Why Do French Bulldogs Sneeze So Much?

Dogs sneeze for many reasons including communication, excitement and infection. Sometimes, they can also be an indicator of something more serious so it’s best to investigate any noises that your dog makes.

Reverse sneezing is an especially common problem in brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs. It’s a spasm of breathing that involves Frenchies craning their necks or toughening up their chest muscles before sneezing backward.

Causes

French bulldogs sneeze quite a lot, especially when they’re feeling sick or have a runny nose. This is a natural reaction to environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust, and smoke. If your dog’s sneezing is accompanied by itchy skin, watery eyes, paw licking, or coughing, then it could be a sign of allergies and it should resolve itself once the trigger is removed.

However, if your dog’s reverse sneezing is chronic or if it’s combined with other symptoms, then you should consider seeing the vet for a check-up. It could be caused by a number of things, including a nasal mite infection, a blocked nasal passage, or a cleft palate.

It is also possible for French bulldogs to sneeze due to a respiratory infection or asthma. This is often associated with other symptoms such as a fever, coughing, and discharge from the nose or mouth.

Another common cause of sneezing in Frenchies is a brachycephalic condition, which is when they have short head and snouts. This condition can cause them to sneeze a lot because the shortened snout makes it harder for them to expel their saliva through the nasal cavity and throat.

Some Frenchies have a condition called megaesophagus, which is when the esophagus becomes dilated, preventing food from passing out of the mouth and into the stomach. This is an inherited disease and not uncommon in Frenchies, but it can be caused by other conditions as well.

In rare cases, Frenchies can develop a vascular ring, which is when the aorta (the large artery that carries oxygenated blood out of the heart) forms a complete ring around the esophagus and trachea, making it hard for the dog to get air in and out of their lungs. Treatment involves surgery or antibiotics and may include treatment for other underlying conditions.

The brachycephalic condition can also make Frenchies susceptible to respiratory infections such as canine adenovirus, parainfluenza and distemper. If your dog’s sneezing and wheezing is accompanied by a discharge from the nose or a fever, you should take them to see the vet for a check-up as soon as possible.

Treatment

If you are a French Bulldog owner, you probably know that they sneeze a lot. It is not uncommon for dogs to sneeze at the slightest trigger, and this is especially common with brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies.

If your dog sneezes a lot it is a good idea to take them to the vet to check for any other health problems, like allergies or respiratory issues. They might prescribe antihistamines for allergies and saline drops to clear their nasal passages of any microscopic debris.

They could also be suffering from a runny nose or a cleft palate, both of which can cause sneezing. They might also need a rhinoscopy which lets the vet look inside their nose to see if any obstructions are causing them to sneeze or cough.

Some brachycephalic dogs can have stenotic nares which are nostrils that are excessively narrow and make it harder for them to breathe. These can be caused by allergies, cleft palate, or infections like distemper or polyps.

You can help your Frenchie by gently blowing into their nostrils, and if they are really struggling to breathe then a suppository might be necessary. If this is the case, it is best to get a pet insurance policy to cover this in the event that your dog has to see the vet and needs more treatment than just some saline drops.

Generally, reverse sneezing episodes are harmless and most vets do not consider them medical emergencies. However, if they last longer than 5 minutes or your dog is sneezing violently then you should get them to the vet right away!

In addition, if your Frenchie has a full anal sac (which is a collection of fluid that is meant to empty itself during a bowel movement) then this can be a sign of serious issues. If your Frenchie is not able to empty their anal sacs then they can end up with watery stools, which can cause diarrhea.

Some people have also noticed that their Frenchie sneezes more if they are gagging or excited, and this can be another symptom that they might need to see the vet for. This is because gagging is a natural reaction to excitement and can help relieve the throat muscles, as well as the nasal passages of any unwanted gases.

Prevention

French bulldogs can sneeze from time to time. This is part of the canine’s normal response to irritants and is considered normal and natural. However, if sneezing persists and is happening over an extended period of time, it could indicate something more serious.

While sneezing is often caused by a dog’s excitement, it may also be caused by a medical condition that requires immediate attention. In most cases, sneezing is nothing to worry about but if it’s happening all the time or you notice other symptoms like a bloody nose or appetite loss, then it might be best to get your pet to see a vet to rule out any medical issues.

Another common sneezing disorder is reverse sneezing, which is a spasm of breathing when a dog inhales air into their nostrils and exhales it out uncontrollably. This can frighten many owners but it is actually quite harmless and usually happens during a playful bout between dogs.

Reverse sneezing can be caused by allergies so if your frenchie sneezes when they’re irritated or if they seem to have a constant itchy throat, you should consult your vet to determine what the problem is. Allergies can be triggered by certain foods, medications, and chemicals.

Lastly, reverse sneezing can also be a sign of nasal mites so you should seek veterinary treatment for this condition if your Frenchie has constant sneezing and other signs of a nasal mite infection. Nasal mites are microscopic insects that live in the nasal cavities and can cause sneezing, a discharge from one or both nostrils, and even sometimes a fever.

If you have a French Bulldog with reverse sneezing, it is important to make sure that they are properly taken care of. Taking them to the vet regularly for vaccinations and routine checkups is essential to help prevent any infections that might lead to a reverse sneeze.

You can also make sure that your Frenchie gets plenty of exercise, as this will keep them healthy and help prevent them from developing diseases like diabetes or heart problems. Additionally, you should provide them with chew toys and dental treats that help keep their teeth clean, especially since they have small mouths.

Common Symptoms

If your frenchie sneezes involuntarily, it may be a sign of allergies. A lot of them sneeze because they’re irritated by dust, pollen or cigarette smoke, so try to avoid those things and change your dog’s diet if necessary.

If reverse sneezing becomes a constant problem, you should seek the help of your vet. They will be able to perform a thorough exam and check your dog’s temperature, breathing, nasal discharge and other factors that might lead to this condition.

Your vet will need to know when the sneezing started, whether it’s happening all the time or just intermittently and how long the attack lasts. They will also need to know if there is any nasal discharge or if your dog is gagging, vomiting or coughing during the sneezing episodes.

X-rays and a nasal endoscopy are sometimes used to find foreign bodies lodged in your dog’s nose, like grass seeds that got stuck while she was running around. They can also detect and treat bacterial, fungal or viral infections.

Allergies are very common in dogs and Frenchies are no exception to that rule. They may be allergic to different seasonal pollens, weeds or other plant fibers, dust or even cigarette smoke.

If the sneezing gets worse in hot weather, it can be a sign that your dog’s body temperature is getting too high and they need to cool down. You should give them a cool place to relax or take them outside for some fresh air.

Reverse sneezing can be a sign of nasal mites, which are tiny parasites that live in your dog’s nostrils. Your vet can perform a diagnosis and provide treatment for your dog, including medication.

Some other causes of sneezing include kennel cough, which is a type of respiratory infection that causes your dog to sneeze and cough. This condition is often accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite and a low fever.

You should be able to tell if your french bulldog has kennel cough by the honking sound that they make when they sneeze. Fortunately, kennel cough is rare and usually clears up on its own in a few weeks.