Dog Sniffles at Owner: Disdain or Affection?

Why Dogs Sneeze?

There are various external stimuli that can trigger a sneeze in dogs, which we commonly refer to as dust, pollen, perfume, or even new furniture. These irritants can put pressure on a dog's nose, prompting it to instantly increase pressure to expel the foreign particles. If successful, the sneezing will usually cease after a few occurrences. However, if the sneezing persists despite several attempts, the nose will resort to producing mucus to accelerate the process of expelling the irritants.

Sneezing is actually a highly complex behavior. A specific area in a dog's brain is dedicated to controlling this function, coordinating the movement of muscles in the nose, eyebrows, eyes, and facial tissues. To ensure safety during a sneeze, dogs instinctively close their eyes. Studies have shown that when a dog sneezes, it can expel particles from its nostrils with the force of up to 160 kilometers per hour.

What Behaviors Do Sneezes Indicate?

Have you ever watched a dog race and noticed that the dogs occasionally sneeze? This is not a sign of a cold or allergy. Instead, many dogs sneeze in excitement, using this action as a means of communication. Such sneezes can either serve to alleviate stress during play or as a friendly signal to other dogs or humans to join in the fun. The situations that lead to this excited state are typically either being with their owner or with other dogs.

Dog behaviorists have found that when dogs are excited, they use sneezing as a way to communicate. This sneeze can either be a way to release tension during play or a friendly invitation to join in the fun. The excited state can be triggered by either being with their owner or with other dogs.

In a Nutshell:

Distinguishing between the two types of sneezes is quite simple. A sicknessinduced sneeze requires the brain to mobilize more of the body's resources for a fight. This means that if you see a dog sneezing repeatedly, with thick mucus and a clear reliance on the lungs for the force, it's likely that the dog is unwell. In contrast, a communicationinduced sneeze relies solely on the nasal passages for force, making the distinction between the two quite straightforward.