My 16-year-old pug is sneezing with clear snot. Is it serious?

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The most common reasons for sneezing are: allergies, a cold, an infection (bacterial, viral or fungal) or possibly foreign material (plant debris, etc). Pugs have abnormal nares and airways which may make them more susceptible to infections. I am from the US and I see you are in Croatia. There may be different causes in your area of the world. If the nasal discharge is yellow or green, he gets worse, stops eating, is lethargic and or his symptoms persist I'd recommend getting him looked at by a Veterinarian. He may need some antibiotics

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually 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. 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.

An upper respiratory infection of some kind is certainly a possibility. It sounds like she may have some inflammation that isn't usually present, Such a short respiratory tract makes pugs vulnerable to inhaled irritants and infections more so than other breeds of dog. I recommend getting her seen by your vet if the symptoms persist more than a few days and sooner if she develops signs of illness, such as a nasal or eye discharge, lack of energy and/or appetite. Also, with her rubbing her face more, her eyes are more vulnerable to injury and irritation than other dogs, so make sure she doesn't hurt herself rubbing her face.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to a foreign body located in the nose for example or possibly a fungal infection or a bacterial infection that requires a longer course of antibiotics. I would encourage you to check in with your veterinarian if this is happening again. Endoscopy may help check for a possible foreign body. Best of luck!

I am sorry Snoopy is having this issue. It definitely can be a cold but there are other things it can be. It can be allergies or if it is one nostril that there is discharge it can be a growth. I recommend taking Snoopy to the veterinarian and having them listen to her to make sure there is nothing settled in her lungs and it is just an upper respiratory issue. I hope Snoopy feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Bruce's reverse sneezing may be in response to many things including poor air quality (which is common in houses during the winter time), a mild infection, a tumor/polyp (less common) and yes, some times as pets age, these things can become more prevalent. If it continues or worsens, have him seen by his veterinarian who may prescribe an anti-inflammatory or even an antibiotic. At home you can continue your current care. Adding in an Omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs (you can find these online, at pet stores or at your vet's office) can also help the condition. Using an HEPA air filter may also be beneficial. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Nonnie has been sneezing. Causes of sneezing can include upper respiratory infection, inflammation of the nasal passages (rhinitis), irritants in the environment such as dust or cleaners, foreign material in the nose, such as a piece of grass or dirt, or even cancer. If the sneezing is happening multiple times a day, I recommend having Nonnie evaluated by your veterinarian at their next available appointment. Your vet can examine Nonnie's nose and see if there is any concern for infection or cancer. I hope this is helpful!