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My dog is sneezing non-stop with swollen glands. Vet or Benadryl?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 100 lbs

My 3.5 y/o Great Dane X suddenly started to have sneezing attacks overnight&barely slept.Can't see anything in her nostrils&mouth.Air seems to flow normally on both side.Gums looks good.No asymetry of the face.She's used to have "water like" dripping from her nose from time to time but 1 side seem to have a little bit of slightly thicker but clear mucus.Licks her nose a lot before&after sneezing.I think her submandibular lymph nodes are swollen.Otherwise act & eat normal.Vet or benadryl 1st?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Katie Sabella, DVM, CCRP

Veterinarian, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on July 17th, 2017

It's possible Lily snorted something up into one of her nasal passages and she's trying to clear it out by sneezing and you just can't see it. It's also possible she's having some trouble with allergies. Lymph nodes don't usually get swollen with allergies though. Before you give her Benadryl I would check in with your vet first to make sure it's not something more concerning. Also, you don't want to mask the symptoms with Benadryl if there is something else going on. Good luck and I hope Lily feels better soon!

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If she was up all night sneezing and it has continued today then she should probably be examined by your vet. I have seen a few dogs that have a piece of grass stuck up behind the soft palate causing the dog to sneeze. Your vet can sedate and do a good exam to figure out why she is sneezing so much. If you wanted to try Benadryl first, it is an OTC medication that can be used for allergies in dogs.

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