My Dog’s Sneezes and Clicking Throat: SOS!

Okay, let’s cut to the chase: If your furry pal is suddenly sneezing up a storm and making this weird clicking noise with their throat, it could be a few things – allergies, kennel cough, or even something stuck in their nose or throat. It’s crucial to keep a close watch for other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing. When in doubt, a vet visit is always the best course of action to get your dog checked up and treated quickly and accurately. No one wants their pup to suffer! Now, let’s dive into the possible reasons and how to tackle this puzzling problem.

Why is My Dog Suddenly Sneezing?

Imagine this: you’re strolling through the park with your adorable Goldendoodle, Buster, and he suddenly erupts in a fit of sneezes. It’s like a tiny explosion every few seconds! The first thing that probably pops into your head is, “What’s going on?”. Just like us, dogs can sneeze for a multitude of reasons.

One likely culprit is allergies. Think pollen, dust mites, mold – all the usual suspects that make humans reach for the antihistamines. Dogs can react to these allergens with sneezing, runny nose, and itchy skin. If the sneezing is seasonal, allergies are even more probable. Have you switched his food recently? Dogs can also develop allergies to certain ingredients in their food, leading to all sorts of discomfort, including sneezing.

Another common cause is a simple irritant. Maybe Buster got a little too curious sniffing around a dusty corner, or perhaps a particularly strong perfume wafted his way. These irritants can tickle their sensitive nasal passages and trigger a sneezing fit. Keep an eye on your dog’s environment to see if you can identify any potential irritants.

And let’s not forget about good old-fashioned infections. Viral or bacterial infections, such as canine influenza or kennel cough, can cause sneezing as well as other respiratory symptoms. These infections are highly contagious, especially in places where dogs congregate, like boarding kennels or dog parks. If your dog’s sneezing is accompanied by a fever, cough, or lethargy, it’s definitely time to call the vet.

That Weird Clicking Sound: Decoding the Throat Noise

The sneezing is bad enough, but what about that strange clicking or gurgling sound coming from your dog’s throat? This can be even more alarming! There are a few possible explanations for this peculiar noise.

One possibility is something called reverse sneezing. It sounds pretty scary, but usually isn’t. It is often mistaken for choking. Basically, it’s like your dog is trying to “suck” air in through their nose, resulting in a snorting, gagging sound. It can be triggered by allergens, irritants, or even excitement. In most cases, reverse sneezing episodes are short-lived and harmless. You can gently massage your dog’s throat or lightly pinch their nostrils to help them stop.

Another potential cause of the clicking sound is kennel cough. This highly contagious respiratory infection can cause a dry, hacking cough that sounds like a goose honking or a clicking noise. Kennel cough is often accompanied by sneezing, runny nose, and a mild fever. While it usually isn’t life-threatening, it’s important to get it treated by a vet to prevent complications.

Sometimes, the clicking sound can be caused by something stuck in your dog’s throat. Maybe a piece of food got lodged in their airway, or perhaps they swallowed a small object while playing. If your dog is pawing at their mouth, gagging, or having difficulty breathing, this is a serious emergency and you need to take them to the vet immediately.

Brachycephalic breeds (think Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers) are especially prone to breathing problems due to their shortened snouts and narrowed airways. These dogs may be more likely to experience reverse sneezing or other respiratory issues that cause clicking sounds.

Home Remedies vs. Vet Visit: When to Seek Help

So, your dog is sneezing and clicking. Should you try to treat it at home, or is it time for a vet visit? That’s a tricky question, and the answer depends on the severity of your dog’s symptoms.

For mild sneezing with no other symptoms, you can try a few home remedies. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water, and try to keep them in a clean, dust-free environment. You can also try using a humidifier to moisten the air and soothe their irritated nasal passages.

If you suspect allergies, you can try wiping your dog down with a damp cloth after they’ve been outside to remove pollen and other allergens. You can also talk to your vet about using an over-the-counter antihistamine, but always consult with them first to make sure it’s safe for your dog and to get the correct dosage. Never give your dog human medication without consulting a vet.

However, if your dog’s sneezing is severe, frequent, or accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see the vet:

Lethargy or weakness

Loss of appetite

Fever

Coughing

Difficulty breathing

Nasal discharge (especially if it’s yellow or green)

Pawing at the mouth

Swelling of the face or neck

The vet will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your dog’s sneezing and clicking and recommend the appropriate treatment. This may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antihistamines for allergies, or other medications to alleviate their symptoms.

Don’t delay because leaving these symptoms untreated could potentially develop into something much more threatening to your furry friend. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Let’s make sure we keep our furry pals happy and healthy!