Vet Guide 2025: Rhinitis in Dogs and Cats – Causes, Sneezing, Discharge & Diagnosis 🐶🐱💧

Hi, pet lovers! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, and in this detailed 2025 guide, we’ll explore rhinitis—a condition that causes nasal inflammation, sneezing, and discharge in dogs and cats. While it might seem like a mild upper respiratory issue, it can be caused by many things, including infections, allergies, and even tumors. Let’s explore causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and how to help your pet breathe easier 🐾.

📖 What Is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal mucosa (the inner lining of the nose). If the sinuses are involved too, the condition is called rhinosinusitis. Rhinitis may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting), and the discharge may be clear, thick yellow-green, or even bloody depending on the underlying cause. 🩸

🧪 Common Causes of Rhinitis

There’s a wide range of causes for rhinitis in both dogs and cats:

• 🦷 Tooth root abscesses – especially upper canine teeth near the nasal passage
• 🦠 Viruses – e.g., canine distemper, feline herpesvirus, calicivirus
• 🍄 Fungal infections – most notably Aspergillus in dogs and Cryptococcus in cats
• 🦟 Parasites – such as nasal mites
• 🌿 Foreign bodies – like grass awns or seeds lodged in the nasal cavity
• ⚠️ Allergies – environmental allergens may cause inflammatory responses
• ❓ Idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis – chronic inflammation with no known cause
• 🧬 Birth defects – such as cleft palate
• 💥 Trauma – from rough play or accidents
• 🎈 Polyps or tumors – obstructing airflow or causing irritation

👃 What Does Rhinitis Look Like?

Common signs include:

• 🤧 Sneezing
• 💧 Nasal discharge (clear, mucoid, purulent, or bloody)
• 🐾 Pawing at the face
• 😴 Snoring or noisy breathing
• 🌬 Open-mouth breathing
• 👁️ Eye discharge or pink eye (conjunctivitis)

📋 Diagnosing Rhinitis

Rhinitis diagnosis is often layered, especially in chronic or complicated cases. A full work-up typically includes:

• 🩺 Physical exam
• 🧫 Nasal culture or cytology
• 💉 Blood work and urinalysis
• 📷 Skull or dental X-rays
• 🔦 Rhinoscopy (endoscope into the nose)
• 🧪 Biopsies of nasal tissue
• 🔬 CT scan or MRI for deep infections, tumors, or chronic rhinosinusitis

🐶 Breed Susceptibility

Rhinitis affects dogs and cats of all breeds, but some dogs are more likely to experience idiopathic chronic rhinitis, including:

• 🐕 German Shepherds
• 🐕‍🦺 Labrador Retrievers
• 🦮 Cocker Spaniels
• 🐾 Dachshunds
• 🐶 Yorkshire Terriers

🧬 Chronic Snufflers in Cats

Cats with chronic rhinitis—often referred to as “chronic snufflers”—typically have viral-triggered inflammation, especially from feline herpesvirus. These cats may sneeze frequently and have persistent eye or nose discharge. Managing chronic feline rhinitis often involves periodic antibiotic courses, antivirals, and supportive care.

💊 Treatment Based on Cause

Treatment must match the diagnosis. Here’s a breakdown:

🦠 Viral Rhinitis

• 💊 Antivirals (famciclovir in cats)
• 🧪 Lysine supplementation (controversial in effectiveness)
• 💧 Nasal saline drops or steamy bathroom sessions

🍄 Fungal Infections

• 🔬 Confirm with biopsy or culture
• 💊 Oral antifungals (itraconazole, fluconazole)
• 🛠 Possible topical antifungal infusion via catheter (especially for Aspergillus)

🦟 Parasites

• 💉 Ivermectin or milbemycin-based products to treat nasal mites

❓ Idiopathic Rhinitis

• 💊 Corticosteroids or antihistamines
• 🧬 Trial of environmental allergen management
• 📆 Long-term monitoring & supportive care

🎈 Tumors & Polyps

• 🔍 Rhinoscopy or CT scan for confirmation
• 🔪 Surgical removal if possible
• 💥 Radiation or chemotherapy for certain cancers

🌡 Home Care Tips

• 💧 Use a humidifier or bring your pet into a steamy bathroom
• 🧼 Wipe nose gently with a warm cloth
• 🐾 Monitor for changes in discharge (color, frequency)
• 🥗 Ensure hydration and proper nutrition
• 🛏 Create a calm, low-dust environment

📉 When to Worry

Call your vet if:

• 💢 Discharge becomes bloody or very thick
• 😫 Pet is lethargic or refusing food
• 🤧 Sneezing is persistent and intense
• 🔁 Signs return repeatedly despite treatment

🔍 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• 📅 Acute infections resolve quickly with treatment
• 🧬 Chronic or idiopathic cases may require lifelong management
• 📈 Fungal and neoplastic causes may require advanced care

🎯 Key Takeaways

• Rhinitis can be caused by infection, foreign objects, inflammation, tumors, or allergies
• Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, snoring, and face rubbing
• Diagnosis may involve blood work, imaging, endoscopy, and culture
• Treatment varies by cause and may require surgery or long-term meds

🐶🐱 If your pet is sneezing or has ongoing nasal discharge, consult your veterinarian early to avoid chronic issues and help them breathe comfortably!

Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc