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Why is my dog sneezing and shaking his head after going outside?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 10 months old

My dog went outside and now he is sneezing and shaking his head. What is wrong with him ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Juliana, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 25th, 2017

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!

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
It is possible something outside irritated his nasal passages or he could potentially have a foreign object in his nasal passage (such as a piece of grass). You can try to help keep the nasal passages moist/healthy by putting him in the bathroom while you run a hot shower to create a steam room for 10-15 minutes. You can also put a few nasal saline drops in each nostril (you will want to point the nose up to the ceiling when placing drops in the nose so they don't just fall out). You can purchase saline nasal spray and drops at most pharmacies and many spray bottles will come out in drops if tipped upside down. If the issue persists a visit to the vet is needed for an exam of your dog. Occasionally dogs will get grass or other debris stick in the nose which requires sedation and removal.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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