Dogs sneeze from time to time, but when sneezing is paired with wheezing, it can feel far more worrying.
These two symptoms together may signal irritation or even a more serious underlying condition affecting your dog’s airways and overall health.
We outline the common causes of dog sneezing and wheezing, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Sneezing and Wheezing — Why It Happens
When your dog sneezes and wheezes, it usually means something is irritating or obstructing their respiratory system. This could be as simple as allergies or dust exposure, or as concerning as an infection, collapsing trachea, or heart disease.
Because both sneezing and wheezing affect breathing, it’s important to take these signs seriously.
Causes range from mild seasonal allergies to serious lung or heart conditions that require veterinary treatment.
Dog Sneezing and Wheezing: Common Causes
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of sneezing and wheezing in dogs. Environmental triggers like pollen, mold, dust, or household cleaners can irritate your dog’s airways.
Sneezing happens as your dog’s body tries to expel the allergen, while wheezing occurs if the lower airways become inflamed.
Dogs with allergies may also scratch more, lick their paws, or have watery eyes.
Though not life-threatening on its own, chronic allergy symptoms can make your dog very uncomfortable and may worsen without management.
Read more: Dog Sneezing and Coughing (What it means)
Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi often lead to both sneezing and wheezing. Kennel cough, for example, is highly contagious and irritates the throat and airways.
Sneezing may be accompanied by nasal discharge, while wheezing comes from inflammation or mucus buildup in the lungs. Dogs may also cough, run a fever, or lose energy.
Respiratory infections should never be ignored, as they can progress into pneumonia if untreated.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes, a blade of grass, a seed, or even dust particles can get lodged in your dog’s nasal passages or throat. This can trigger sneezing as the body attempts to expel the irritant, while partial blockage deeper in the airways may cause wheezing.
Dogs who explore outdoors or sniff constantly are most at risk. If the foreign object isn’t expelled, it can cause infection or obstruct breathing further.
Collapsing Trachea
A collapsing trachea is more common in small breed dogs such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians. The weakened cartilage rings in the windpipe collapse inward, making it difficult for air to pass through.
Wheezing is a classic sign, often described as a “honking” cough. Sneezing may occur as the dog struggles to clear the irritation. This condition can worsen over time and requires veterinary guidance.
Heart Disease
Heart disease in dogs can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, making breathing more difficult. Wheezing may occur as the lungs fill with fluid, while sneezing can result from secondary airway irritation.
Other signs may include coughing, fatigue, fainting spells, or reluctance to exercise. Because heart-related breathing issues are serious, prompt veterinary attention is crucial.
Nasal Tumors or Growths
Though less common, tumors or growths in the nasal passages or sinuses can cause both sneezing and wheezing.
These growths physically block airflow, leading to labored breathing and frequent irritation.
Dogs may also experience nosebleeds, facial swelling, or discharge from one nostril. This is a more serious cause that requires prompt veterinary evaluation.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Sneezing and Wheezing
If your dog is sneezing and wheezing, the first step is to observe their environment. Remove potential irritants like smoke, scented candles, or cleaning sprays. Keeping your home dust-free and using an air purifier may also help.
Ensure your dog stays hydrated, as fluids can help thin mucus and ease airway discomfort. Some owners find that using a humidifier provides relief if the air is dry.
If your dog’s symptoms seem mild and seasonal allergies are suspected, you can discuss allergy management options with your vet. However, never give human medications without veterinary approval, as many are toxic to dogs.
Monitor your dog closely. If they seem to improve within a day or two with environmental changes, it may have been a mild irritant. But if symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with breathing, veterinary care is necessary.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet promptly if your dog’s sneezing and wheezing is accompanied by:
Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing.
Blue or pale gums, which signal poor oxygenation.
Loss of appetite, lethargy, or collapse.
Persistent coughing, nasal discharge, or blood from the nose.
Symptoms that do not improve after environmental adjustments.
Because respiratory issues can escalate quickly, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Even if your dog’s symptoms seem minor, a vet can rule out serious conditions and provide treatments to ease their breathing.
Read more: Dog Sneezing and Runny Nose (Why it happens and what to do)
Key Takeaway
Sneezing and wheezing in dogs may stem from simple irritants like dust or allergies, but they can also point to serious issues like infections, collapsing trachea, or even heart disease.
While mild cases may improve with environmental changes, persistent or severe symptoms always require veterinary care.
As a caring dog owner, trust your instincts. If your dog seems uncomfortable or is struggling to breathe, contacting your vet is the safest step.
With prompt attention, most causes can be managed and your pup can return to breathing easy again.