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PET HAPPENINGS February 2020


Gesundheit [ guh-zoo nt-hahyt ]
(used to wish good health, especially to a person or in this case a dog who has just sneezed.)
By Jessica Turquette – owner of Moab BARKery


Unlike many humans who tend to sneeze frequently due to allergies, colds, sinus problems, or just an annoying itchy nose, dogs don’t typically sneeze very often or for the same reasons we do.

For example, if your canine companion has an upper respiratory disorder, he’s more likely to cough than sneeze, and allergies in dogs are most often expressed through the skin, feet and ears. Allergic dogs often have unbearably itchy paws, ears, or skin, and the itch-scratch cycle can result in hot spots or other inflammatory conditions or secondary infections.

Now, this is not to say dogs never sneeze due to allergies or an upper respiratory condition. However, there are other more common causes that should be investigated as well if a dog is sneezing a lot.

Common Causes of Sneezing in Dogs
A sneeze, medically speaking, means “To expel air forcibly from the mouth and nose in an explosive, spasmodic involuntary action resulting chiefly from irritation of the nasal mucous membrane.”

Some of the reasons your dog might sneeze include:
Foreign bodies - A “foreign body” in your dog’s nose means there’s something in there that shouldn’t be. For example, if your furry family member likes to dig in the dirt or obsessively sniffs the ground, chances are she’ll wind up with some soil, grass or the occasional bug up her nose.

This will cause her to sneeze to expel the foreign material. Hunting and sporting dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors running at full speed through natural settings can also wind up with odd things (e.g., twigs or sticks) up their nose.

Sneezing will ensue as the dog’s body tries to expel the foreign invader. Sometimes, however, medical intervention is required. Suffice it to say, the list of weird stuff veterinarians have removed from doggy noses is a long one!

Signs of the presence of a foreign object in your dog’s nose include sneezing, pawing at the nose, and nosebleeds. You might also notice your pet’s breathing is noisier than normal, and there might be a visible bulge or lump on one side of the face or nose.

Household products - The same household chemicals that trigger sneezing in people can also cause dogs to sneeze. Indoor irritants like cologne, cigarette smoke, household cleaners, fiberglass, pesticides, and aerosol deodorants can trigger sneezing in sensitive dogs.

Anticipation or excitement - Interestingly, some dogs, especially little guys, tend to sneeze in anticipation of something exciting about to happen. The “happening” might be receiving a treat, going for a walk, or taking a ride in the car.
Foxtails during late spring through fall - Foxtails are treacherous little plant awns that are ubiquitous in the Moab area, reported in almost every state in the continental US.

In late spring and early summer, foxtail plant heads turn brown and dry, and scatter across the landscape. The tiny spikes on the plant heads allow them to burrow into soil, and wildlife also helps spread them around.

The foxtails can eventually make their way into the noses, eyes, ears, mouths, and just about every other opening of a dog’s body. They can get deep into your dog’s nostril or ear canal or under the skin in no time, and often too fast for you to notice them.

If your dog suddenly starts sneezing uncontrollably, he could have a foxtail in his nose. If you suspect he’s been exposed to foxtails or is exhibiting suspicious symptoms,
I recommend you consult your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic as soon as possible.
Infections - Whereas bacterial and viral infections of a dog’s upper respiratory tract typically cause coughing, an infection caused by the opportunistic Aspergillus fungus causes sneezing.

A nasal Aspergillus infection is thought to develop from direct contact with the fungus through the nose and sinuses, which occurs when a dog is exposed to outdoor dust, hay, or grass clippings. Symptoms in addition to sneezing include pain and bleeding and/or discharge from the nose, and visible swelling.

In addition, an infected tooth or its root can cause your dog to sneeze. In canines, the third upper premolar has roots that are very close to the nasal passages. If this tooth or one close by becomes infected, sneezing and nasal drainage can be the result.

Nasal tumors from second and third hand tobacco smoke - Nasal tumors are fairly common in dogs, especially breeds with longer noses like the Collie. Second- and third-hand tobacco smoke has been identified as a significant cause of nasal cancer in pets. Most types of nasal tumors do not metastasize, but they do spread locally, destroying the structures of the nose.

Sneezing can be a symptom of a nasal tumor, along with chronic nasal discharge. Sadly, dogs with nasal cancer have a poor prognosis.

Nasal mites (Pneumonyssoides caninum) – Less common in Moab, but still a small risk, nasal mites are microscopic little bugs that can take up residence in your dog’s nose and sinuses. They cause terrible itching in the nose, which triggers fits of sneezing. The mites can also cause nosebleeds and chronic nasal discharge.

Your dog can get a nasal mite infestation by digging in the dirt with her face, or by going nose-to-nose with an infected dog. The mites can be identified by taking a nasal swab and looking at it under a microscope. If there is an infestation, the mites will be visible.

Brachycephalic breeds - Brachycephalic dogs are breeds with pushed in faces (very short muzzles), including the Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pekingese and the Pug. The nasal passages in brachys are compressed, which can trigger sneezing spells when there’s an upper respiratory infection or exposure to irritants.

When a Sneeze Is Not a Sneeze…
The unsuitably named “reverse sneeze” isn’t actually a sneeze at all. The condition does have several other technical names. Reverse sneezing is a fairly common respiratory event that happens more often in small breed dogs and brachycephalic breeds. In a regular sneeze, air is pushed out through the nose. In a reverse sneeze, air is pulled rapidly and noisily in through the nose. For some dogs, it’s a more or less normal event.

The sound that accompanies reverse sneezing is a sudden, startling noise similar to a honk that makes many dog owners think their pet is either choking or having an asthma attack.

A dog that is reverse sneezing typically stands still with his elbows spread apart; head extended or back, eyes bulging as he makes a loud snorting or honking sound. The strange stance coupled with the strange snorting sound is why many dogs get rushed to the veterinarian or the emergency clinic by their panicked parents.

Episodes of reverse sneezing can last from a few seconds to a minute or two. As soon as it passes, the dog breathes normally once again and behaves as if nothing happened.

If your dog is experiencing repeated sneezing episodes rather than just the occasional sneeze or “sneezing fit,”
I recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian. This is especially important if there are other symptoms along with the sneezing, such as nasal discharge, bleeding from the nose, or difficulty breathing.

Dog-Friendly Walks/Hikes
in the Moab Area

Corona Arch - Easy/Moderate. 1.3 Miles one way. Trailhead is 25 minute drive from Moab. North on US-191 to Potash Road (Utah 279).

Mill Creek Pathway - Easy. 1.1 Miles. Little to no driving. Starts at the intersection of 100 South and 100 West, a block off of Main Street.

Portal Overlook - Hard. 2.0 Miles one way. Trailhead is 20 minute drive from Moab. N. on US-191 to Potash Road (Utah 279).

Grandstaff Canyon - Moderate. 2.0 Miles one way. Trailhead is 10-minute drive from Moab. North on US-191 to the River Road (Utah 128)

 



MoabBarkery website

Dog Friendly Walks/Hikes in the Moab Area
Trail or Walk Difficulty Length
(one way)
Proximity to Downtown
MillCreek Pathway
easy 1.1 miles Little to no driving
Starts at 100 S & 100 W
Portal Overlook
(trailhead @ Jaycee Park)
Hard 2.0 miles 25 min drive N on US-191 to W on Utah 279 (4.2 miles)
Moab Rim Hard 3.0 miles
(to Hidden Valley trail)
8 minute drive 2.6 miles down Kane Creek Blvd from US-191
Negro Bill Canyon
(aka William Grandstaff Canyon)
Moderate 2.0 miles 10 minute drive N on US-191 to
W on Utah 128, 3 miles
Hunter Canyon Easy 2.0 miles 25 minute drive (mild off-road)
7.5 miles down Kane Creek Blvd from US-191
Corona Arch Trail Easy/Moderate 1.5 miles 25 minute drive N on US-191 to
W Utah 279 (10 miles)
Hidden Valley
(trailhead at end of Angel Rock Rd)
Hard 2.0 miles 10 minute drive S on US-191
3 miles to Angel Rock Rd
Fisher Towers
(trailhead 2.2 miles off Utah 128)
Moderate 2.2 miles 35 minute drive N on US-191 to Utah 128, then 21 miles

Tips for enjoying your time with your dog here in the Moab area:

  • Bring lots of extra water for you and your dog.1 gallon per day for every 60lbs of dog!!
  • Don’t let dogs chase wildlife (especially coyotes, they can lead dogs into an ambush).
  • In the city, dogs are required to be leashed, but on public lands off leash with voice control is allowed.
  • Slickrock and sand is very abrasive!  Check paw pads often, or buy and use booties.
  • If it’s over 85 degrees only consider early AM or late PM hikes, daycare or leave your dog at home.
  • Pack out my poop!  Seriously or the other hikers without dogs will eventually demand no dogs allowed!

To see past articles about animals, pets and their care check our archives.

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