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 3-week-old puppy has a runny nose. Vet or home remedy first?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 22 days old

3-4 week old puppy has a runny nose. Should we go to the vet or is there something we can try at home first.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 4th, 2017

If the discharge is clear then give it a few days to see if it resolves on its own, because it is possible this is just allergic rhinitis. If the clear draingae is severe, then you can also call your vet to see if they can recommend antihistamines for Panda to try.

However if the discharge is any other color, then it's best to take Panda in to your vet for treatment because an infection is likely present, requiring the use of antibiotics to clear things up. I hope your puppy feels better soon!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
I would have Panda seen by a vet. Young puppies are quite vulnerable, and whenever there is a health problem, it's best to have them checked out by a vet right away. He could have a respiratory infection causing his symptoms, which the vet can diagnose if he does and prescribe him medications to treat it.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA
Veterinarian
If Panda is nursing and/or eating OK, is active, and breathing normally, a bit of clear nasal discharge is likely not cause for immediate concern. However, if the discharge is not clear, this could be a sign of infection and Panda should be seen by a veterinarian. Of course, if Panda is lethargic or not eating, or having coughing or breathing issues, you should take him to an emergency veterinarian immediately.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My puppy's nose is runny with clear, watery discharge. What to do?

Poor Daisy. If the discharge is just clear and not yellow or green, then this is likely a sign of allergic rhinitis. Something in the environment is causing her to have an allergic inflammatory response in her nasal passages. However, as long as the discharge remains clear she may get over this on her own over the next few weeks. Monitor her daily for any changes and have her seen by your veterinarian if things get worse (sneezing, infection type discharge, decreased appetite, etc). But hopefully she won't need to be seen and she improves on her own.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Puppy has runny nose and sounds congested. Should I see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is not likely to help much if at all due to the long nose of a dog. This is likely an upper respiratory infection. This is usually treated with antibiotics. I recommend that you have your pup evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this possibility and start therapy accordingly. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My newborn puppy has a runny nose. When should I be concerned?

It depends. Is he still nursing? Gaining weight like the rest of his litter mates? Showing interest in what's going on? Was he examined after birth to ensure that he doesn't have a cleft palate? Was his mother vaccinated against distemper? These are all questions your have to ask yourself. A little bit of clear nasal discharge in an otherwise normal puppy probably isn't cause for concern, but if any other concerning signs are present - coughing, lethargy, not nursing and/or gaining weight and ESPECIALLY if distemper is a concern - then see a vet about this.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has a runny nose and cough after daycare. Allergies or virus?

The most likely causes are an infection or allergies. An object stuck in the nose is possible but typically tends to be one sided and will start to have greenish discharge. If she starts to get worse or doesn’t get better, have her examined by her veterinarian. Hope she continues improving. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 3-week-old pug puppy has a runny nose and is sneezing. Is she sick?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a runny nose but is otherwise fine. What can I do?

Hi. Poor baby. I would recommend getting an antihistamine from your veterinarian to try. Usually if the runny nose is clear, it is allergies or a viral infection. The antihistamines will help with allergies and a virus just needs to run its course. Its good news that she is doing great otherwise.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy's nose has clear discharge for over a month, what's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Occasional clear nasal discharge is not always a problem. It can sometimes be from condensation in the nasal passages from panting. If you are concerned, I would have a vet see Nikita to determine if there is an upper respiratory infection that requires medical attention. Good luck and kisses to Nikita!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share