Healthy Dogs

Nasal Discharge, Sneezing and Nosebleeds in Dogs

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are caused by foreign bodies, trauma, infections, tumors, or parasites that erode the nasal mucous membranes. Some are caused by lacerations of the nostrils or puncture wounds from objects such as thorns or barbed wire. Nosebleeds are often accompanied by bouts of sneezing that aggravate the bleeding.

A spontaneous nosebleed may be a manifestation of a generalized clotting disorder such as hemophilia or von Willebrand’s disease. Vitamin K deficiency is another cause of spontaneous bleeding. It occurs most often with poisoning by rodenticide anticoagulants.

Treatment: Keep the dog as quiet as possible. Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the bridge of the nose. If the nostril is bleeding and the bleeding site is visible, apply steady pressure with a gauze square.

Most nosebleeds subside rather quickly when interference is kept to a minimum. If the bleeding does not stop, or if there is no obvious cause, take your dog at once to the veterinary clinic.

Mouth Breathing

Dogs are nose breathers and usually do not breathe through their mouths except when panting. Mouth breathing indicates that both nasal air passages are blocked. In these dogs, no air is moving through the nose-only through the mouth. This may not be obvious until the dog becomes excited or begins to exercise.