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Why is my senior dog suddenly sneezing and breathing roughly?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Female | spayed | 20 lbs

My 12 year old cocker spaniel suddenly started a sneezing fit last night, to the point where her nose was slamming the ground over and over. Her breathing sounded rough all night but as long as she laid still it calmed down. When she would try to move around the sneezing would start again. Her breathing is still labored this morning but she's resting. I don't see anything in her nostrils but whatever is bothering her has not left, suggestions?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 30th, 2017

Poor Anna! Sounds like a rough night for both of you. It's possible that she may have a foreign body in her nose, such as a blade of grass or something similar, or a severe upper respiratory infection. Older dogs can also sometimes get nasal tumors, so this is also a possible concern - especially if she has been having any issues with chronic congestion or sneezing before this. Since her breathing still sounds labored this morning, it would be best to take her to the vet for an exam today if you are able to. He/she can listen to her lungs and check her nose for any sign of a foreign body, and may also recommend x-rays of this area if there are any concerns. In the meantime, you could try bringing her into the bathroom with you while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity can often help to ease nasal congestion and may make her feel a bit better until you are able to see the vet.

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Anna! It sounds like there must be something going on in her respiratory tract. Usually sneezing is indicative of something irritating the nasal area or back of throat. It could be that she has an infection lower down into the lungs but this is much less likely. I would suspect that there is a foreign body stuck in her nose, nasal rurbinates or under her soft palate. Things like grass seeds or small objects can easily be breathed in, or masses such as polyps can grow. These things irritate the sensitive skin and hairs and cause sneezing. Likewise she could have a mild cold effecting the nasal skin. If the sneezing is continuing the best way to investigate to see if something is lodged is an endoscope up the nose. Your vet should be able to arrange this. Bear in mind that something could have lodged and subsequently moved on, but caused a bit of damage which could be causing the irritation.

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