Runny nose in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

What to do

Causes

When to worry

Prevention

Diagnosis

Home treatment

Vet treatment

Risk

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Runny nose in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

A runny nose in dogs is a common symptom that is usually caused by disease in the upper respiratory tract. Some of these diseases can be mild and easy to treat, such as a viral infection. However, others may be more serious, such as a tumour in the nose.

The medical name for a runny nose is nasal discharge. The discharge can be anything from thick snot to blood or clear fluid. Any age of dog can be affected by a runny nose, however, some of the causes are more likely at certain ages. A runny nose is not normally a medical emergency unless your dog is losing a lot of blood or has breathing difficulties too.

What to do if your dog has a runny nose >What to do if your dog has a runny nose [What to do

The most common causes of a runny nose in dogs >The most common causes of a runny nose in dogs [Causes

When you should be worried about a runny nose in dogs >When you should be worried about a runny nose in dogs [When to worry

Tips on how to prevent a runny nose in dogs >Tips on how to prevent a runny nose in dogs [Prevention

Diagnosis of a runny nose in dogs >Diagnosis of a runny nose in dogs [Diagnosis

How to treat a runny nose in dogs at home >How to treat a runny nose in dogs at home [Home treatment

Vet treatment for a runny nose in dogs >Vet treatment for a runny nose in dogs [Vet treatment

Are some dogs more at risk of a runny nose than others? >Are some dogs more at risk of a runny nose than others? [Risk

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