Causes of Chronic Dog Nasal Discharge

by Christy Gagliardi
(United States)

Reader Question: Treating Nasal Discharge and Mucus

Are there any natural remedies for 10 year old German Shepherd to treat nasal discharge and occasional coughing up mucus. He is otherwise healthy, great appetite. Had blood work done and nothing bad came up. He had pneumonia diagnosed 4 months ago . He did seem to get better but has had this nasal discharge ( not green or yellow ) but thick and cloudy. At times has a hard time breathing because of the drainage.

Vet Suggestion on Canine Nasal Discharge

Hello,

I’m afraid I can’t make any treatment recommendations (natural or otherwise) without a lot more information about your dog’s case and the opportunity to perform a physical exam. The wrong form of treatment would at best, be a waste of money, but could even make your dog’s condition worse rather than better.

Common causes of chronic nasal discharge in dogs (particularly those that don’t respond to an appropriate course of antibiotics) include nasal tumors, foreign bodies in the nasal passages, and fungal infections, all of which are best diagnosed (and sometimes treated) via rhinoscopy, the “nasal scope” that you mentioned.

Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM