Why Does Your Pitbull Sneeze So Much? 7 Causes and Solutions

If you’re reading this, your Pitbull has been sneezing a lot recently.

Sneezing is relatively common when it comes to dogs and humans.

But, if they have been sneezing more than usual recently, there might be an underlying issue.

Frequent sneezing can become concerning.

So, Why does your Pitbull sneeze so much? Your Pitbull may be sneezing because of seasonal allergies, food allergies, inhaling foreign objects, dental issues, nasal issues, airborne irritants, or just because they are happy. Make sure to see the vet if the sneezing doesn’t go away in a few days or gets worse suddenly.

Please continue reading to know what’s causing your Pitbull to sneeze so much, what to do about it, and when to go to visit a vet.

7 Reasons your Pitbull is sneezing so much

There are many reasons why a dog may be sneezing, but there are 7 causes that are the most common and which you should know about, so let’s quickly discuss these;

Seasonal Allergies

One of the most common causes of sneezing is seasonal allergies, just like humans.

Watch out to see if your Pitbull sneezes, especially often when you open a door or a window or whether they have been outside.

When pollen counts are high, they may need medication for that time of the year.

Usually, when environmental allergies cause their sneezing, you could notice other symptoms like watery eyes, licking their fur, itchiness, and scratching.

If your Pitbull is experiencing allergy attacks, your vet might even prescribe steroids. Don’t give your dog over-the-counter medications without consulting with your vet.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are also common in dogs.

Usually, food allergies target the skin and the digestive system. However, causing the respiratory system to be irritated is not entirely uncommon.

You might notice your Pitbull sneezing more often after they have had a meal.

Give your dog diets with alternate protein sources and high-quality ingredients to help manage a food allergy.

Gradually introducing your dog to their new diet will prevent your dog’s stomach from being upset from frequent food changes. You’ll eventually locate the best option for their requirements.

I discuss this a bit more in my article on the raw meat diet for Pitbulls here, and it’s definitely worth checking out.

Inhaling foreign objects

Occasionally, a foreign object becomes stuck in a dog’s nasal passages, causing significant inflammation.

Grass blades, foxtails, and sticks are examples of such materials.

Because these things are exceedingly unpleasant, you will have constant sneezing and discomfort if this is the case.

This is not a regular occurrence, but it can happen, especially if a dog has lately been inspecting tiny objects.

If you suspect your dog has inhaled something foreign, take them to an emergency vet right away.

It’s possible that something is blocking their airway or that the issue is merely in their nose.

They will need to have the item removed by a professional.

The vet will also need to check for other signs of issues as well.

Dental issues

It’s weird, but if your dog has dental issues, it might cause them to sneeze.

This mostly happens if your dog’s dental issues have been uncared for and untreated.

If you suspect that your dog has dental issues, try opening their mouth wide (without hurting them) to see if there are any apparent issues.

If you do not recognize anything, then you might want to take them to the vet and let them perform dental examinations.

They will know what to look for.

Nasal issues

Upper respiratory infections are a common cause of your dog’s sneezing.

These can be bacterial or fungal in origin, and they can even come from an infected tooth root.

Additional symptoms of an infection in your dog include a bloody or mucoid discharge and a loss of appetite.

Nasal mites can also cause them.

Dogs often get nasal mites when they dig or rub their nose in the dirt during playtime or sometimes just for fun.

Your dog’s nose will then be bloody, and they will sneeze a lot due to the irritation and inflammation caused by these mites.

It would help if you also looked out for nasal tumors, as it can cause your Pitbull to sneeze a lot.

Airborne irritants

Like seasonal allergies, pollen or dust are pretty irritating to dogs.

These small particles can get stuck in your Pit bull’s nasal passages, which will be followed by a sneeze.

Sometimes sneezing is good in these cases, as it helps them get rid of the irritants.

If you have just lit a candle at home or sprayed some perfume or air freshener, your dog might not find it as beautiful.

These smells may trigger them and cause them to sneeze.

Happiness

Dogs sneeze when they are happy, and I honestly find it adorable.

So, if you find your dog playing around and sneezing simultaneously, just know they are overjoyed.

Sneezing is also a communication method between dogs. When a dog sneezes while playing, it can alert the other dogs that it is playtime.

It is normal dog communication with other animals and sometimes even with humans too.

For instance, you can notice that your dog sneezes when they are greeting you after you come home from a long day; that is their cute little way of saying, “welcome home, I have missed you.”

You can also learn about the other ways Pitbulls show affection and love here.

How to help your Sneezing pitbull?

Most sneezing causes are not serious. Usually, it isn’t anything to worry about.

But if you have a feeling or suspect that something serious is causing your dog to sneeze, you should know how to treat it.

Remember not to reach for human products like Benadryl, even if they are over-the-counter products.

Before giving your dog any medication, consult a professional, especially if they are bleeding from their nose, itching their nose, or have a thick discharge.

When to go to the vet?

As previously discussed, sneezing in dogs is usually not serious and does not necessitate a trip to the vet.

However, in some cases, one needs to pay the vet a visit. Here are some of such cases:

Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you see signs of thick nasal discharge/blood, nasal edema, lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite.
Sneezing in dogs without a clear reason may require additional testing.

Severe signs of allergies (itching, licking, scratching) in addition to sneezing.

Why Does Your Pitbull Sneeze So Much? 7 Causes and Solutions