Why does my dog still have clear nasal discharge after antibiotics?

This must be really frustrating for you! Since four different antibiotics did not improve Skye's condition, I would think that her nasal discharge is either not due to bacterial causes or is a highly antibiotic resistant bacterium. Other causes of nasal discharge can include fungal infections, viruses, masses in the nasal cavity, presence of foreign material (I once saw carpet fibers cause nasal issues!), etc. Unfortunately, I don't think there are any at home remedies that will help Skye. At this point, I would recommend having your vet recheck her and consider x-rays or a nasal culture as the next diagnostic steps.

Yes I would schedule a recheck if the discharge is still brown or yellow and hasn't started to resolve after a few days of antibiotics and other medications as it is possible there is something stuck in the nose causing irritation, or the infection requires more targeted medications. I would also make sure to keep Fray eating and drinking. You can also clear away any nasal discharge that is crusting around the nose to help keep it easier for her to breathe.

This could be a fungal infection or an antibiotic resistant bacterial infection. If bacterial and fungal cultures have not yet been performed, I would recommend that you request them. I would also suggest a consultation with a veterinary internist for a rhinoscopy with possible biopsies. You can find one in your area on www.acvim.org.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If a runny nose is returning after a course of antibiotics has stopped there is concern for a foreign object stuck in the nose. Another course of antibiotics won't help. The best thing to do would be to scope or flush the nose to see if anything comes out, or to get a sample. Fungal disease is common in the US as well and is a consideration of cause. I would recommend a revisit with your vet. You can discuss allergies at that time as well, as a runny nose can be caused by allergies. Best of luck with Olive!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Occasional clear nasal discharge is not always a problem. It can sometimes be from condensation in the nasal passages from panting. If you are concerned, I would have a vet see Nikita to determine if there is an upper respiratory infection that requires medical attention. Good luck and kisses to Nikita!

I would perhaps give it a few more days if the discharge is not green or yellow. Wipe the eyes clean several times daily. If the discharge does become green or yellow, if Oakley starts rubbing his eyes or squinting more than usual, if the whites of his eyes are looking red or if his eyes look cloudy then a trip to the vet is in order. If he develops any respiratory signs (nasal discharge, cough, sneeze, trouble breathing), then an exam is needed. Best of luck to you and Oakley!

It sounds like they had a touch of kennel cough which is like dog flu. What can happen when treating with antibiotics that if the course finishes too soon it can make them better but hasn't completely killed the bugs then it recurs. I would visit your vet as you may need a longer course or different antibiotic.