Does your dog sneeze sometimes, and then look confused or embarrassed? This is always adorable. As with people, dogs usually sneeze because small particles of dust, dirt, grass, or other materials have made their way into their nasal passages. After all, Your canine buddy uses his nose to explore the world. But if your dog sneezes frequently, or won’t stop sneezing, there may be more going on than the aftereffects of Fido sticking his nose into a dead, dusty plant.

Here are some of the most common reasons that dogs sneeze:

P  lay Sneezing

Sometimes, pups sneeze when they’re playing. When Fido is playing with another canine, or even with a human, you’ll probably see him sneeze a few times. Experts believe that this is his way of demonstrating that his playful antics are good-natured, rather than threatening. Watch out for the play-sneeze the next time your pooch gets riled up!

Allergies

Another common reason that dogs sneeze is because of allergies. Environmental allergens are the usual culprit here. Things like pollen, mold, dust, dander, dirt, and dust mites can cause symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, and—you guessed it—excessive sneezing. Food allergies can also cause sneezing. Your pooch could be reacting to a protein source or things like soy or dairy in his diet. 

Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog might be suffering from allergies. Allergy medication might be necessary for Fido to feel better.

Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS)

Brachycephalic dogs (those with squashed faces and bulging eyes like the Pekingese, French and English Bulldog, boxers, pugs, and the Boston terrier) are prone to breathing trouble. This is because of their narrow nasal passages and unique airway structures. Sneezing can be a symptoms of Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome. Other red flags include wheezing, and snorting. If you have a Brachycephalic dog, ask your vet what you can do to help your pet stay comfortable.

Reverse Sneezing

In addition to normal sneezes, Fido also “reverse sneezes” on occasion. This happens when a dog snorts air into their nose too quickly. The result sounds almost like a sneeze. It can be alarming, but it’s perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. The only danger is Fido bonking his head on something. Reverse sneezing is most common in smaller dogs, including Brachycephalic breeds.

Medical Issues

Medical problems like kennel cough, respiratory infections, nasal mites, and other issues, can be the root cause of Fido’s sneezing. If you can’t determine another cause of your dog’s behavior, set up an appointment with your vet clinic. 

Contact your local vet clinic for more information on your dog’s sneezing.