughing, eye discharge, or breathing difficulty. 

Supplements for dog allergies can be a great way to support your pet’s immune system and overall health. Products like Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites are formulated with ingredients that help maintain normal histamine levels and soothe seasonal allergy symptoms. Meanwhile, K9 Honey is a blend of 100% pure raw unfiltered honey taken from nine geographical regions across the country to help promote relief for dogs who suffer from allergies. For daily immune support, Doc Roy’s® Daily Care is a complete multivitamin that promotes a strong immune system and comes in an allergy-safe roast beef and liver flavored chewable tablet—making it both effective and easy to give. Including one of these supplements in your dog’s routine may help them stay more comfortable year-round.

Irritants from the Ground

Because dogs are low to the ground and explore their surroundings primarily with their noses, they’re more likely to inhale environmental irritants. Things like dust, ash, flakes from soap, pollen, mold, cleaning products and other irritating debris are common causes of canine respiratory issues and allergy symptoms.

Blockages

Just like dogs can accidentally sniff things that irritate their nasal passages, dogs can also accidentally inhale something foreign directly into their nostrils! These can include things like bits of food, seeds, or even parts of plants.

Infections

A variety of both bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can cause nasal discharge in dogs. If your dog is suffering from an infection, they’re likely to also present with other symptoms including nosebleeds or coughing. Your dog may also be suffering from rhinitis. This is a simple nasal infection caused by repeated irritation and inflammation of the nose.

Nasal Tumors

We hate to think about it, but it does happen: your dog can develop a tumor in his nose. Other signs of nasal tumors include noisy breathing or a noticeable bulge on one side of the dog’s face.

Dental Issues

If a dog has an unresolved cavity or infection in their upper teeth, it can quickly turn into an abscess. Over time, tooth abscesses can put pressure on the nasal passages and cause increased discharge.

But you won’t have to rely on intuition alone to determine what’s causing your dog’s nose to run. Dogs’ nasal discharge can have several unique characteristics that can give you a better idea of what’s causing their nose to run. This is important to know since uncovering the root cause of why your dog’s nose is running is the first step in getting them treatment, if they need it.

Types of Nasal Discharge in Dogs

Nasal discharge in dogs will either be unilateral (occurring in one nostril) or bilateral (occurring in both nostrils). Typically, vets are more concerned when nasal discharge is unilateral since that can be indicative of issues with that specific nostril. Bilateral nasal discharge is often viewed as indicative of problems with a larger system.

There are several types of nasal discharge in dogs. Some of these types of nasal discharge are listed below.

Serous Discharge

Clear, watery, and runny, contains dissolved proteins and antibodies; the least serious and most common form of discharge which usually subsides within a few days of onset.

Mucoid Discharge 

Mucoid discharge is often thick, white or yellow in color and is common when there is chronic, underlying inflammation.

Purulent Discharge

Yellow or green in color, often seen when there is a secondary bacterial infection, though the infection may also be primary.

Mucopurulent Discharge

A combination of purulent and mucoid discharge, can be seen for any of the reasons described above.

Sanguineous Discharge 

Occurs when red blood cells are present in the discharge and implies that there is enough damage within the nose that it affects vascular integrity. This type of discharge may be seen with neoplasia (cancer), fungal infections, foreign bodies stuck in the nose, or trauma to the nose. Ongoing bloody nasal discharge requires prompt veterinary attention and can reflect problems with blood failing to clot.

Luckily, not all forms of nasal discharge require treatment and will likely subside within a few days. However, some forms of canine nasal discharge should be cause for further examination. This is especially true if you notice blood in the dog’s nasal discharge, or if the discharge continues unabated for more than a week without cession.

How to Treat a Dog’s Runny Nose

In order to properly treat a persistently runny nose in your dog, you will need to take her to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Once at the vet’s office, they will quickly get to work trying to get to the bottom of what’s causing your dog’s nose to run. They will check your dog’s teeth, listen to their heart and lungs, and take their temperature to look for signs of infections. They may also decide to take X-rays of your dog’s nose and skull to look for potential inflammation around the nasal passages or blockages. Imaging with MRI or CT can more effectively identify a mass or foreign body than x-rays. This imaging requires full anesthesia.

However, if this test is unsuccessful at finding anything, your veterinarian may also order a scope on your dog’s nose. This test will have the veterinarian insert a small camera up your dog’s nose while under anesthesia to look for tumors or foreign items that may be causing the discharge.

Finally, the vet may ask to take a culture of your dog’s nose. This is so that they can gain a clear understanding of what chemicals or living organisms are present inside your dog’s discharge.

The treatment that your veterinarian will recommend will depend entirely on what they deduce as the root cause of your dog’s nasal discharge. If they suspect simple rhinitis, they will likely prescribe antihistamines to reduce inflammation in the area. Prednisone or Apoquel, Zenrelia or Cytopoint are often prescribed to treat dog allergies. Any reason  your vet believes a bacterial or fungal infection is to blame, they may prescribe a course of antibiotics or antifungal medication.

When a Dog’s Runny Nose Is More Than Just Sniffles?

If they believe something more serious is to blame such as a foreign body, nasal polyp or tumor, they may recommend surgery. Thankfully, most forms of nasal discharge are not harmful and will not require any type of serious medical intervention. However, it’s always important to pay attention to how your dog is feeling and know when it’s time to seek veterinary attention.

Key Takeaways

• There is a difference between a dog’s naturally wet nose and a runny nose; a dog with a runny nose will constantly be producing discharge from their nasal passages, whereas a dog with a naturally wet nose will simply have a thin film of clear moisture all around their nose.
• The most common form of nasal discharge in dogs is clear, runny, and watery, is often caused by allergies, and requires no immediate medical attention.
• Nasal discharge in dogs is usually only a serious concern if the discharge is bloody, if it is unilateral, or if you,  it is preventing your dog from breathing well.

If your dog has a runny nose, it’s not always a reason for concern—but it’s important to understand what’s normal and when it might signal an underlying issue. From seasonal allergies and environmental irritants to infections or more serious conditions, paying attention to your dog’s nasal discharge can help you catch potential problems early. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by coughing, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Staying informed about your dog’s respiratory health ensures you can take quick action to keep them happy, healthy, and breathing easy. If you need help or have more questions about canine nasal discharge, call us at 800.786.4751.