Cockapoo Sneezing: What To Look For And When To Be Concerned

The sooner you find out what’s making your Cockapoo sneeze, the better you’ll be able to cross off the list anything serious. Cockapoo sneezing can have a variety of causes, and we’ll explore several of them, as well as a popular one called reverse sneezing.

When your dog’s nose is irritated or foreign material enters its nose, sneezing is the body’s way of expelling it.

Common Causes Of Why Your Cockapoo Is Sneezing

Your Cockapoo has been sneezing a lot lately, and you’re wondering what might be causing the issue? Your Cockapoo can sneeze for several reasons, including:

• Infections – Viral, Bacterial or Fungal
• Nasal mites
• Foreign objects
• Tumours
• Dental problems
• Irritants (allergies)
• Rhinitis and sinusitis
• Canine Influenza virus

Is your Cockapoo prone to sneezing spells where he sneezes for long periods? Some dog owners never have to deal with this problem, while others have to deal with dogs that have frequent sneezing episodes. 

Irritants (allergies)

Cockapoos, like humans, can be allergic to a wide range of substances.

Typically, when we think about allergies in dogs, we think of dietary intolerances like chicken intolerance. However, certain types of grass, pollen, and even dust mites cause allergies in some dogs. Sneezing is a common symptom of allergies of this type, so be on the lookout for it.

Your dog’s allergies may be the reason for their frequent sneezing when they are in a dusty area of your home or on an unfamiliar walking path. Because smaller dogs, such as the Cockapoo, are closer to the ground, they are more likely to sneeze from ground-based allergies.

If you believe your Cockapoo has an allergic reaction, you should see your vet as soon as you can. There are plenty of allergy treatment options that will allow your Cockapoo to spend as much time outside without having to worry about pesky sneezing episodes.

While we’re talking about dust allergies, mechanical irritation of the nasal membranes can produce sneezing as well. Smaller dogs are more likely to develop this problem due to the amount of dust they inhale compared to larger dogs.

Eye discharge and discomfort are common in dogs frequently exposed to dust. If you live in a dry, dusty location, you may want to consider soaking the area where your dogs play to keep their noses and eyes from being overly irritated.

If your Cockapoo is a digger, then it can inhale a lot of dust. Sneezing fits are one of the many reasons you should try and prevent your dog from digging in the garden, along with avoiding damage to the flowerbeds. 

Nasal Mites

If you own a dog, you’re probably familiar with the annoyance of parasites and the necessity of routine pest prevention. Still, you might not be familiar with the problem of nose mites. Despite their diminutive size, these parasites can be a significant nuisance to your dog.

Cockapoo nasal mites are pretty prevalent and can affect any dog, though large and older dogs are more likely to be infected (over the age of 3). When dogs play together, if one has mites, it can infect the other dog with parasites. Itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing are all nasal mites’ symptoms.

When in doubt, take your Cockapoo to the vet for a checkup. Using nasal flushing, a vet can determine if your dog has contracted them. Your Cockapoo won’t love these visits, but they will feel much better with the appropriate treatment in place, and the sneezing episodes will no longer be an issue.

Nasal mites usually go away within a few days after receiving an antiparasitic prescription from your veterinarian, so your dog can stop sneezing for good.

Infections

Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses. Coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose are all symptoms of these diseases, which while less common in dogs than they are for us, can still cause your dog to become ill than they are for us.

A common symptom of canine parainfluenza, adenovirus, and distemper is sneezing and respiratory infection. It would be best to call the vet if your Cockapoo is sneezing, has a temperature, and has trouble breathing.

Foreign Bodies

Foxtails are one of the most prevalent causes of foreign bodies found in dogs’ nostrils. Seeds for these plants can be found almost everywhere, and they can grow anywhere there is grass. When a foxtail is buried in its nose, paws, or ears, it can inflict significant injury.

It’s a good idea to check your Cockapoo every day for foxtails because it’s hard to prevent your dog from ever coming into contact with them. Keep an eye on your dog, ensuring they don’t have seeds in their fur, in between the paw pads, or in their ears. Dogs can inhale foxtail seeds simply by smelling the ground.

There is good news: If your dog has strong sneezing fits because of the presence of a foxtail in their nose, they will be easy to detect. A foxtail in the nose of your dog should be taken to the clinic immediately!

Dental Problems

It’s common for dogs to have some form of a dental problem at some point in their lives, whether it’s a tooth that’s cracked, rotten, or diseased.

Sneezing and a runny nose can be symptoms of an abscess in the dog’s mouth, exacerbated by inflammation. After that, the infection might migrate to the sinuses, giving the appearance of a problem with the nose.

Your Cockapoo’s teeth are as sensitive to discomfort as your own and should need treatment as soon as possible. If you suspect your dog has a mouth infection, don’t put off seeing a veterinarian. When it goes on for a long time, it becomes more difficult and expensive to treat, and your dog will be in pain for longer; in addition, diseased gums can cause severe health problems for your Cockapoo.

Nasal Tumours

As dogs age, they are more likely to develop severe illnesses, including tumours in their noses. Tumours commonly only affect one side of the nose, which explains why the fluid may only come from one nostril.

Nasal tumours can also create breathing difficulties and nasal discharge as additional symptoms. Make an appointment with your vet straight away if you suspect your dog has a nasal growth/tumour or a foreign body in its nose.

Nasal tumours are less likely, but ultimately a more serious reason for nonstop sneezing.

Your vet may suggest imaging treatments such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs c to help diagnose nasal tumours.

It is unlikely that a nasal tumour will migrate to other parts of your dog’s body, but it can spread locally, including the brain, and cause severe problems. 

Cockapoo Sneezing and Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses are both referred to as rhinitis and sinusitis, respectively. 

Other symptoms of rhinitis and sinusitis include a loss of appetite and a runny or swollen nose. 

Allergies, germs, viruses, and even tumours can cause rhinitis and sinusitis. Rhinitis and sinusitis are common symptoms of these conditions.

Reverse Sneeze

Reverse sneezing is the final reason for uncontrollable sneezing. This situation is very natural, despite how frightening it may appear. Soft palate irritation is the trigger for your Cockapoo’s reverse sneezing. 

Muscle spasms obstruct the trachea caused by irritation. A “reverse sneeze” occurs when the dog’s trachea is too narrow to allow him to breathe normally, so he inhales through his nose instead.

Reverse sneezing typically only lasts for a few seconds before it goes away on its own. Some dogs exhibit reverse sneezing regularly, while others do it only once in a while!

Final Thoughts

Most of the time, if your Cockapoo sneezes, it’s just a sneeze; there isn’t anything wrong with your dog. Sometimes though, there can be issues, and it’s better to be forewarned.