My dog is sneezing, shaking head, and opening mouth. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Excessive sneezing like this could be a sign of foreign material in the nasal cavity (sometimes a piece of fluff or plant material can get stuck), or potentially a nasal polyp, tumor or infection. If this extreme sneezing continues I'd recommend having your vet examine Pilsner - they might recommend sedation for a nasal flush and exam.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without examining TinkaPooh it is difficult to say for sure what could be causing these symptoms. She may be experiencing allergies as well as an ear infection. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would be more concerned about the wheezing as this can be seen with lung disease such as bronchitis for example. I do recommend that you have Keela evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to evaluate her and treat her accordingly. This is likely going to warrant chest x-rays as far as diagnostics go. Best of luck!

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.

It sounds like buddy could have inhaled something in the yard like a blade of grass or a dried weed or foxtail. If they inhale plant material like this they will often have bouts of sneezing violently and often shake/thrash their head during the sneezing attacks. Sometimes they will also flare their nostril on the side of the foreign material or may have Nasal discharge from that nostril. If buddy continues to have sneezing fits i would have him evaluated by his veterinarian. If they think he could have inhaled something, they will sedate him and look up to nose with special instruments to visualize and remove any foreign material. Dogs can also inhale irritating pollens etc in the yard causing a short few episodes of sneezing. If it is just a little allergic reaction to something they inhale it is usually self limiting and requires no treatment. Hope this helps!

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sneezing can be a sign of an allergy, yes. Sneezes can also be a sign of an upper respiratory infection as well. I would recommended Kaya see her veterinarian for an exam so her vet can determine whether or not she has an infection or whether it is just caused by an allergy and to determine what treatment may be most appropriate. Thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!