Help-Doggie with runny nose

whitezen · 03-22-2007, 09:15 PM

We adopted a year old female shep mix from our local shelter, had her checked out by vet, told us she was fine, no problems...but she has developed a runny nose...I mean really runny and she sometimes sneezes. She's had all her shots, she plays, eats, sleeps, does 'her business' as she should and in general she appears well. But I am wondering about the runny nose; we never had an animal with a really runny nose before. When she lays down you can hear the mucus in her nose rattling, then she will start licking her nose (big time) as it runs.
My question is: Has this happened to any of you (your dogs)? And if so, how did you help her/him get better? She does not cough, just really runny nose! Is this a serious health problem (please, I pray not).
Thank you in advance,
Brandy's Mom

briteday · 03-22-2007, 10:21 PM

I would contact the vet. Even thought he shelter says that they vaccinated the dog properly, I have seen cases in the shelter where I volunteer that a dog was given a cat vac and vice versa, thus no protection. I lost a litter of foster kittens that way, the mom cat had been accidentally vaccinated with a dog vaccine and contracted parvo.
Dogs don't seem to suffer from the respiratory stuff as much as cats do. Cats have to smell their food to eat so they decline rapidly with a stuffy nose. On the other hand, it's not normal for a dog to have a runny nose. They can do a test for parvo and some of the other canine diseases.

Your dog could also have allergies. It could be the food she's eating or something seasonal like pollen or mold. There are some blood tests that can be done. And seasonal allergies can be controlled with meds. We have a dog that licked her pads until they were raw until we figured out, after much trial and error (this may take time with your dog too unlesss you're lucky enough to find some info at the shelter or the vet that is specific), that she is allergic to most red meats and all grains. Not as bad as it sounds as there are several commercial kibbles made with solely fish and potatoes. The problem was solved within days.

The problem with letting her continue like this is that she will continue to lick and eventually create a sore spot or wound, at the very least. You might also contact the shelter and see if she was surrendered by an owner (vs picked up as a stray) and if the owner left any information about the dog.

I guess I would call the shelter first, ask why she was surrendered and if they have info. If nothing is obvious there, then call the vet and make an appt to discuss the problem. It's not normal.