Introduction
Post nasal drip is a condition where mucus accumulates in the back of the throat and leads to symptoms like coughing and gagging. It occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the nasal cavity or the mucus drainage from the sinuses is impaired. Post nasal drip is common in dogs and can be caused by infections, allergies, irritation, tumors, or other medical conditions.
This article will provide an overview of post nasal drip in dogs, including the symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, home care, dietary considerations, prevention methods, prognosis, and guidance on when to see a veterinarian. Information will be provided from vetted sources to help dog owners understand this condition and how to manage it.
What is Post Nasal Drip?
Post nasal drip is a condition where mucus accumulates in the back of the throat and nose, often causing a runny nose. It occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the nasal mucosa or the mucus is not cleared properly from the nasal passages.[1]
There are several potential causes of post nasal drip in dogs:[2]
- Allergies – Inhaled allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold can trigger post nasal drip.
- Infections – Bacterial or viral upper respiratory infections often lead to increased mucus production.
- Anatomical defects – Structural problems with the nasal passages or sinuses can cause poor mucus drainage.
- Irritants – Things like smoke, chemicals, dry air, or foreign objects can irritate the nasal mucosa.
Post nasal drip is characterized by mucus accumulation in the back of the throat which often results in symptoms like coughing, sneezing, snorting, gagging, or vomiting.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of post nasal drip in dogs include:
- Coughing – Dogs with post nasal drip may cough frequently as mucus accumulates in the throat and irritates the airways.
- Gagging – Excess mucus dripping down the throat can cause gagging or attempts to vomit.
- Sneezing – Post nasal drip can irritate the nasal passages, leading to frequent sneezing.
- Snorting/Snuffling – You may notice your dog making snorting or snuffling noises as they try to clear mucus from their nose.
- Bad Breath – The accumulation of mucus in the throat can cause a foul, rotten smell from the mouth.
- Rubbing Nose/Face – Dogs may paw at their nose and face in an attempt to relieve irritation from post nasal drip.
- Swallowing/Lip Licking – Frequent swallowing or lip licking can indicate your dog is trying to swallow excess mucus.
- Discharge – You may see thick discharge coming from your dog’s nostrils. It may be clear, yellow, green, or bloody.
- Lethargy – Dogs with post nasal drip may act tired or low energy due to breathing difficulties.
- Loss of Appetite – The discomfort from post nasal drip can cause a decreased appetite.
If your dog is displaying these signs, post nasal drip may be the cause. Consult your vet for an examination and diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Vets will start by doing a complete physical exam of your dog to look for signs of post nasal drip like nasal discharge, swelling of the nasal passages, or inflammation. They will also examine your dog’s eyes, mouth, and throat for abnormalities.
If the physical exam is inconclusive, vets may recommend imaging tests like radiographs (x-rays) or rhinoscopy to get a better look inside your dog’s nasal passages and sinuses. X-rays can reveal fluid accumulation, inflammation, or masses. Rhinoscopy involves inserting a tiny camera into your dog’s nose to visually inspect the nasal cavities and sinuses.
Lab tests like complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, and urinalysis can help rule out or identify underlying conditions contributing to post nasal drip. Vets may collect discharge samples for culture to identify bacterial or fungal infections causing the drip. Biopsies of nasal tissue may be taken as well.
Through a combination of physical exams, imaging, and lab tests, vets are able to definitively diagnose post nasal drip in dogs and pinpoint any underlying causes that need to be addressed as part of treatment. (Source: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/my-dog-has-discharge-from-nose)
Treatment
There are several treatment options for dogs with post-nasal drip symptoms:
Medications prescribed by a veterinarian may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antihistamines for allergies, decongestants to reduce nasal congestion, and antifungals for fungal infections.
Using humidifiers or vaporizers can help add moisture to the air and loosen mucus secretions. Saline nasal rinses may also be used to flush out the nasal passages and thin out mucus.
If the post-nasal drip is caused by an underlying disease, treatment will focus on managing the primary condition. For example, if heart disease is contributing to fluid buildup, treatment may include diuretics or other cardiac medications.
In severe or chronic cases, surgery may be required to open up nasal passages or drain fluid from the sinuses. Endoscopic procedures allow veterinarians to examine and treat problematic areas in the nasal cavities.
Treatment plans will depend on the specific cause and severity of symptoms. The veterinarian will determine the appropriate medications, procedures, or lifestyle changes to relieve post-nasal drip and make the dog more comfortable.
Home Care
Caring for a dog with post nasal drip at home can provide relief of symptoms while the underlying cause is addressed. Some tips for home care include:
- Use a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help thin out mucus secretions and make breathing easier. Make sure to clean and disinfect the humidifier regularly [1].
- Gently wipe away any nasal discharge from the nostrils using a soft, damp cloth. This can help keep the nostrils clear for breathing.
- Elevate your dog’s food and water bowls to make eating and drinking more comfortable.
- Add broth or warm water to your dog’s meals to increase fluid intake.
- Limit exercise and outdoor time during peak allergy seasons.
- Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce allergens in the home.
- Discuss saline nose drops or sprays with your veterinarian, which may help thin mucus.
- Make sure your dog takes any prescribed medications as directed.
While home care can provide temporary relief, you should still have your veterinarian assess your dog to diagnose and properly treat the underlying condition causing post nasal drip.
Diet
There are some dietary changes that can help manage post nasal drip in dogs:
First, identify and eliminate any food allergies your dog may have. Food allergies can cause chronic inflammation in the nasal passages which contributes to excessive mucus production. Work with your vet to transition your dog to a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet. This will help determine if food allergies are at play.
Increase your dog’s omega-3 fatty acid intake, as omega-3s have natural anti-inflammatory effects. Adding fish oil supplements or foods rich in omega-3s like fish, chia seeds, flaxseed may help reduce inflammation. Consult your vet on an appropriate supplemental dose for your dog.
Consider adding antioxidants to your dog’s diet to combat inflammation. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and green tea contain antioxidants. Check with your vet before significantly altering your dog’s diet.
Avoid feeding your dog dried foods, which can be dehydrating and irritating. Instead, transition to wet food or add warm water to kibble to create a broth. This provides moisture that can thin out mucus secretions.
Temporarily eliminating dairy products may also help, as some dogs have trouble digesting lactose which could worsen post nasal drip symptoms.
Work closely with your vet to identify dietary changes tailored to your dog’s needs and health conditions.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent post-nasal drip in your dog:
Keep your dog’s environment clean and free of irritants. Dust, pollen, smoke, and strong odors can trigger nasal inflammation. Use air filters, wash bedding regularly, and keep your home well vacuumed.
Avoid exposing your dog to tobacco smoke, which is a common irritant. Take your dog outside when smoking indoors.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air during dry weather. Dry air can irritate nasal passages.
Keep your dog up to date on vaccines like kennel cough (bordetella) to help prevent upper respiratory infections.
Don’t allow your dog to drink from stagnant water sources or share bowls with other dogs to reduce infection risks.
Make sure your dog gets regular exercise, which can help move mucus through the nasal cavity.
Feed your dog a diet rich in vitamins A, C, D, E and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which support immune and respiratory health.
See your vet regularly to monitor for signs of allergies or infections that could lead to post-nasal drip.
Prognosis
With prompt veterinary attention and proper ongoing treatment at home, most dogs with post-nasal drip can recover fully. The prognosis is generally good if the underlying cause can be identified and treated.
Bacterial and fungal infections tend to respond well to antibiotic or antifungal medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Viral infections may need to run their course, but supportive care can help minimize symptoms. Allergies can be managed but not cured, so continuing treatment is necessary.
For chronic or recurring cases, identifying and removing irritants from the home environment can help. Surgery may be recommended to correct structural problems contributing to post-nasal drip. Nasal flushes and medications can provide relief in milder cases.
With proper treatment guided by a veterinarian, most dogs with post-nasal drip can lead comfortable lives. However, cases left untreated can progress and cause further respiratory compromise. Monitoring for improvement and worsening of symptoms is important. Overall the prognosis is good with appropriate veterinary care.
When to See a Vet
It’s a good idea to take your dog to the veterinarian if their post nasal drip symptoms last longer than a few days or seem to be getting worse. Some signs that indicate it’s time for a vet visit include:
- Persistent sneezing and nasal discharge for more than 3-5 days
- Thick, yellow, green, or bloody nasal discharge
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive rubbing at the nose
According to experts, seeing your vet promptly when symptoms persist can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause more effectively (Source). Post nasal drip can sometimes develop into a secondary bacterial infection, so antibiotics may be needed. The sooner treatment begins, the less likely your dog will develop complications.
It’s always wise to have any chronic nasal discharge examined by a vet, even if your dog seems fine otherwise. Some underlying conditions like dental disease, fungal infections, or foreign bodies in the nose may worsen over time if left untreated. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if your dog’s symptoms concern you.