Your senior dog's nose has started running. You've never noticed that happening before. Is something wrong? Do you need to take your dog to the vet? Learn why nose dripping occurs in older dogs and what you can do about it, right here in today's blog post from our Grayson veterinary team.
Wet Noses
If your senior dog has a runny nose, this does not necessarily indicate a health issue. The glands in the nostrils of a dog's nose produce mucus that makes the nose wet. This mucus is the body's way of preventing dirt and other particles from getting into the dog's airways.
Further, a dog's nose remains wet as they lick it throughout the day. This moisture also plays a vital role in helping dogs pick up scents effectively since molecules are more easily dissolved in water than in dry air.
That said, an uncharacteristically runny nose may be an indication of an underlying health condition. While a runny nose for a few hours, or even a day, is not something to be alarmed about, you may need to visit your vet if constant nose dripping is an issue - particularly for your senior dog.
What Might Be Causing Your Dog's Runny Nose
Many things can lead your dog to develop a runny nose, making it challenging to identify the cause. Our veterinary team in Grayson has compiled a list of common reasons for senior dog nose dripping. This information can help you begin to identify the cause of your dog's runny nose, but it's important to make an appointment with your vet to rule out any serious health issues.
Allergies
While allergies are a common culprit for nose dripping in senior dogs, strangely they can also be the reason for a dry nose. A dog's nose may run due to allergies triggered by hypersensitivity to certain environmental allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and even some foods or medications. This excessive immune system reaction leads to inflammation of the nasal passage, which can result in an increase of watery nasal discharge.
Allergies may seem simple, but it may take some time to identify the exact allergen causing your dog's runny nose. As a result, it can be challenging to provide proper treatment. If you suspect your dog has an allergy, it's important to seek veterinary care.
If allergies are causing your dog's nose to become dry, you can try a few home remedies such as applying a small amount of olive oil, petroleum jelly, shea butter, or coconut oil to your dog's nose several times a day. You can consider using over-the-counter nose balms and butters since they can also effectively relieve dryness.
Sweating
If your canine companion has been sweating, you might find that their nose is dripping as well. This is usually not a serious issue. Unlike humans, dogs are unable to regulate their body temperature through their skin. Instead, they sweat through the pads of their feet and their noses. If your dog's runny nose is caused by sweating, you've got nothing to worry about, as it should go away on its own within a few hours.
Nasal Blockages
Nasal blockages can significantly affect a dog's general health and well-being, and they should certainly not be discounted in older dogs. Left untreated, dogs may experience breathing problems, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Nose dripping may also be a symptom of the blockage.
A nasal blockage may occur when a foreign object is stuck in the nostrils or throat, tumors, infections, dental problems, or allergies. If you suspect your furry friend's runny nose is due to a nasal blockage, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian can conduct tests to determine the cause of the blockage and ensure your dog receives the necessary treatment.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are a common cause of runny noses in pets, and it is often the first thing that comes to a pet owner's mind. It is easy to assume that a cold is responsible for your dog's runny nose, just like it is for humans. However, senior dogs are more vulnerable to respiratory infections due to a weakened immune system. These infections require extra care.
The signs of a respiratory infection in dogs may include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, and in many cases, loss of appetite and low energy. Left untreated, respiratory infections can lead to severe complications including pneumonia. Don't leave your senior dog's health to chance, seek veterinary care if you notice a persistent runny nose in your dog.
Veterinary Treatment of a Runny Nose in Senior Dogs
If you take your senior dog to the vet because of a runny nose, the vet will conduct a thorough physical examination. After that, the vet may recommend additional diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging, and nasal swabs, to identify the root cause of your dog's symptoms.
Caring for Senior Dogs
Ensuring your senior dog stays hydrated and clean is crucial in caring for their runny nose. Additionally, as senior dogs are more prone to developing health issues, you should closely monitor their health between veterinary appointments.
Unfortunately, you cannot do much at home to alleviate a runny nose, so it is best to act cautiously and take your dog to the vet if they have persistent nasal discharge. Our dedicated team is always ready to help you find the cause of your dog's illness and get them back on the road to recovery!
At All Creatures Veterinary Care, we offer targeted care for senior pets. Twice yearly senior pet checkups are a proactive way to safeguard your aging pet's good health. Contact our team to book a checkup for your senior pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.