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 reverse sneezing & runny nose after moving. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 9 months old | 7 lbs

Hello Pet Coach we have just moved to Cherbourg, France from Adelaide, Australia in the last week. It is a public holiday today in France, so we are unable to get hold of a vet. We have a 3-year old Bichon Frise x Toy Poodle. Since arriving to France, her bouts of reverse sneezing has increased in frequency and she has clear discharge from her nose, which looks like a runny nose.We are wondering if we need to be worried about this, and if antihistamines from the vet will help. Renee

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2017

I would not be too worried. This is most likely a mild upper respiratory infection that she acquired during the move. There are a couple of viral infections that commonly cause these signs and can be acquired during stressful events (like and overseas move).

The antihistamines are not likely to help in this case, so I don't recommend giving them. I think it will be fine for you to wait a couple of days to see if she gets better on her own (this often happens with viral infections). If she is not getting better, or getting worse in two days, then it will be best to take her to the vet for an evaluation.

I hope that helps and Cookie enjoys her new French home.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog has reverse sneezing and discharge after boarding. What's next?

Thank you for submitting your question Biscuit. I recommend that you contact her veterinarian to ask if it is possible that she acquired an upper respiratory tract infection while boarding. This is fairly common. She will likely need a different antibiotic to treat it if this the case. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is sneezing and has a stuffy nose. Should I go to the vet?

Unfortunately not much you can effectively do back home. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic 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

Health & Wellness

My dog has snot and is sneezing after nose cleaning. Should I worry?

Hello, again. I would just watch him for now. More than likely he will sneeze out anything remaining. Again, as long as he is not having any difficulties breathing, I would just keep an eye on things. He may have a bit of an upper respiratory infection going on & these are pretty self limiting after a week or so. If he is otherwise happy & eating well, he should not need antibiotics at this time. He will not inhale this into his lungs as this is pretty impossible to do through the nasal passages. So if he is not in any distress, he will be fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog sneezes a lot outside, even reverse sneezes. Allergies or infection?

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic 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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has a cough, sneeze, and runny nose after travel. Allergies?

This is likely just from stress and allergies but could the beginning stages of an upper respiratory infection. I would start with some benadryl twice a day. See link below. If he isn't improving or gets worse, I would have your vet take a look at him to make sure he doesn't need any antibiotics. Keep a close eye on him since he is so young and small. Make sure he is eating and drinking and acting normal. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog keeps sneezing, snorting, reverse sneezing. Should I see a vet?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gizmo. I do recommend that she sees her veterinarian. While she could be experiencing allergies as they are common this time of year, a respiratory tract infection is also possible. Given how frequently her symptoms are occurring, I worry that she does have an infection. If so, she may need an antibiotic. In the meantime, you can place her the bathroom while you shower. The warm humid air can help lessen any congestion she may have. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My newly adopted dog sneezes and sleeps a lot. Is this normal?

He could have some allergies or possibly have an upper respiratory infection. You can monitor him for a few days and see if the sneezing resolves. If it continues, he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. He may need an anti-histamine or antibiotic to treat. As for the sleeping, it may take him some time to adjust to his new home. As long as he seems energetic when you take him out than it is probably nothing to worry about. You could have him examined by a vet if it continues. Good luck with your new dog......so nice that you adopted one!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share