Senior Dog Nose Dripping: Causes & How to Remedy It

As our dogs become more senior, they can develop symptoms such as a dry nose, a runny nose, and other forms of nasal discharge. Senior dog nose dripping can denote all kinds of causes.

It’s essential to react promptly to nose dripping to decipher the issue, address it, and of course, do what we can to improve your furry friend’s well-being, as it could be a sign of something causing your dog discomfort.

This article covers the possible causes of nose dripping, how to react to it, home care remedies, and when to call in the vet.

Understanding Senior Dog Nose Dripping

But hang on. Perhaps you’re shaking your head. Come on, AcmeCanine readers, all dog noses drip! Well, that’s true, but there is a difference between normal nasal discharge in dogs versus abnormal dripping.

A wet nose is expected in a dog, but abnormal or excessive dripping can signify many other common causes. In some cases, your dog’s sense of smell can be impacted by the cause, which has trickle-down effects on their quality of life.

After all, we all know how instrumental the nose is in a dog’s life. A dog can be blind and still get along well with their nose.

Nose Dripping: The Potential Causes

In many cases, the causes of nose dripping can be minor and go away with antibiotics. In other cases, it can be a sign of something quite severe.

• Allergies & Irritants: These can be influenced by environmental factors such as seasonal changes and physical things such as mold, pollen, etc.
• Respiratory Infections: An underlying cause, such as a respiratory infection, can cause difficulty breathing.
• Dental Problems: This is rare, but dental problems such as infected teeth in the upper gums can lead to abscesses that leak into your dog’s nasal cavity, concluding in a runny nose.
• Nasal Tumors: A common symptom of nasal tumors is nasal discharge, which will also result in noisy breathing due to airflow barriers, as well as loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. Plus, coughing.
• Nasal Mites: These little buggers aren’t understood but are likely transmitted from dog to dog. The symptoms include itchy faces, sneezing, reverse sneezing, nose bleeds, and nasal discharge.
• Rhinitis & Sinusitis: Both rhinitis and sinusitis, long-term or short-term, can lead to bacterial infections in the airways. A runny nose can be a symptom, as can sneezing, labored breathing, snoring, and open-mouthed breathing.

Senior Dog Nose Dripping: How To React

It’s helpful to know when to seek veterinary attention. The critical thing is to observe your dog, chiefly the severity and duration of the symptoms.

If your dog’s runny nose is accompanied by nosebleeds, paroxysmal respiration (reverse sneezing), or watery eyes, this can imply a need for veterinary care. Your dog’s behavior is telling too. This can also be a sign if they paw their nose a lot.

Home Care & Remedies

You can use home remedies to assist with dry dog noses, such as keeping the nose moist. Take a cool cloth, wipe their nose, and then stand by to see whether it moistens back up naturally. Of course, ensure that they have a consistent supply of water whenever they may need it.

Natural remedies, like coconut oil, castor oil, and shea butter, can soothe and heal your dog’s dry nose. These products work on humans and just as well on dogs.

Veterinary Examinations & Diagnosis

If the cause is more severe, one must consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. This is equally the case if you are uncertain. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

It’s case by case, but vets can perform certain procedures. The vet can trim away excess keratin if your dog suffers from idiopathic nasal hyperkeratosis. Other procedures are in practice, but which is necessary depends on your dog.

Treatment Options

For home treatment after seeing a vet, your dog may be prescribed antibiotics for infections. If the condition is chronic, and it turns out that, sadly, your dog is nearing the end of their days, then you may be looking at palliative care.

For the uninitiated, this is when treatments are prescribed to give your dog the most comfortable and best quality of life possible for their final days.

Remedying Your Furry Friend’s Nose Dripping

It’s fundamental to address senior dog nose dripping promptly and with care, as leaving the symptoms unattended can lead to worsened conditions and continued discomfort for your pup, and nobody wants that!

Maximizing your furry friend’s quality of life should be a priority for all dog owners. Plus, remember to seek professional advice when uncertain. Check out our related posts for more information on dog health and responsible pet ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is senior dog nose dripping always a cause for concern?

No, not always. A runny nose in your dog will often not require a consultation with the vet. But if the fluid from the nose is consistent, persistent, thick, or gloopy, this can be more concerning and require a checkup.

Can I use over-the-counter medications for my senior dog’s nose dripping?

You should only use medications that your vet prescribes. Products such as nasal sprays, cough suppressants, and other decongestants are strictly off-limits until prescribed.

Are there any preventive measures for nose dripping in senior dogs?

Avoiding and limiting your dog’s exposure to dust, pollen, and mold can minimize the risk of allergic reactions leading to acute mucus generation. Also, regular veterinary checkups and a general caring eye will go a long way.

How can I tell if my senior dog is in pain due to nose dripping?

This is a case-by-case thing. Pain and discomfort can often be deciphered by additional symptoms such as nose bleeds, paroxysmal respiration (reverse sneezing), or pawing the runny or crusty nose. Other symptoms like watery eyes or difficulty breathing (obviously) can imply it too.

Can environmental factors contribute to nose dripping in senior dogs?

Absolutely. In the spring, pollen, mold, and yeast are plentiful and cause runny noses in dogs, seniors and youngsters alike. It’s important to rule these possibilities out to decipher whether the runny nose is a symptom of something more serious.