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Just like people, dogs can suffer from an occasional nasal congestion which doesn’t require a special treatment or a trip to the vet. In fact, it usually involves a simple stuffy nose which resolves by itself within a day or two. However, if the congestion lingers on for a longer period of time, it is a sign of sinusitis. This is one of the most common upper respiratory tract malfunctions which can cause discomfort and may result in some serious sinus infections.

The congestion usually occurs when the nasal cavity is inflamed and filled with mucus, thus making breathing difficult as the mucus cannot be drained out of the body easily. This can be very irritating to dogs because they learn everything about the world through their nose. There are some dogs like Boston Terriers that naturally have breathing difficulties because of the shape of their nose, so it’s important to not confuse that with a sinus infection. Therefore, in this post, we are going to elaborate on the main causes and symptoms of dog sinus infection, as well as what methods you can use to deal with nasal congestion in your pet.

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Causes of nasal congestion in dogs

There are many things that can cause a stuffy nose in dogs. They range from mild, seasonal allergies to serious nasal diseases such as distemper and tumors. Here are some of the most common causes of sinus infections in dogs:

• Allergies which occur if your dog is highly sensitive to pollens, foods, spores, mites and chemicals. In this case, doing an allergy test is recommended especially if you aren’t sure what’s causing your pet’s allergy symptoms.
• Infections caused by bacteria which leads to a nose discharge of mucus. Although, some viral infections are mild and easy to treat using antibiotics, others may lead to more serious upper respiratory infections.
• Polyps and tumors which can be removed only with surgery or radiation. Unfortunately, polyps can reoccur, so it is important that you monitor your dog if it had polyps before.

What signs should you look for?

Most sinus infections are characterized with similar symptoms. Some of the most common ones include:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Nasal discharge such as mucus
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Facial deformity such as swelling below the eye
• Lethargy
• Behavioral indications such as hanging head and eyes partially closed

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Methods for treating nasal congestion in dogs

Treatments methods are usually determined by the cause of the nasal congestion. If the congestion is triggered by an infection, usually an antibiotic is prescribed in order to clear out the symptoms. However, long term usage of antibiotics isn’t the best thing for your pet’s overall health because it may lead to further health complications such as digestive problems. Luckily, there are other more natural approaches that can help ease the congestion symptoms. Here is a brief description of some natural remedies you can employ.

Running a humidifier for air moisture

A humidifier is used to increase the air moisture and humidity in any space. It works by pouring water into it which turns into vapor and it is released into the air adding to its moisture. This increased level of humidity can help drain the nasal passages of your pet. The mucus in its nose may be unclogged and the symptoms of nasal congestion will be relieved in a short amount of time. In addition, if your pet has developed a kennel cough as a result of the mucus, the moisture of the air can help ease this dry, hacking cough.  

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Keeping your dog’s nose clean

If your dog’s nose is filled with mucus, the best thing to do is to remove it. This will clear out the airways and make its breathing much easier. In fact, there are many ways you can do this. For example, you can massage your pet’s nose to release the mucus and use a warm, soft cloth to remove it. Also, you can use a nasal aspirator to suck out the mucus. If you decide to do it this way, remember to be gentle when inserting the tip of the aspirator into the nasal passages so it is less discomforting.

Providing a nutritious food

Similarly to people, when dogs fall ill, they often have a reduced appetite. This usually leads to a weak immune system which makes it easier for dogs to be susceptible to more diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that you provide your dog with a high protein, hypoallergenic and grain-free diet. Not only will this type of food help reinforce the overall health of your pet, but it will also alleviate the symptoms of sinus infections. For example, the warm steam of a soup consisting of ingredients suitable for dogs is a good healthy meal which can help open congested airways.

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Herbs as a natural remedy

In general, herbs are very beneficial in alleviating symptoms of nasal congestion, reducing the time for recovery and strengthening the immune system of your pet. In fact, they are considered a better alternative than traditional medications which aren’t recommended for long time usage. Some herb examples include licorice, thyme and elderflower. Licorice has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties which help ease inflammation in the sinuses. Thyme can help treat respiratory infections as a result of its antiseptic qualities. Lastly, elderflower is a flower extract which is used to treat swollen sinuses.

Creating a warm area for recovery

When your dog suffers from nasal congestion, you should limit the time it spends outdoors, especially during colder months. This can additionally cause the bronchial passages to constrict making it even more difficult for your dog to breathe. Therefore, it is highly suggested that your dog stays in a warm and comfortable area. Not only will this help with opening up the airways of your pet, but it will also fasten the recovery time. For example, you can provide your dog with a pet-safe heating pad or heated bed where it can lay down and rest.  

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Final thoughts

Even though nasal congestion may not be a huge health issue for your dog, it must be treated properly so it doesn’t lead to more serious sinus infections. Fortunately, there are many methods you can employ to help you deal with it the right way. Although in some serious cases vets usually prescribe antibiotics, there are home remedies that can also help alleviate the symptoms and make your dog’s breathing easier. So, next time your pet gets a stuffy nose, make sure you use some of these natural remedies, unless your dog requires special treatments provided by your vet.