If your pup is sniffling and has watery eyes it might make you think that he is ailing from kennel cough or some other respiratory disease. However, dogs can also suffer from sinusitis, or sinus infections. Here is a look at the symptoms, causes and prevention tips about the painful and frustrating infection that is plaguing your precious pet.

Causes of Sinus Infections

Since dogs are natural explorers that enjoy digging their noses into dusty corners and dirty holes, it is no wonder that allergies and infections sometimes ensue. A pup might accidentally get an object lodged in his nasal cavity, or might catch germs or bacteria that cause him to get a respiratory tract infection or a cold. When a dog has this disease, he is more likely to get a sinus infection, since his sinuses (the empty nasal cavities in the skull) can fill with fluid or mucous. Sinusitis can occur through the growth of fungi, bacteria, or as a virus. This infection causes breathing to be painful, and often is accompanied by strong head pain, and throat soreness, etc.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Gagging when drinking water
  • Difficulty breathing/wheezing
  • Watery eyes and nose
  • Fever (in some severe cases)
  • Low energy
  • Lack of appetite

If your dog is showing the above symptoms, do not be alarmed immediately, as they could also be reflective of a number of different struggles which may dissipate after a day or two. If the condition persists or seems to get worse, take your pet to the vet to diagnose the infection and get a medical prescription to help him heal.

Treatments

Wherever there is an infection, the go-to treatment would be to address the bacteria with an anti-biotic drug, or anti-fungal medication. However, if the sinus infection is a virus, antibiotics will not work effectively, so you may have to wait it out for a few days to see if the sickness will clear itself up. This process can be sped up but using a humidifier near your dog’s bed, and keeping him dry and warm. DO NOT use over-the-counter drugs to try to treat the illness, since ingredients like nap rosin and acetaminophen actually can be hard on pets.

Prevention

Help your dog avoid sinusitis by strengthening his immune system through a balanced diet, with supplements, vitamins, and minerals that will arm his body against bacterial infections. There are homeopathic oils and herbal blends that can be given to pets to help clear their sinuses and keep the nasal passageways free. Even simply having an air purifier in the home, and keeping your dog out of damp, cold weather will improve his chances of staying healthy. Ask your vet what measures or products he would recommend in protected your dog from sinus infections in the future.