Do Dogs Have Boogers? (Tips to follow)

The nose is one of a dog's most distinctive features. It not only comes in all shapes and sizes, but it also plays a key role in molding a breed's overall personality. But does this high-powered tool occasionally get stuffed with boogers like a human's nose?

Dogs, Boogers, and Nasal Discharge

The short answer to the booger question is yes; a dog can get boogers. To better understand this, it's important to note what causes these nosy nuggets. This means it's wise to take a closer look at a pooch's nasal discharge.

A dog's nasal discharge can occur for several reasons, ranging from the fairly innocuous to the severe. On the mild end of the spectrum, it could be produced in the wake of a canine getting something like a blade of grass stuck in his sniffer. The discharge provides a vital aid in the removal of such things since a dog is incapable of reaching into the nose and plucking out the foreign object.

On the other end, nasal discharge can indicate a host of serious issues. Some discharges are symptomatic of larger diseases that are usually handled by vaccination, such as distemper or kennel cough. It could also be an indicator of a more serious foreign object inside the nose, such as a threatening organism.

The nasal discharge can also be an indicator that your dog has a cold. While a canine cold is not communicable to humans (or vice versa), the symptoms that a pooch may feel are rather similar to what we experience. This includes a runny nose, along with other familiar stuff like watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing.

How Do I Know What’s Causing My Dog’s Nasal Discharge?

Obviously, your dog won’t be able to tell you what is going on with his snout or its health. However, like most canine-related health issues, there are several signs that you can look for to help you determine what kind of issue may be afoot. In the case of nasal discharge, it’s all about examining what is dripping from your buddy’s nose.

The first step in the examination is to wipe your dog’s nose and observe the flow of the discharge. If the stuff is only oozing out of one nostril and/or if it’s coming out at a quick rate, chances are you have a minor problem on your hands like a cold or an insignificant foreign object. While you should run to the vet if the discharge persists over a day, it’s not a huge red flag.

If the discharge is coming from both nostrils and has a consistency that’s creamy, thick, or gelatinous, your dog may have something more pressing happening. This is also the case of the discharge is yellow, green, gray, or bloody. If this is the case, set up an appointment with your vet as soon as you can.

Taking that Trip to the Vet

Simply stated, your vet will be able to take a look at your dog’s nose in a way that you cannot. He or she will have the tools to look for a wide range of things that could potentially have an extremely adverse effect on your pooch’s overall health. Some of these items could be parasites, bacterial organisms, or even cancerous polyps.

What Kind of Treatment Can My Dog Get For Nasal Discharge?

If your dog is lagging behind on any vaccination boosters, a trip to the vet will remedy this issue. Remember, some diseases that feature nasal discharge as a symptom such as distemper can be controlled by vaccines. Making sure your dog’s shots are up to date should always be the first step in getting your pooch on the road to wellness.

From there, the type of treatment your dog will receive greatly depends on the source of the nasal discharge. If it’s a simple issue, a prescription of antibiotics may do the trick. If it’s something more severe, a much more intense plan may be deployed.

Whatever the issue may be, it is important to acknowledge that a dog’s “boogers” are something that are worthy of observation. Taking a look at your four-legged friend’s nasal discharge is admittedly a gross job. However, doing so could make a world of difference to your pooch’s overall health.