Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has green snot and is sneezing. Is it a respiratory infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 23 lbs

My dog has what looks like green mucus (dry) on the edges of her nostrils. She’s still eating and drinking, but has been sneezing more frequently. Cold? Respitory infection? HELP!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2017

Poor Roxy! I can definitely see the dry discharge from both nostrils. You’re right in saying that this can be caused by an upper respiratory infection. In most cases these infections cannot be transmitted to people or from people to dogs. These are very common in dogs, and can easily be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Unfortunately, nasal discharge can be caused by several other diseases such as a nasal foreign body or mass, or even pneumonia. Your vet can do some blood work and x-rays to determine the exact cause of Roxy’s nasal discharge. You should have her seen immediately if she begins acting lethargic, loses her appetite, or you believe she’s having trouble breathing.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 27th, 2017
Cozy needs to see a vet ASAP! The green/yellow color of the nasal discharge indicates there is an infection and he will need to be treated with antibiotics. This infection may be up in his nose or sinuses but if left untreated it could progress to a pneumonia (into his lungs) and he will then be extremely sick which could require hospitalization.

I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Cozy. Hope he feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Is my dog sick? He's sneezing with green snot and a runny nose.

It can be a respiratory virus or bacterial infection causing the discharge and sneezing. Some viruses can be more severe than others, and english bulldogs can be more sensitive to an infection due to their short noses and extra tissue in the mouth. If he is eating and drinking still, you can have him checked when your regular vet is open. if he is having a hard time breathing, lethargic, GI upset, or anorexia, then I would find an ER to see him today.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My chihuahua is sneezing, coughing, and has green snot. What to do?

I'm sorry to hear that Ross isn't feeling well. Frequent coughing and sneezing with green discharge is most suspicious for an upper respiratory infection. I recommend taking Ross to his vet for evaluation because he will likely need a course of antibiotics. Until you can get to the vet, be sure to keep his nostrils clear of mucus by wiping with a damp cloth and take him into a steamy bathroom a few times per day to try to help with congestion. I hope that Ross feels better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog has green snot but is still active. Should I be worried?

Hello. Your Leo may have a mild upper respiratory infection, or he may have inhaled some foreign substance that made its way into the sinuses. Pieces of grass, seeds or awns all can inadvertently work their way up. If there is no excessive sneezing, you can give this a day or so to see if he can move out a possible irritant, but if it worsens or the discharge turns bloody, or he also develops a discharge from the eye(s), please see your veterinarian at your earliest convenience. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has bloody snot and chronic sneezing fits. What's the cause?

Poor Daisy! She is an older girl, and unfortunately this sneezing with blood in her snot could be due to a malignant growth (cancer) in her nasal cavity. It could also be due to a foreign body, fungal infection, or respiratory infection. Because this has been ongoing for a while, it's best that Daisy is seen by a vet either today or tomorrow. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays, and may look up her nasal cavity with an endoscope to diagnose what is causing her symptoms. Once a cause is found, the vet can discuss treatment options with you.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is sneezing with yellow snot. Is it a cold or flu?

Yes, that is definitively possible. This presentation could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a stuffy nose and snot bubbles. What can I do to help?

Poor girl. It sounds like Macie may have an upper respiratory infection. You should have her seen by your vet within the next 24-48 hrs and they will put her on a short course of antibiotics to hopefully clear things up. Most upper respiratory infections in dogs are caused by a bacteria, so this is the proper and only course of treatment that will help resolve her symptoms. I hope that Macie has a full and speedy recovery. Take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has cold symptoms like cough and runny nose. What can I do?

Poor guy. Upper respiratory infections in dogs are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Other possible causes are a fungal infection, or allergies. It's best to take him to the vet to get examined and medications to treat this. If he does have an upper respiratory infection then he will be prescribed oral antibiotics to take care of it. I hope he gets well soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share