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Why is my puppy struggling to breathe with a stuffy nose and yellow snot?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 15 lbs
My puppy is 10 weeks old, up to date on all shots (I give them myself) and for the last day has sounded like she has a stuffy nose like it’s hard for her to breathe. She also has a yellowish discharge coming from her nose and her demeanor has changed since it started.
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident
Published on August 24th, 2017
Poor Nova! I am sorry to hear that she is not feeling well. It sounds as though Nova may have an upper respiratory infection. She should definitely be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially since she is so young. Because she is a puppy her immune system is not completely developed making her more susceptible to illness.
We want to make sure that a veterinarian evaluates her before her symptoms progress, as it is much easier on all parties involved to get her symptoms under control early rather than waiting until she is severely ill. The veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate medications to get Nova feeling better and being a puppy. Unfortunately there is nothing over the counter to remedy this; however, until you can get her in to be seen you can steam up the bathroom and sit in there with Nova for about 5-10 mins to give her some relief. This will only help give her some relief from the stuffy nose. She ultimately needs to be seen by a vet to clear up things for good.
I hope this was helpful and that Nova gets better very soon.
We want to make sure that a veterinarian evaluates her before her symptoms progress, as it is much easier on all parties involved to get her symptoms under control early rather than waiting until she is severely ill. The veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate medications to get Nova feeling better and being a puppy. Unfortunately there is nothing over the counter to remedy this; however, until you can get her in to be seen you can steam up the bathroom and sit in there with Nova for about 5-10 mins to give her some relief. This will only help give her some relief from the stuffy nose. She ultimately needs to be seen by a vet to clear up things for good.
I hope this was helpful and that Nova gets better very soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful