Dog Sinus Infection"Dog Sinus Infection is similar to sinus infections in humans with similar symptoms including runny nose, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing and gagging. For infrequent infections antibiotics are helpful. For frequent sinus problems, a more holistic approach should be tried." The sinuses are air-filled bony cavities in the skull that connect with the nasal cavities. They are prone to infection, especially after a cold or other upper respiratory tract infection. The lining of the cavities becomes inflamed and the cavities become filled with fluid. Sinus infections can be caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus. Dog Sinus Infection SymptomsDog sinus infection symptoms include discharge from nose and eyes, sneezing, and coughing or gagging. On rare occasions, your dog may have nosebleeds. Your dog may or may not have a fever.Other symptoms may include loss of energy and loss of appetite. In humans, sinus infections cause headaches and sore throats, and there is no reason to think they do not cause the same discomforts for dogs. Dog Sinus Infection DiagnosisSymptoms of a canine sinus infection could be a simple cold, so you might want to wait a day or two to see if they clear up on their own before seeing your vet. If the symptoms persist, however, you’ll need to take your dog to the doctor. Take your dog to the vet right away if he has a nosebleed, as this can be a sign of serious problems.Your vet will do a complete exam, paying careful attention to your pet’s nose and eyes and to his breathing. Your vet may do x-rays to look at your dog’s sinus cavities. Dog Sinus Infection TreatmentYour vet will probably prescribe antibiotics for dog sinus infection treatment. If your vet suspects that the infection is caused by a fungus rather than bacteria, he or she will prescribe an anti-fungal medication instead. If the infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help, but the infection will probably clear up on its own in a few days. Regardless, if your vet prescribes medication, make sure you give your dog the full course of medicine.We do not recommend that you treat you dog’s symptoms with over-the-counter children’s cold and sinus medicine since ingredients such as acetaminophen and naprosin can be harmful to your pet.. Ask your vet about what kind and the proper dosage. Try and keep your dog warm and dry. Limit his time outdoors, especially in cold weather. You might want to run a vaporizer near his bed, to help him breathe easier. Encourage him to drink plenty of water or as a special treat consider serving warm chicken broth. Holistic and Natural Approach to Preventing Sinus InfectionsNatural remedies can help to safely reduce your dog’s symptoms of sinusitis, cut recovery time and also strengthen the immune system to prevent recurring infection without side-effects.Supplements to look for include: Nat. Mur (D6): reduces sneezing, runny nose, hayfever and other conditions linked to inflamed and watery mucus membranes. Pulsatilla (30C): used to help with yellow/green discharge and coughing or sneezing that is worse at night, Kali. bich (30C): for excess mucus and congestion. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): is a anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-allergenic herb. It reduces inflammation by stimulating the anti-inflammatory hormone, cortisol. Thymus vulgaris (Thyme): Thyme has oils with antiseptic qualities that help treat infections in the sinus and respiratory system. Thyme also helps to relieve chronic coughing, muscle spasms and headaches. A good source to for a sinus herbal supplement is Sinu-Rite - Proven herbal dog sinus condition solution SourcesSneezing and Nasal DischargeFoster, Race DVM and Smith, Marty DVM How I Treat Canine Nasal Aspergillosis From Dog Sinus Infection to Dog Health Guide Home
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