It feels like you have been blowing your nose for hours and yet you still have a stuffy nose. As a human, you can use a nasal decongestant, but are nasal decongestants used for dogs? You should never give a nasal decongestant or any type of medication to your dog without first asking a vet. Dogs that take nasal decongestants can result in medical emergencies. There are dog friendly medications for stuffy noses.
Dogs and Nasal Decongestants
A stuffy nose is not ideal for anyone. Furthermore, a stuffy nose is a swollen nose. For humans, nasal decongestants are a medication that reduces the swelling in your nose. Dogs use their nose for all types of reasons, and it is their most useful tool when exploring the world. Dogs can experience stuffy noses for a variety of reasons:
- Head cold from a virus
- Bacterial infection
- Fungal infection
- Something is stuck inside the nose
Here are clinical signs that your pup may be experiencing a stuffy nose:
- Sneezing
- Discharge
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual breathing sounds
Treatment for Stuffy Noses
When your dog has a stuffy nose, it may clear up in 24 hours or so. If your dog continues to have a stuffy nose or any other clinical signs, you should see a veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend home remedies to clear your friend’s stuffy nose. Always consult with your vet before administering any home remedies.
- Gently massage your pup’s nose
- Use a humidifier to increase the air’s moisture concentration
- Have your dog lie in the bathroom when you take a hot shower – steam may alleviate the stuffy nose
You never want to give your dog any medication that contains pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. These medications are extremely dangerous to dogs. Consult your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 with any questions or concerns.
